Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season. For many of us, the holiday might be the first time in a while that we’re getting together with our extended family. Planning a holiday can be exciting — but also stressful — for parents. Add in the extra task of keeping the kids busy while they’re on break, and Thanksgiving can get hectic quick!
Take a look at our Thanksgiving break guide below to help make your holiday planning a little bit easier. We’ve rounded up our favorite Thanksgiving break activities, ways to give back and how to prepare for at-home celebrations. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
This article was recently updated on Oct. 7, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on Thanksgiving break activities for families in 2024. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@chicagoparent.com.
Thanksgiving break activities
Your kids have a few extra days off and you might want to take advantage of the free time in Chicagoland. Here are some Thanksgiving break activities to try.
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade kicks off the day early Nov. 28. See balloons, bands and entertainers move down State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street. Find more local events during Thanksgiving break on our calendar.
Enjoy holiday activitiesÂ
Welcome back the holiday season! Many of winter holiday attractions in Chicagoland are already open for families to enjoy. Find our complete list of local holiday activities, including holiday lights, Santa visits and more.
Visit a museum
Museums are open during Thanksgiving break with plenty of new exhibits for families. One of our favorite holiday-themed museum exhibits is Christmas Around the World and Holiday of Lights at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Giving back over Thanksgiving break
Focus on gratitude during the Thanksgiving season. It’s important to teach our children values around giving back to our community and helping others. We have some ideas on where to start.
Ways to share your thankfulness
From mindful yoga to a thankfulness chain, here are a few games and ideas to do as a family to jump-start your thankfulness and appreciation as Thanksgiving approaches.
Family volunteering opportunities in ChicagolandÂ
November is a popular time where families reach out to help others. We have a list of local organizations that offer options for adults to participate with their kids.
At-home activities
Here are some ways to have a great time with your family while at home.
Thanksgiving meal tips and tricks
One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the food, of course. We asked Chicago chefs to give us some tips and tricks for preparing the turkey, mashed potatoes, desserts and more. Here’s a unique recipe to add to your Thanksgiving menu — Twice-Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Butter and Pecans.
Vamp up the kids table
Set the kids table up with crafts, snacks, décor, fun centerpieces and new Thanksgiving traditions they can try. Get your kids to help set things up just how they like it.
Play Parade Bingo
If you can’t make it downtown to see the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade in person, get cozy on the couch to watch it together. You can even print out these Bingo cards by FamilyEducation and make a game out of it.
Holiday mocktail recipesÂ
Every holiday is worth celebrating with the clinking of glasses. We’ve rounded up our favorite holiday mocktail recipes that both kids and parents will enjoy. For a Thanksgiving cocktail just for parents, check out this Fresh Fruit Harvest Sangria from Sugar with Spice.
Thanksgiving books for kids
Add some holiday books to your at-home library. Don’t forget, November is Native American Heritage Month and we have some great Native American children’s books to add to your collection, too.
Have a family game night
Get out the board games or download a game that everyone can play on your phone or tablet such as Heads Up! Try these other family games to help you reconnect with your loved ones.
Practice gratitude
Print out this gratitude scavenger hunt and walk around after your meal to find things on the list you’re grateful for. The hunt is put together by Let’s Get Together. Also, try the Gratitude Pick-Up Game from Teach Beside Me, which puts a spin on the Pick-Up Sticks game.
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