It doesn’t get much easier than this 5-ingredient taco salad from the food blog, Sweet Phi. If you dare go above the five ingredients feel free to sub in or add your toppings suited to your kiddos’ taste buds. Either way, we promise this turkey taco salad dinner will be one of the easiest and tastiest you’ve ever made.
Ingredients for Turkey Taco Salad
1 lb ground turkey, extra lean
1 cup salsa, divided
6-8 cups romaine (or lettuce of choice)
1 cup tortilla chips
1 cup shredded cheese (I use Mexican blend cheese or pepper jack)
Notes from the Chef:
• If making this salad to eat later, cook the ground turkey and salsa, and store it in an air-tight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
• This salad is good with both warm or cold ground turkey
• Alternatively you could use slow cooker salsa chicken as a topping (just put salsa and chicken in a crock pot on low for 6 hours and then shred when done).
Method for making Turkey Taco Salad:
1. Pour ½ cup salsa into a large frying pan, add the ground turkey, and cook it, breaking it up as you cook it. Cook for 15 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through.
2. In a large bowl (or 4 small bowls) divide out the lettuce.
3. When the turkey is done cooking spoon out on top of the salad, pour the remaining salsa on top of the ground turkey, then add the cheese and tortilla chips (I like to crush some of the tortilla chips as I add them to the top the salad).
For a family adventure that you won’t soon forget, head to Istanbul, Turkey—the only city that straddles both Europe and Asia. Welcoming locals, mouth-watering meze and the soothing call to prayer heard throughout the day will give you and the kids a glimpse into a culture unlike any other. With a currency exchange in our favor and free hotel rooms when you take advantage of Turkish Airlines’ stopover service, you have the makings of your next epic family destination. Read on for all you can expect in Istanbul!
Explore
One of the best reasons to visit Istanbul is to expose your children to cultures outside of our own. As you walk through the streets of Istanbul, you will hear the call to prayer—the bellowing voices of the muezzin will be heard from speakers atop the minarets around the city five times a day. Plan a visit to the most famous mosque in Istanbul, the Sultanahmet Camii or “Blue Mosque.” This magnificent structure was built in the 1600s and is still used as a place of worship today.
Visitors are welcome to visit during non-prayer times and tour the structure. You can see the 21,043 blue tiles that line the walls for which the mosque got its common name. Women must cover their heads with a head scarf (available to borrow for free at the entrance) and all guests must wear appropriate clothing and remove their shoes upon entering.
Another religious tradition unique to this area of the world is the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony, better known as the Whirling Dervishes. You can witness this dance and musical ceremony at Hodjapasha and other theaters throughout the city (note: children under six are not allowed due the solemness of the religious ceremony).
Visitors to the Hagia Sophia Museum in Istanbul will be surprised to see the juxtaposition of Christianity and Muslim history with Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman calligraphy on the walls. Built in the 6th century as the Hagia Sophia or Church of the Holy Spirit, it was converted to a mosque in the 15th century after the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul. It became a museum in 1935 and welcomes thousands of visitors each year.
Just a short walk from the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia is Topkapi Palace, a residence for the Ottoman sultans beginning in the 1400s. Kids will especially enjoy visiting the palace museum and touring the living quarters of the sultans’ families. Here you can view the arms and armor that was used during this time period and see how the palace kitchens functioned (think massive cauldrons to serve hundreds of people).
A visit to Istanbul is not complete without a Bosphorus tour. This body of water separates the Asian side of Istanbul from the European side and connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. Opt for a night cruise to view the castles, bridges and mosques of the city all lit up.
photo: Miniaturk
Want a view of the city like no other? Bring the kids to Miniaturk, a museum with 1/25 replicas of many of the famous landmarks in Istanbul and other parts of Turkey. Kids will love feeling like giants and it will make for some great photo opps!
Shopping
The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered bazaars in the world selling every sort of evil eye pendant and keychain you could imagine. Head to the leather section to purchase a jacket or leather belt and then admire the gorgeously-colored mosaic chandeliers and lamps. You can purchase Turkish tea supplies and pottery to bring home with you. Costumes and magic lamp trinkets are popular with the younger visitors.
The nearby Spice Market is a feast for the senses with bins of colorful spices, olives, cheese and sweets on every aisle. Purchase authentic Turkisk coffee and tea to bring a sip of Istanbul home with you.
Food in Istanbul
You will not go hungry on a trip to Istanbul, that’s for sure. Every corner seems to be dotted with a food cart selling grilled corn on the cob and roasted chestnuts. Find a stand that sells Turkish ice cream and you will be in for a sweet treat as well as a hilarious performance. A cup of fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice will be just the afternoon pick-me-up that you need to tackle another museum. Kids will enjoy the sesame-crusted simit, a bread similar to a crunchy bagel.
Restaurant meals typically start with a generous portion of meze—cold offerings including hummus, stuffed grape leaves, roasted eggplant and flat bread. Entrees are typically roasted meats with lamb and beef dominating the options.
Perhaps the most recognizable Turkish food that would appeal to kids is pide. This flatbread is filled with meat, cheese or vegetables and resembles an oval-shaped pizza. Another kid favorite is kofte—a flattened, grilled meatball that is perfect with rice.
If you find an establishment that offers manti, do not pass it up. Most closely related to a ravioli, this dumpling is typically topped with cold plain yogurt and a tomato sauce.
As spice level can often be an issue for visitors to Istanbul, request a glass of Ayran to go with your meal. This Turkish yogurt drink tastes like a slightly-salty plain yogurt and soothes the stomach after a big meal.
Desserts are serious business in Istanbul with baklava and Turkish delight being offered on every street corner. Hazer Baba is a well-known purveyor of Turkish delights at the Spice Market as their products are made with honey instead of sugar. Pistachio and pomegranate are popular flavors. You can get your Turkish delight coated in coconut, chocolate or dried rose flowers among many other options.
Turkish coffee and tea are an element of every meal. Tea is served from an ornate two-tiered kettle where the brewed tea is added to the glass first, followed by water to dilute the tea to your preferred strength. Turkish coffee most resembles espresso in its strength. It is tradition to read the coffee grounds from inside your cup after you finish to see your fortune!
photo: Turkish Airlines
Traveling to Istanbul
Turkish Airlines offers direct flights to Istanbul from nine U.S. gateways (SFO, LAX, JFK, Houston, Atlanta, Washington, Boston and Miami) making your trip there that much easier. Even the youngest flyers are given special treatment on Turkish Airlines from diaper kits for infants (contains wipes, changing mat, bibs, diaper cream and even breast pads for nursing mamas). Baby food can be requested when booking your flight. Infant seat belts and bassinets are also available.
Older kids will get a kick out of the wooden in-flight toys that are offered by Turkish Arilines. These eco-friendly playthings are made for children ages 3 through 12 and address environmental issues such as endangered species to teach kids about the world around them through play. There are also tons of kids’ movies and games available in the in-flight entertainment system (bonus: kids can request smaller-sized headphones if needed).
Everyone who flies Turkish Airlines will be impressed by the in-flight food service prepared by (literal) flying chefs! Taste the flavors of Turkey and enjoy a Turkish tea and baklava to end your meal.
Free Hotel Nights with Turkish Airlines’ Stopover Service
With Turkish Airlines servicing the most countries of any airline, it’s possible that you’ll have the opportunity to stopover in Istanbul on your way to another destination. Take advantage of the expanded Turkish Airlines’ stopover service and explore the city before you continue on with your journey.
The stopover service will provide one free night in a four-star hotel for economy passengers and two free nights in a five-star hotel for business class passengers when you stop in Istanbul on your way to Africa, Eastern Europe, Balkans, Southern Europe, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Russia, Iran or Kazakhstan. Use your time to see the cultural sites, cruise on the Bosphorus and shop in the Grand Bazaar. You can find the full details on this program here.
Note: This trip was paid for by Turkish Airlines but all opinions belong to the writer.
Check out these helpful tips for how to teach kids to be grateful this year
As parents, guiding our kids toward living a life of gratitude is no easy feat. After all, how do we actually teach our kids what gratitude means and how they can demonstrate it on a daily basis? It starts with simple acts and words that even the youngest of kids can understand. (Also, try reading these books about gratitude.) Here are a few specific examples to get your little one in the habit—you can thank us later.
1. Give back to the community. Acts of service are great ways to instill gratitude in kids. Consider participating in a local park clean-up, donating canned goods to a food pantry, or giving away unused clothes and toys. There are also lots of ways you can volunteer right from your own home.
2. Ask your kids to name one thing they're grateful for every night. Starting this habit helps kids (and adults) remember what is good in our lives, and that we are grateful for even the smallest of things. This can be during a dinner conversation or before bed.
3. Make a good deed calendar. Use it in the holiday months as a countdown or year-round to inspire kids to pay it forward every day.
4. Teach them to "work" for a reward. I'm sure we've lost track of how many times our kids ask for a new toy or something fun. The next time your little one wants another hour of screen time, how about telling them to complete a household chore before getting the reward? Receiving a reward after work always makes the treat feel more well-deserved.
5. Integrate gratitude with holidays and special days. Thanksgiving and Christmas aren't the only holidays that are all about gratitude. Other days where it's equally important to teach kids the meaning of the holiday and how they can be grateful for it include Veterans Day and Memorial Day are teaching opportunities for kids to be grateful for service members.
6. Model saying "please" and "thank you." There's no substitute for good manners. Regularly using words like "please" and "thank you" gets little ones to remember to be grateful while demonstrating respect to others.
7. Gratitude goes both ways, so make sure to say "thank you" to your kids. As parents, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to show appreciation to our little ones. So when they do something kind or follow directions, remember to say "thank you." It may seem like a small gesture, but they will know you're grateful.
9. Look for the positive in even the most difficult situations. It's easy to focus on the negative, especially when a situation doesn't go our way. Helping kids focus on the positive (even if it's a small positive) will go a long way in helping them feel grateful in life, even during difficult times like we are experiencing now.
10. Send notes of gratitude. Don't reserve your "thank you" notes for birthday gifts and holiday cards. Teach your kids the importance of gratitude by having them write a note or draw a picture for a special person each month. This could be a grandparent, a neighbor, a teacher or a community member.
11. Turn holiday gifting into an opportunity to give back. With the holidays approaching and kids making their wish lists of toys, try making a new kind of list. Have your kiddos write down a few gift ideas they'd like to give to others. So rather than focusing simply on the getting, it's also about giving. Check out also these gifts that give back with every purchase.
12. Gift experiences not gifts. Kids who get tons of presents for holidays might not appreciate it when another one comes along. Gifting experiences like museum memberships or a special day with mom or dad can be something they remember long after that last toy gets chucked under their bed.
13. Create a gratitude jar. A mason jar is the start of this fun activity the whole family can participate in. A few times a week have everyone write down what they are grateful for. Then, have a special night where you read them all aloud.
14. Try out Turkey on the Table. This one is specific to Thanksgiving but is a fun way to get the flood of gratitude going. The feathers of this festive turkey are things that each family member is grateful for. You add them in the weeks before Thanksgiving and then read them aloud after dinner. Check it out here.
15. Discuss "needs" versus "wants." This one's more for the older kids but you can get the discussion started even at younger ages. Thinking about what we need to survive versus everything else can help kids to be grateful when they get those little "extras."
17. Write down a reverse bucket list. Instead of focusing on things they want, have kids write down things they have done and loved. This shift in focus will reframe this time of year away from all the wants.
18. Be a grateful parent. Kids learn from observing. There's no better way to demonstrate gratitude than for you to show how much YOU are thankful in life.
Need a good laugh? These Thanksgiving jokes will keep the whole family entertained for hours on turkey day
Add a little levity to the Thanksgiving table this year with some kid-approved Thanksgiving jokes. We gathered our favorite jokes about pie and funny jokes about turkeys for this list that will have your whole family laughing before dessert is even served! If you’re looking for more ways to keep the kids entertained during the holiday, check out our fun free Thanksgiving printables and Thanksgiving games for kids.
Turkey Thanksgiving Jokes
1. Why was the turkey late for Thanksgiving?
He ran out of thyme.
2. What are turkeys most thankful for on Thanksgiving?
Vegetarians
3. What instrument does the turkey play in the band?
The drums because he already has the drumsticks.
4. Who comes to Thanksgiving dinner but is not hungry?
The turkey because he’s already stuffed!
5. What side of the turkey has the most feathers?
The outside.
6. Why did the turkey cross the road?
The chicken was on vacation.
7. What kind of weather does a turkey like?
Fowl weather!
8. What kind of key can’t open doors?
A tur-key!
9. Why did the turkey get arrested?
He was suspected of fowl play.
10. What do you call a turkey running in a sprint?
Fast food.
Jokes about Dessert
11. How do you fix a cracked pumpkin pie?
With a pumpkin patch.
12. What do you get if you cross a pie and a snake? A pie-thon.
13. What’s the best thing to put in pumpkin pie?
Your teeth.
14. What’s a pumpkin’s favorite game?
Squash
15. Why did the pumpkin pie cross the road?
It saw a fork up ahead.
16. Why did the pie go to the dentist?
It needed a filling.
17. Why did the apple pie cry?
Its peelings were hurt.
18. What did the pie say to the fork?
You want a piece of me?
Thanksgiving Dinner Jokes
iStock
19. What did one plate say to the other plate? Dinner is on me!
20. How many cranberries grow on a bush?
All of them.
21. What smells the best at Thanksgiving dinner?
Your nose.
22. Knock, Knock
Who’s there? Harry!
Harry who? Harry up, I’m hungry!
23. What is the role of green beans at Thanksgiving dinner?
The casserole
24. What’s a potato’s favorite game to play during Thanksgiving dinner?
MASH
25. What kind of music do pilgrims listen to?
Plymouth Rock
These adorable Thanksgiving craft ideas are the perfect way to keep little hands busy
Wondering how to keep the kids at the table this year? These super-simple ideas are great activities, and they don’t take a lot of pre-planning to get done. So forget about those generic-looking store-bought turkeys in Pilgrim hats, and check out our favorite Thanksgiving crafts that’ll keep the kids occupied. If you need even more ways to keep the kids busy, check out these Thanksgiving games and activities!
Add sparkle to the table with this easy Thanksgiving craft. Grab a few gourds or small-sized pumpkins, and let the kiddos paint them with glue. To make this Thanksgiving craft idea even better, let the glue drip down the sides of the gourds/pumpkins. Sprinkle sparkles on top, shake off the excess, and let the tabletop displays dry before adding them as cool centerpieces. The best part is that you can completely customize this for any table. Choose glitter colors that match your place settings to create a cohesive look.
Sure, a basket of random gourds makes for a rustically chic centerpiece. But stacking pumpkins on top of various forms of squash isn't always the most creative way for your kiddo to spend Thanksgiving day. Instead, make your own with this pumpkin craft from Fireflies and Mud Pies!
Sometimes sitting at the dinner table and patiently waiting for the grown-ups to finish just isn't fun for your tot. Scratch that, it's never fun for your tot. Well, this turkey-shaped fluffy slime idea from Little Bins for Little Hands solves the "Mommmmmmy, I'm sooooo bored" problem. Package this recipe into a cute little see-through cup to create cute holiday decor. As the kids finish eating, they can take the slime out and play with it—giving you time to eat your meal!
What is your family thankful for? Instead of waiting until dinner to ponder this question, start early in the day (heck, start the day before). Give each family member a leaf to write what they're thankful for. You can either have the kiddos craft paper leaves from fall-colored card stock or go with the real deal. Get extra crafty and ask the kids to paint their leaves before adding what they're thankful for in marker. Gather a few sticks, and push them into a foam base or secure them in a tall vase. Before the meal starts, collect the thankful leaves. Punch holes in the top and thread the yarn through them. During the holiday meal, each family member/guest can read what they're thankful for and hang the leaves on the "tree."
You'll get to recycle and reuse paper towel cardboard tubes with this Thanksgiving craft idea. Cut them into pieces, and let the kids get to work painting them into cute little napkin rings. Want other ideas? Mini Monets and Mommies has plenty of other ways to transform cardboard into Thanksgiving table décor.
Yeah, kids are all about popsicles. Even in November. So put those sticks to use for this adorable table-top craft from The Nerd’s Wife. This recycle-and-reuse art activity is just as Earth-friendly as it is adorable!
The kids can create crafty placemats that show exactly what they’re thankful for. Mama Papa Bubba’s printable design provides plenty of opportunities for thinking about the holiday while getting creative and coloring.
The kids need something to do at the Thanksgiving table. Of course, other than eating the fab feast that you’ve spent the day preparing. Cut shapes out of felt (you’ll need circles and ovals), add a few googly eyes, and let the kids go to town, pressing together the felt turkey table toppers. They can puzzle together this project at the table or make them beforehand as place cards.
Gobble Gobble Tablecloth
Nikki Walsh
Your grandma’s hand-sewn lace tablecloth is gorgeous. Just not with gravy and cranberry sauce on it. Pull double duty protecting the table and entertaining the kids with this turkey-time tablecloth. Spread out butcher paper, draw a few gobble gobblers, and let the kids get crafty with their crayons during dinner.
Who says pumpkins are just for Halloween? Turkey up your mini pumpkins with this idea from Toddler Approved. Table perk: they're perfect placeholders for the kiddos!
What is your child thankful for? Learning about gratitude is kind of the name of the game on Thanksgiving Day. And your child thought the holiday was all about turkey and stuffing. Things are about to change with this crafty laminated placemat from Momtastic. It’s much more than simple holiday décor—it’s a thoughtful activity that will help the kids think about why they should give thanks today!
You need a Thanksgiving table idea. So you pile on the gourds to add that decorative touch. But wait. Why not let the kids get creative and dress up those plain ol’ gourds? Design Improvised can show you how to turn gourds into adorable little turkeys.
Calling all LEGO lovers! Add this fun preschool Thanksgiving table idea to your art repertoire. We guarantee you already have all the supplies you need around the house. The simple steps are perfect for younger ages, plus you get a sweet keepsake of their tiny hands through the years. For the how-to details, visit Little Bins for Little Hands.
Children impatiently awaiting their Thanksgiving dinner will love these games and activities that’ll have them playing, crafting, and writing what they’re thankful for until everyone is ready to eat
Thanksgiving is all about family, friends, and serious food prep, but sometimes it can be a handful keeping tabs on all the kids. To help you keep your focus on that turkey that needs basting, we’ve rounded up easy and fun Thanksgiving activities, crafts, and games your crew can play during the big day. From pumpkin tic-tac-toe to arts and crafts to outdoor Thanksgiving games for kids, we’ve got something for everyone.
This adorable, make-ahead Thanksgiving ring toss game from Hands On As We Grow is the perfect craft and game combo. It's super easy to do, and only needs a few supplies—some of which you probably already have around the house! We bet the adults will have as much fun as the kids with this one.
Turkey Waddle
Your kids can giggle through this funny race that requires a balloon in between each player's legs. Players must make their way from point A to point B without touching the balloon or letting it fall. Get the details from Party Games Ideas and waddle away!
Practice fine motor skills and have tons of fun with this Thanksgiving game from School Time Snippets! Grab some pom-poms, a (clean) turkey baster, and a few kids needing to focus on something besides when dinner will be ready.
The Feather Game
Roll the dice with this crafty turkey “feather” game. We love this make-ahead game that uses colored clothespins paired with a free printable designed by Amy at The Idea Room because it's all the rage, no matter what age. Set up the game table, then let ‘em roll!
Give a classic party game a Thanksgiving twist with this Pin the Feather on the Turkey activity from Living Well Mom. It's an easy way to occupy the kids and provides lots of opportunities to snap photos of your players trying to pin on their feather pieces.
Turkey Trot
Send them outside for a rousing game of Turkey Trot. It’s like tag, but with a Thanksgiving Day twist. And since it’s a more-the-merrier team game, you can bring on the cousins and neighbors for this one!
Free printable alert! This easy-peasy game involves picture recognition, candies, and a whole lot of giggling. For the printable, instructions, and more, head over to Crazy Little Projects.
Find turkeys during a scavenger hunt that either racks up outdoor time or entertains the kiddos indoors, if the weather doesn't cooperate. Thanks to Bloom Designs, you can download the game cards and pieces for free.
Who knew those mini pumpkins you're using as festive home decor can double as game pieces? We like that this activity from Toddler Approved is tactile, easy enough for younger kids, and a cinch to set up.
Score a strike on Turkey Day with a game from The Seasoned Mom. It doesn't require any special materials, and requires almost no setup—it's a guarantee for kid entertainment.
A fun way to set up a mini version of cornhole inside the house. Save a big box from a recent delivery and you’ve got what you need for this Thanksgiving game.
Creative Thanksgiving Crafts That Put a Feather in Their Cap
Although your little turkeys may not jump at the chance to set the table, they’ll jump at the chance to make these beautiful beaded napkin rings. Buggy and Buddy has everything you need to know to set up and make this easy—not to mention super helpful—turkey day craft.
Design a Table Covering
Roll out some butcher paper so that it covers the entire table, then let your aspiring artists have at it with any and everything they can find in the craft bin. Then have the kids make the rounds asking guests what they’re thankful for, and record the answers on the covering. This a wonderful reminder of the season!
Contact paper suncatchers are easy to make (aka minimal supervision), plus they add to your Thanksgiving décor. To get started, leave out small pieces of tissue paper in fall colors. Next, have your kidlet place the paper pieces onto to sticky side of clear contact paper. When she’s done, seal it shut with another piece of contact paper. Then, use cookie cutters or other templates to trace and cut fall shapes like leaves, pumpkins, turkeys, or apples to hang in your dining room window.
Make Potato Stamps
Set up a stamp station where your mini-me can use spare dinner fixings to create fantastic works of art. Carve simple shapes into extra potatoes during pre-dinner prep. Then set up a station with plenty of paper and paints to keep your aspiring artist busy while you transform the rest of your potato stash into a delish holiday side.
Craft turkey puppets with your stash of brown paper lunch sacks. Allison at No Time For Flash Cards can give you the low down on this easy-to-set-up craft option that gives you precious time in the kitchen.
Give your sweet tot something to do with a sensory bin full of popcorn kernels. Keep with the fall theme by adding plastic pumpkins and fabric leaves, or go full farm by including Old Mac Donald and his barnyard faves among the kernels. Finish it off with measuring cups and funnels to keep those little hands busy, so you can mix and mingle with your guests.
Send Them on a Feather Hunt
Hide colorful craft feathers around the house ahead of time. Then when your sidekick comes looking for something to do, let her know the game is already afoot. Challenge her to Sherlock her way to a win by tracking them all down.
Spice up your standard play dough routine with a DIY batch that’s scented like pumpkin. Carla at Small+Friendly has the deets you need to make it the day before. Then set up a play cook station for your little chef using your fave play dough tools. She “cooks” while you cook—it's a win-win!
Did you know all it takes is a little shake, shake, shake to make DIY butter? Simply pour ¼ cup of whipping cream into a mason jar or other tightly sealed container. Then shake it up for around 20 minutes until the butterfat separates from the liquid. We love the idea of passing the jar between tiny guests to spread the wealth. Don’t forget to drain it before serving it alongside your fresh bread at dinnertime!
Give Thanks
Allison Sutcliffe
String together thanks with a free printable garland designed by Somewhat Simple. Print out plenty of stylish flags ahead of time. Then have your crew write out their grateful phrases before cutting out each flag and hanging them up in time for the dinner bell.
This clever kid distraction is both a game and a way to encourage everyone to get talking about anything and everything. Head to Happy Home Fairy for free conversation printables that will have your house buzzing with talk in no time.
These free Thanksgiving printables are the perfect way to keep them busy on such a long day
So you’ve already run through all your tried-and-true Thanksgiving games and activities. How about a few free Thanksgiving printables? Not only are they perfect for the kids’ table, but they’ll help your family achieve an unplugged Thanksgiving. From coloring turkeys and matching fall leaves to thoughtful lists and connect-the-dots, these Thanksgiving activity sheets are fun ways to keep the kids busy as you finish up the cooking.
Let your kids get creative while thinking about what they're thankful for with this printable "Give Thanks" poem prompter, and then, let them read it out before digging into the Thanksgiving meal. Download it at Doodle Art Alley.
Gobble, gobble! Little hands stay busy coloring this terrific turkey before the big meal. Even more, if you print it on card stock paper, you'll have instant placemats. Printing these placemats is as easy as pie over at Crafts by Amanda.
It’s a Thanksgiving word-fest! Little hands stay busy and learn about all things Thanksgiving by coloring in these terrific turkey day words. Head over to My Mini Adventurer for these word printables, grab crayons and you have happy little pumpkins while you finish cooking the meal.
Turn over a new leaf this year and print out these perfect placemats for half-pints to use. Your little pumpkins will have a fun time matching the shapes. Hop over to Saving Dollars & Sense for this free Thanksgiving printable.
Whether it’s what little diners are thankful for or their favorite Thanksgiving memory, this list will keep their minds busy. A special shout out to Jen over at Teacher Karma for this creative idea.
Activities galore! From a word scramble to coloring a cornucopia, there is plenty to do with this free Thanksgiving printable. We are thankful to Angie over at Real Life at Home for providing these. All you need to provide is the crayons!
Can you get the right color? We love this Thanksgiving activity for the kids' table. A high five to mom Amy who gives you the free printable. Head over to Rock Your Homeschool; print it out and your little ones will stay busy while you finish up dinner. Just make sure you have all the crayon colors!
This fun page from Artsy Fartsy Mama has a little bit of everything: coloring, a word search, a place to write what they’re thankful for, and tic-tac-toe.
Remind your little ones what Thanksgiving is all about with this printable from Hello Moments. In addition to a word hunt and tic-tac-toe, they’ll get to write a poem and jot down what they’re thankful for.
We love this cute coloring page from 1 + 1 + 1 = 1, especially since it has enough details to keep kids busy for quite a while. Get the printable, plus another adorable page with a turkey to color in.
If your kiddo loves mazes, they’ll definitely have a ball with this Thanksgiving activity sheet from Brainy Maze. They can also color it in when they’re done.
Kiddos can get some quiet time in while filling in this turkey connect-the-dots page from Big Activities. There’s also another version available that uses the alphabet instead of numbers.
Challenge your kids to write something they’re thankful for on each of these cute cards from What We Do All Day. Or you can have them make personalized place cards for the table.
Because all fine dining establishments have kid-friendly placemats, right? These particular mats come with a word scramble activity that's just right for little learners. Download the printable at Jinxy Kids.
This activity is a great way to immortalize your Thanksgiving meal—have the kids write and draw the most memorable parts of the day. You can even print the same page next year and compare. Get the printable at How to Nest for Less.
Happiness is a warm puppy and a fun Thanksgiving coloring page. We love this page that features everybody's favorite comic strip pup. Get this printable (and more!) at Best Coloring Pages for Kids.
This paint-by-numbers coloring page is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Little artists who like to get their artwork just right will like the easy-to-follow idea. Get this printable at Nicole's Free Coloring Pages.
Animal-loving kids will have a blast with this coloring page that gives a dog and a kitty the spotlight. As they color, talk about what your own pets might be thankful for—and why you're thankful for your furry friends. Get the printable at Coloring Pages for Kids by Mr. Adron.
Your own Thanksgiving turkey may be more modest, but the kids will get a kick out of the giant feast on this coloring page. Will they color it a delicious golden brown or go for something a bit flashier? (Blue turkey, perhaps?) Get the printable at Raising Our Kids.
How cute is this pilgrim boy coloring sheet? This tiny guy just needs your little one's colorful attention. Download your own pages at familyholiday.net.
Once your kiddo connects all of the dots, they'll have the chance to color in the pumpkin picture. It's a 2-in-1! Find the worksheet on Bigactivities.com.
Follow the numbers to find the colors to create this exciting Thanksgiving picture! It'll be such a festive way to celebrate the holiday. Get the worksheet from Education.com.
Use baby’s handprints, footprints, and artistic ability to create adorable fall crafts for infants
Introduce your baby to art, create some seasonal decor, and make keepsakes to treasure, all at the same time. These adorable fall crafts for infants help celebrate all of the pumpkins, turkeys, and falling leaves of autumn, and even the littlest of babies can be your creative assistant.
Looking for a low-mess fall craft for babies? Try these colorful suncatchers. Help your child draw on coffee filters with markers, using whichever colors you like. Then spray the coffee filters and let them watch in amazement as the colors blend together. After the pumpkin has dried, cut out shapes with construction paper and attach them. Laminate the pumpkin to keep it for next year. Head to Fireflies and Mudpies for how to make these gorgeous gourds.
Transform tiny, little hands into spiders for Halloween! These creepy-crawly window clings can be as sweet or scary as you like. You'll need non-toxic acrylic paint, a paintbrush, clear contact paper, googly eyes, and a little patience to bring these creatures to life. For extra credit, use a little school glue to draw a spider web on your windows (yes, it peels or washes off). Hands on As We Grow has step-by-step instructions.
This clever spin on pumpkin carving uses your baby's handprints and footprints to make the face. Trace your baby's hands and feet to create stencils, then use those to carve the pumpkin. The result provides a seriously adorable and original photo opp. This idea comes from Today's the Best Day.
Here's a craft you can treasure for years to come at the Thanksgiving table. Stamp three handprints with your child to create a turkey. Stencil in a message and the turkey's body and you're done. Get more details on how to make this keeper at Meaningful Mama.
Fans of the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" will love this one. Use two of your baby's black-painted handprints to create a spider. Incorporate the song into crafting this cute project from Mama Papa Bubba, and you have a craft and a fun activity in one.
This idea from Make and Takes will leave you with a polished autumn decoration to remember how little baby's hand was that first Halloween. Choose a pretty orange textured paper or fabric to make the most impact.
Trace your baby's hands and feet to create this clever turkey card. Whether you send it to relatives you won't see this Thanksgiving or use it to make a DIY centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, you can bet your family members will love it. Find the instructions at Toddler Approved.
Paint your baby's little feet in yellow, orange, and white stripes to create a pair of sweet, smiley candy corn treats. Use black paper or canvas to make the prints really pop. Or, use only the white paint on baby's feet and make a spooky ghost. Rust and Sunshine, came up with both clever ideas.
It's all in the saying. Preserve your fall baby's tiny footprints forever in this festive Halloween art project. Just paint your tot's feet in orange and black stripes to "stamp" on a canvas, and then add the words "Trick or Treat Smell My Feet" for a super cute keepsake. Get the full how-to at See Vanessa Craft.
Turn your baby's little handprint into a turkey to commemorate their first Thanksgiving. Be sure to add the year to your design, so you'll know how old your child was when their hands were so very tiny. Get all the details on how to make this at Toddler Approved.
10 lbs. of turkey look a lot more appetizing when you’ve got Thanksgiving leftover recipes to try
If you’re looking at a mountain of leftovers without any idea of what to do, we’ve got you covered. Transform all that food with our Thanksgiving leftover recipes. We’re talking Thanksgiving leftover casseroles, recipes with mashed potato leftovers, and everything in between. And if you are just totally over it, check out our favorite frozen foods from Trader Joe’s that take almost no time to prepare.
Transform your leftover turkey into the ultimate comfort food inspired by Greens & Chocolate. Egg noodles, turkey, and mushrooms are bathed in a deliciously cheesy sauce, then it’s all topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.
Turkey Day leftovers aren’t just for meat-eaters! Take inspiration from Connoisseurs Veg to whip up this vegetarian-friendly dish with your leftover mashed potatoes. We’re drooling over that perfectly crispy crust.
When in doubt, add buffalo sauce! This simple idea from Whitney Bond is a great way to refresh those leftovers. Plus, you can sneak some veggies in for crunch.
These nachos from Bless Her Heart Y’all are the perfect accompaniment for those post-Thanksgiving football games or movie nights. With plenty of melty cheese and veggies, they’re also a nice change of pace from typical holiday food.
These drool-worthy sliders from Simple Seasonal can knock out three types of leftovers at once: dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, and turkey. If you’ve got guests sticking around on Black Friday and beyond, this is the perfect way to feed a crowd.
When you’re so sick of turkey you can’t look at it anymore, that’s when you should prep this genius casserole from Make-Ahead Meal Mom. Once it’s assembled, just throw it in the freezer, and it’s ready to go once you’re ready for a mini Thanksgiving feast in a month or two.
This pull-apart bread from Whitney Bond is the stuff of snacking dreams. Sourdough bread is filled with mozzarella cheese, turkey, and cranberry sauce, then baked until it’s melty and delicious. Drooling yet?
For a hearty breakfast or lunch, pair your leftover turkey with pesto and cranberries to make this drool-worthy bagel sandwich from Glitter and Bubbles. Topped off with cream cheese and butter lettuce, it’s sure to be a winning combination.
Warm up with a big bowl of turkey and wild rice soup. This recipe from The Skinny Fork is hearty but healthy, not to mention the perfect weeknight dinner for picky kids.
Try out a twist on your classic chili with this recipe from Juanita's Cocina. It's easy to adjust to your family's tastes, making it spicier or milder as needed.
We're always left with half a bag of fresh cranberries after Thanksgiving, and now we've finally found the perfect use for them: these tasty muffins from Girl in the Little Red Kitchen.
These turnovers look pretty impressive (read: hard to make), but they'll actually come together quickly with the help of frozen puff pastry sheets. Fill the pastry with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy, and you'll have a mini feast ready in no time. Check out the recipe at A Family Feast.
When in doubt, make a pie! A pot pie, that is. Cathleen over at A Taste of Madness came up with a delicious solution to those turkey leftovers. All it takes is some prepared pie crusts, and butter, and you'll have a completely different meal in 60 minutes.
Take your leftover sandwiches to the next level with Toni from Boulder Locavore. You'll love her combo of turkey, cranberry sauce, and her secret weapon: bacon!
When you still don't know how to use up the extra turkey from Thanksgiving dinner, Sara from Bitz N Giggles has a great idea to transform those leftovers into something totally new. Her recipe for turkey tetrazzini is just the ticket, and it couldn't be simpler.
Check out these farms where you can cut your own tree in DC and prep for the holidays
Looking to spread a little holiday cheer early this year? Put up your Christmas tree ASAP—it’s proven to make the season that much merrier! Your family will love the experience of cutting down your own tree to take home and decorate. Also, lots of these farms offer food options or even hot chocolate. Find the best farm to cut your own tree in DC and make a day of it.
Maryland Christmas Tree Farms
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Showvaker’s Quality Evergreens
Get a jump start on the Christmas season; Showvaker's opens their doors the week before Thanksgiving so you can prop up a tree before you cut the turkey. This farm is anticipating a record number of visitors, so they suggest visiting on a week day for the best service. Want to take a picture here? Just make sure your professional photographer makes an appointment before you head to this Christmas tree farm. Bonus: Pets on a leash are welcome to join you in your quest for the perfect pic (and tree!).
There is no price haggling at Otterdales; all Christmas trees are just $75! You won't find pre-cut trees here, but cutting down your own spruce or fir tree is half the fun. Little ones will enjoy the train that makes its way around the store while you shop. You can also pick up red tarps before you head out to the field to help drag you tree back to your car.
There’s a reason why families come back year after year to Friendship Trees. Their cooperative staff makes this the perfect place to cut your own Fir, Pine, and Spruce Christmas trees. Not feeling up to chopping down your own tree? This farm also has North Carolina Fraser firs ready to go. Check their website for an update on when they open in November.
If you hate spending lots of money on your tree, head to Clemsonville! They sell all their trees for $35! They’re also home to the“Everlasting” Christmas Tree made out of limestone rock and measuring over 50 feet, as well as America’s largest real Christmas wreath! You won’t want to miss all their wonderful things with your family.
Want the tree up and decorated before Turkey Day? Pine Valley Farms is ready for you! This family owned and operated farm has been around since 1977 and truly is a homegrown operation.
For a day in the country, head to Moose Apple, located in the charming Shenandoah Valley (it’s just one hour west of DC). They have a variety of tree types to choose from as well as an assortment of wreaths made on the farm. The scenery is delightful and you can dream of living in the log home with wrap-around-porch and barn. Pre-tagging ends on Nov. 13.
Hartland Farm offers is a no frills operation! They make fresh wreaths at the farm both decorated and bare. Bonus: They have complimentary hot chocolate on weekends. Check back for their opening date.
Forty years ago, Ron and Roberta Clouse allowed some high schoolers to plant pine trees on their property for a school project. All these years later, that assignment has affectionately become the Clouse family’s Pine Hill Farm. Visit their peaceful home and choose the perfect tree for your family.
With thousands of trees to choose from—including Douglas firs and Norway spruces—you'll have to just go with your gut at this farm. The farm doles out maps, saws, and rope to pull the tree back to the barn. And they graciously shake and tightly bale trees for you. Their suggestion: Bring bungee cord to secure the tree to your car. But before hitting the road with your prize, swing by the snack shack for hot dogs and complimentary cups of hot apple cider.
