Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas for Kids: 14 Fun Recipes Your Kids Will Actually Eat
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, food! But while adults are busy preparing the turkey and all the trimmings, it can be a challenge to keep the little ones happy and entertained.
Creating a menu that appeals to both adults and children can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With these Thanksgiving dinner ideas for kids, you can ensure everyone has fun while enjoying a meal that’s both festive and delicious.
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1. Fun and Easy Appetizers Kids Will Love
Starting Thanksgiving dinner with exciting appetizers can get kids interested in the meal right from the beginning. Here are a few Thanksgiving dinner ideas for kids:
Turkey Cheese Ball
The turkey cheese ball is a creative and adorable appetizer that doubles as a table centerpiece. Shaped like a turkey, this snack can be decorated with pretzels and crackers to create “feathers.” Kids will love helping assemble this fun and delicious dish, and it sets the festive mood for the meal.
Fruit Cornucopia
A fruit cornucopia is a healthy and colorful starter that gets kids excited about eating fresh fruit. Use waffle cones as the “cornucopia” and fill them with grapes, berries, and sliced apples. This provides a great way to introduce fruit in a fun and visually appealing way.
Pumpkin Hummus with Veggie Dippers
For a more savory option, try serving pumpkin hummus with veggie sticks. The vibrant colors of carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers arranged around the hummus create an inviting platter that even the pickiest eaters might find hard to resist.
2. Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Main Courses
Main courses can be tricky when trying to please both adults and kids. These Thanksgiving dinner ideas for kids are fun, easy to eat, and sure to be a hit with younger guests.
Mini Turkey Meatloaves
Kids often enjoy meals that are served in individual portions, making mini turkey meatloaves the perfect choice. Shaped like mini turkeys, these meatloaves can be seasoned with mild flavors and served with a side of mashed potatoes or veggies. You can even hide finely chopped vegetables in the mix for an extra boost of nutrition.
Turkey-Shaped Sandwiches
If you’re looking for a fun twist on a classic, try turkey-shaped sandwiches. Using cookie cutters, you can cut sandwiches into turkey shapes, using olives for eyes and slices of cheese for feathers. This is a great way to make lunchtime exciting and seasonal, especially for younger children.
Pumpkin Mac & Cheese
Kids love mac and cheese, and by adding pumpkin puree, you can give this beloved dish a Thanksgiving twist. Pumpkin mac & cheese is creamy, flavorful, and packed with extra vitamins from the pumpkin. It’s a comforting dish that children will happily dig into, while still being festive enough for the holiday table.
3. Creative Sides for Picky Eaters
Sides are essential to a Thanksgiving meal, and with a little creativity, they can become kid-friendly delights. When it comes to side dishes, these Thanksgiving dinner ideas for kids are fun, nutritious, and easy to make.
Veggie Turkey Tray
A veggie turkey tray is a colorful and playful way to serve vegetables. Arrange sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots in the shape of a turkey, with black olives for eyes and a cucumber slice as the head. Serve with a ranch or hummus dip to make the vegetables even more appealing.
Cranberry Crescent Rolls
Transform a traditional side dish into something kids will love with cranberry crescent rolls. Stuff flaky crescent rolls with a dollop of cranberry sauce and bake until golden. These sweet and savory rolls are a fun way to introduce kids to cranberry sauce in a form they’ll enjoy.
Mashed Potato Cupcakes
Turn mashed potatoes into a fun and visually appealing dish by serving them in cupcake liners. Mashed potato cupcakes can be topped with gravy, cheese, or even a small piece of turkey to create a savory “cupcake” that kids will love.
4. Playful Thanksgiving Desserts for Kids
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without dessert, and these playful Thanksgiving dinner ideas for kids will keep them entertained and satisfied.
Turkey Rice Krispie Treats
A classic treat with a Thanksgiving twist, turkey Rice Krispie treats are easy to make and fun to decorate. Use round Rice Krispie treats as the body, and let kids add candy corn for feathers and chocolate chips for eyes. It’s a hands-on activity that doubles as dessert.
No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Parfaits
For a healthier dessert option, try no-bake pumpkin pie parfaits. Layer pumpkin puree, whipped cream, and crumbled graham crackers in individual cups. Kids can help assemble the layers, making it a fun and interactive dessert that’s also packed with fall flavors.
Fruity Feather Turkey Cookies
Decorating cookies is always a hit with kids, and these fruity feather turkey cookies are no exception. Use fruit roll-ups for the turkey’s feathers and chocolate chips for eyes, then let kids get creative with their cookie designs. It’s an easy, no-bake option that allows children to get involved in the kitchen.
5. Kid-Engaging Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas
When it comes to breakfast, Get the Thanksgiving fun started early in the day with these Thanksgiving dinner ideas for kids that will keep them excited and engaged.
Cinnamon Roll Turkeys
Transform ordinary cinnamon rolls into turkey-shaped cinnamon rolls by adding pretzel sticks for feathers and candy eyes. This easy breakfast idea is a great way to kick off Thanksgiving morning with a smile.
Pumpkin Pancakes
For a nutritious and festive breakfast, try making pumpkin pancakes. Shape the pancakes like pumpkins or turkeys, and serve them with a drizzle of maple syrup. The addition of pumpkin puree not only makes them festive but also adds a boost of vitamins and flavor.
6. Bonus: Thanksgiving Activities to Keep Kids Busy
With the Thanksgiving dinner ideas for kids we suggested, the adults will be busy in the kitchen. So keep the kids occupied with fun activities that double as part of the meal experience.
DIY Thanksgiving Placemats
Set up a craft station where kids can design their own Thanksgiving placemats using paper, markers, and stickers. These placemats can be used during dinner, making them feel proud of their contribution to the table.
Decorate-Your-Own Cupcake Station
Create a decorate-your-own cupcake station for dessert, where kids can choose from a variety of toppings like sprinkles, candy corn, and frosting. This gives them the freedom to personalize their sweet treat while keeping them entertained.
Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
Organize a Thanksgiving scavenger hunt with clues hidden around the house or yard. Incorporate Thanksgiving-themed items like pumpkins, leaves, and small treats to keep kids engaged while the meal is being prepared.
Keep Children Happy with Festive Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas for Kids
With these Thanksgiving dinner ideas for kids, you can create a holiday meal that’s as fun as it is delicious. By incorporating playful appetizers, kid-friendly main courses, creative sides, and interactive desserts, the little ones at your table will be excited to join in on the festivities.
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This Thanksgiving, let the kids in your life play a part in the celebration, from preparing the meal to enjoying the feast. Happy Thanksgiving!
