16 Fun Thanksgiving Games for Adults

When our family started celebrating Friendsgiving a few years back, we ran into a familiar problem after the feast: everyone would sit around, stuffed and sleepy, with no real plan for keeping the energy alive. Conversations were nice, but it felt like something was missing.

That’s when we realized we needed Thanksgiving Games to liven things up. What began as a small experiment with a silly turkey-decorating contest quickly became the highlight of the evening, and now games are just as essential as the turkey on our table.

At our last Friendsgiving, the host created a game where each team had to turn someone into a “turkey” using random craft supplies, colored paper, pipe cleaners, feathers, tape, and string.

Judges voted on the best-decorated turkey, and the room was filled with laughter. That kicked off a series of Thanksgiving Games like turkey bowling (yes, pins painted like turkeys!), sack races in the backyard, and even a scavenger hunt with separate lists for kids and adults.

Later in the night, we pulled out classics like Left-Right-Center with dollar bills and a few rounds of Uno. What started as a problem of boredom after dinner quickly turned into hours of bonding and belly laughs.

Now, our gatherings aren’t complete without these traditions. From group favorites like Telestrations (imagine a drawing version of telephone) to Bingo cards customized with Thanksgiving-related prompts, the options for Thanksgiving Games are endless.

As we nibble on leftovers, some of us like longer games like Phase 10 or Mexican Train, while others like shorter ones like dice rounds with quarters. Both children and adults are delighted by even tiny artistic touches, such as a colored tablecloth or a hand-painted turkey.

What once felt like downtime has become the highlight of the holiday, keeping everyone engaged, connected, and laughing together. If you’re looking to pair these activities with ambiance, I also shared an article on 15 Perfect Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving Decor Ideas that shows how to create the perfect festive setting. With the right games and atmosphere, your Thanksgiving won’t just be about food; it will be unforgettable fun.

16. Thanksgiving Trivia Challenge

Nothing sparks conversation quite like a good trivia game. Create a set of questions ranging from Thanksgiving history and traditions to food facts and fun pop culture references. Divide guests into teams and award points for each correct answer.

Thanksgiving Games Tip: To add excitement, set a timer for rapid-fire rounds. Prizes such as a pumpkin-scented candle or leftover pie slices make the competition even sweeter.

15. Turkey Hunt Scavenger Game

Turn your home into a festive playground by hiding small paper turkeys or mini figurines around the house. Each hidden item can be assigned a point value, with bonus prizes for the person who collects the most.

Thanksgiving Games Tip: For an adult twist, slip small notes inside each turkey with funny dares or jokes to keep the energy high.

14. Thanksgiving Charades

A timeless classic, charades can be customized with Thanksgiving-themed prompts like “carving the turkey,” “falling asleep after dinner,” or “cranberry sauce disaster.” Adults will love the challenge, especially after a glass of wine.

Thanksgiving Games Tip: Keep a basket of slips ready and split into teams for endless laughter.

13. Leftover Recipe Contest

Once the big meal is over, turn leftovers into a creative challenge. Split into groups and ask everyone to invent a new recipe using only what’s left from dinner.

Thanksgiving Games Tip: From turkey sliders to cranberry cocktails, the results are often hilarious and surprisingly delicious. Have judges score entries on taste, creativity, and presentation.

12. Thanksgiving Bingo

Bingo isn’t just for seniors; it’s a crowd favorite when customized with holiday-related words and actions. Print cards with prompts like “someone mentions Black Friday,” “pumpkin pie served,” or “football on TV.” The first to complete a row wins a prize.

Thanksgiving Games Tip: To make it even more exciting, play with small dollar bills, candy, or raffle tickets as markers.

11. Pie Eating Contest

For those brave enough, a pie-eating contest is the ultimate Thanksgiving game for adults. Line up small pies or slices on the table, tie participants’ hands behind their backs, and watch the fun unfold.

Thanksgiving Games Tip: The first to finish wins bragging rights and possibly a nap afterward.

10. Thanksgiving Pictionary

Pictionary takes a festive turn when the words are all Thanksgiving-themed. Guests draw prompts such as “gravy boat,” “cornucopia,” or “family dinner table.” The team guessing correctly within the time limit scores points.

Thanksgiving Games Tip: Large sheets of paper or whiteboards make this game more interactive and lively.

9. Gratitude Game

This game combines fun with heartfelt connection. Pass around a bowl filled with cards that have prompts like “share a funny Thanksgiving memory” or “name one thing you’re grateful for this year.”

Thanksgiving Games Tip: It’s a meaningful way to keep the focus on gratitude while enjoying laughter and personal stories.

8. Thanksgiving Jeopardy

Recreate the classic game show with categories such as “Turkey Facts,” “Thanksgiving Movies,” “Famous Dishes,” and “Sports on Thanksgiving.” Use a board or projector to display questions, and assign point values just like the TV version. This game is best played with a host to keep the energy flowing.

7. Cornhole with a Fall Twist

Cornhole is always a favorite outdoor game. For Thanksgiving, decorate the boards with turkeys, pumpkins, or fall leaves. Play in teams and keep score with chalk on a wooden board.

Thanksgiving Games Tip: If the weather is chilly, you can even set up smaller versions indoors with bean bags and laundry baskets.

6. Thanksgiving Drinking Game

For adult gatherings, add a festive drinking game. Pick a few rules, such as “take a sip when someone says ‘I’m stuffed,’” or “drink if the football game goes into overtime.”

Thanksgiving Games Tip: Use cider, wine, or cocktails to keep the fun going while staying within moderation

5. Turkey Bowling

Set up bowling pins decorated as turkeys using empty plastic bottles stuffed with feathers or colored paper. Use a small pumpkin as the bowling ball and let the games begin. This activity works both indoors and outdoors and guarantees plenty of laughter.

4. Would You Rather: Thanksgiving Edition

Craft a list of funny or tough questions like “Would you rather eat only pumpkin pie for a week or never eat stuffing again?” This game is perfect for sparking debates and hilarious conversations among adults. Keep a mix of lighthearted and tricky scenarios to maintain the fun.

3. Two Truths and a Turkey Tale

A spin on the classic “Two Truths and a Lie,” in this version, guests tell two true Thanksgiving stories and one made-up tale. Others must guess which is the turkey (the lie). This game brings out funny family stories and helps guests bond through laughter.

2. Thanksgiving Poker Night

Add a holiday spin to poker night by using candy corn, peanuts, or wrapped chocolates as chips. Whether you play Texas Hold ’Em or another version, the stakes are lighthearted, but the fun is serious. Offer pumpkin pie slices or a bottle of wine as the grand prize.

1. Pass the Turkey

A hilarious icebreaker, this game uses a small plush turkey or ball. Guests pass the turkey around while music plays, and when it stops, the person holding it must complete a funny Thanksgiving-themed dare written on cards beforehand. It’s fast-paced, silly, and perfect for large gatherings.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is about gratitude, but it’s also about joy, laughter, and togetherness. These Thanksgiving games for adults are designed to bring out the competitive spirit, spark conversation, and keep everyone entertained long after the turkey is served. Whether you choose trivia, scavenger hunts, or hilarious challenges, you’ll create a Thanksgiving gathering filled with memories your guests will cherish year after year.