These 165 Thanksgiving charades ideas follow the day from start to finish: the kitchen at noon, the parade on television, football in the yard, the table, and the leftovers after. Cards run from Pumpkin pie and Gravy boat to Finding out the oven was never turned on. Pick a topic, press Start round and hand the phone to the first actor while the pie cools.
Play it between dinner and pie
Split the room into two to four teams and mix the ages. Press Start round. The actor mimes the card without speaking, presses Next card after each correct guess and Skip when stuck. When the timer ends, the deck says how many cards the team cleared: press +1 that many times. Full stomachs move slowly, so try 90 s under More options.
Read the full guide
Eight topics, three levels
The 53 Easy cards are one dish or one action, such as Gravy boat or Basting the turkey. The 75 Medium cards take two or three beats: Two cousins pulling the wishbone, A parade balloon on a windy day. The 37 Hard cards have a twist, such as Two relatives who both made the stuffing. If you want Thanksgiving charades words more than scenes, choose Dishes on the table: 11 of its 20 cards are Easy, such as Pecan pie and Cornbread.
Tips
The full list under the tool prints an acting hint below every card. Under Gravy boat: One arm is the handle and the other is the spout. Tip over slowly and pour.
Leave No repeats tonight ticked under More options and stay on the same phone. A card acted before dinner will not come back after pie.
Agree on sound effects first. A silent gobble is funnier, and the turkey cards last longer.
Questions and answers
What works for a table of mixed ages?
Pick things everyone did that day. Mashing potatoes, Passing the mashed potatoes and Napping on the couch after dinner need no explaining to a six-year-old or a great-aunt. Switch the level between turns: Easy for the youngest actor, Hard for the adults.
Are the cards based on real Thanksgiving customs?
Yes. We checked the dishes and customs against Wikipedia in September 2026: cornbread dressing in the South, the mock turkey pardon typical since 1989, the New York parade held since 1924, and the turkey trot, whose oldest race began in Buffalo in 1896. Nobody is asked to play a Pilgrim or a Native American.
Can young kids play?
Yes. Every card is clean and the toast is made with cider. Choose Easy with Dishes on the table, and whisper the card to a child who cannot read yet. For one-word everyday cards, use the charades generator for kids.
Basting the turkeyOpen the oven, squeeze the bulb over the bird and flinch from the heat.
Carrying the turkey to the table while everyone watchesWalk slowly with a huge platter and set it down to applause.
Checking if the turkey is donePoke in a thermometer, squint at it and slide the pan back in.
Cooking in a kitchen with too many cooksSqueeze past people, reach over them and guard your spoon.
Crimping the edge of a piePinch all the way around the rim with two fingers and a thumb.
Finding out the oven was never turned onOpen the door, touch the cold bird and turn slowly to the room.
Frying a turkey outdoors, very carefullyLower it on a hook at arm's length, leaning as far back as you can.
Guarding the pie from early tastersSlap a hand away without turning around.
Lifting a heavy turkey out of the ovenBend your knees, grip both handles and shuffle to the counter.
Mashing potatoesPound down with both hands, then taste from a finger.
Opening a can of cranberry sauceShake the can until it slides out in one piece, ridges and all.
Peeling a mountain of potatoesPeel one, drop it in the pot and look at how many are left.
Putting marshmallows on the sweet potatoesLine them up in neat rows and eat every fifth one.
Reading a family recipe card you cannot make outTurn the card sideways, squint and guess at the amount.
Rolling out pie crustPush the pin away and back, then drape the dough over a dish.
Running out of oven spaceHold three dishes and try each shelf like a puzzle.
Setting off the smoke alarm with the rollsWave a towel at the ceiling while holding a black tray.
Setting the oven timerTwist the dial, walk off, and run back when it rings.
Snapping green beansSnap both ends off each bean and toss it in a bowl.
Sneaking a taste of the stuffingLook both ways, pinch a bit and chew with a straight face.
Stirring the gravyWhisk fast and never look away from the pan.
Stuffing the turkeySpoon it in and push it down with a fist. Sage, onion and celery are the classic mix.
Thawing a turkey that is still frozenKnock on it, hear a clunk and check the clock.
Whipping cream by handWhisk until your arm gives out, swap hands and keep going.
Show all 165 Thanksgiving charades ideas (141 more)
Cooking the dinner, continued
Whisking lumps out of the gravyWhisk, lift the spoon, frown and whisk harder.
At the dinner table 23
A toast that goes on too longRaise a glass of cider, keep talking and notice every arm getting tired.
Asking for secondsHold out an empty plate with both hands and hopeful eyes.
Being asked the same question by every relativeSmile, answer, turn, smile and answer again.
Building the biggest plate of foodPile it higher and carry it with both hands, watching the top.
Carving the turkey with a very dull knifeSaw back and forth, get nowhere and ask for another knife.
Feeding the dog under the tableKeep your eyes on the room and lower one hand very slowly.
Finding room for piePat your full stomach, shake your head, then show a small slice with two fingers.
Loosening your belt after dinnerLean back, breathe out and let the belt out one notch.
Making a gravy volcano in the mashed potatoesDig a crater with a spoon, fill it and watch a wall give way.
Passing the mashed potatoesTake the heavy bowl from one side, serve yourself and hand it on.
Pouring gravy over everythingTip the boat and keep going until the plate is a lake.
Reaching across the table for the rollsStretch, nearly dip a sleeve in the gravy and grab one.
Saving the last dinner roll for yourselfHide it in a napkin on your lap and look innocent.
Sitting at the kids' tableSit on a chair far too small with your knees up by your ears.
Sitting on the folding chair that is too lowSit with your chin at plate height and reach up to eat.
Spilling cranberry sauce on the white tableclothFreeze, look around and slide a plate over it.
Squeezing one more chair in at a full tableLift a chair over heads and wedge yourself in sideways.
Squirting whipped cream on pieShake the can, cover the slice and add a little to your mouth.
Trying a relative's mystery casserole to be politeTake a tiny bite, chew slowly and give a thumbs up.
Trying to stay awake after the turkeyNod, jerk upright and nod again with a fork still in your hand.
Tucking a napkin into your collarShake it open, tuck it in and pick up your knife and fork.
Two cousins pulling the wishboneHook a finger each, close your eyes and pull. The longer piece gets the wish.
Two relatives who both made the stuffingTaste one, taste the other and refuse to pick a side.
Dishes on the table 20
A baked ham with pineapple ringsPin on the rings one by one, then carve thin pink slices.
A dinner made only of side dishesWalk the table, fill a plate and look around for a turkey that is not there.
A pot of collard greensStir a tall pot, lift out a long leaf and ladle some onto a plate.
A tofu turkeyCarve it proudly and offer a slice to a doubtful guest.
Apple piePeel an apple in one long ribbon, slice it and tuck it under a crust.
Brussels sproutsTake one, sniff it and hide it under the mashed potatoes.
Corn on the cobRoll it in butter, then nibble along the rows from left to right.
CornbreadCut a square from a hot skillet. In the South it goes into the dressing too.
The cornucopia centerpieceHold a big horn in your arms and let fruit and squash spill out of it.
Cranberry sauceWobble like jelly on a plate, then get sliced into rounds.
Creamed cornScrape the kernels off a cob with a knife, then stir them in a pan with cream.
Dinner rollsTear one open, butter it and blow on your fingers.
Gravy boatOne arm is the handle and the other is the spout. Tip over slowly and pour.
Green bean casseroleOpen a can, stir and shake crispy onions on top. The recipe dates from 1955.
Hot apple ciderBlow across a warm mug, sip and smack your lips.
Macaroni and cheeseLift a spoonful and stretch the cheese as far as your arm goes.
Pecan pieCrack nuts with a nutcracker, then press them into a pie one by one.
Pumpkin pieCut a wedge, add a spoon of cream and take a slow bite.
Sweet potato casseroleScoop from a dish and stretch a string of melted marshmallow.
TurduckenFlap like a turkey, waddle like a duck and peck like a chicken, each one inside the last.
Parade, football and the turkey trot 20
A parade balloon on a windy dayGet dragged sideways by the ropes, dig in your heels and pull it back.
A parade clown working the barrierSkip along the crowd, slap hands and squeeze a pretend horn.
A tuba player turning a corner in the paradeSwing the huge bell around without hitting the row behind.
Arguing over a call in the family football gamePoint at the ground, pace out the line and throw up your hands.
Catching a pass and landing in the leavesLook back over your shoulder, reach out and land in the pile.
Falling asleep during the game and denying itSnore, jolt awake and point at the screen as if you saw it all.
Finishing the turkey trot dressed as a turkeySprint in a bulky costume, flap your wings and bow for a medal.
Holding the rope of a giant parade balloonLean back, grip a rope overhead and get lifted onto your toes.
Marching in a parade bandLift your knees high, beat a drum on your chest and turn the corner in step.
The parade announcer in the boothHold an earpiece, read from a card and beam at the camera.
Playing touch football in the yardSnap the ball, go long and tag with two hands.
Running a turkey trotJog with a number on your chest. Buffalo, New York has held one since 1896.
Santa arriving on the last floatRide in at the very end with a big wave and a silent belly laugh.
Twirling a batonSpin it in your fingers, toss it up and catch it behind your back.
Warming up at the turkey trot start lineDouble-knot a shoe, stretch a calf and bounce on the spot in the cold.
Watching football on a very full stomachCheer with one arm from the couch. Detroit has hosted a pro game every year since 1945.
Watching the parade from someone's shouldersSit up tall, hold on to a forehead and point at everything.
Watching the parade in the coldStamp your feet and crane over the crowd. New York's parade began in 1924.
Waving from a parade floatWave with a cupped hand, slowly, and smile to both sides.
The whole couch cheering a touchdownLeap up with both arms high, then sink back, worn out.
Travel and guests 20
A video call with relatives far awayHold the phone too close, wave and pass it around the room.
Arriving with the same pie as somebody elseHold yours out, see theirs and slowly lower it.
Asking if we are there yetLean forward between the seats, tap a shoulder and flop back.
Bringing a dish to a potluckPeel back the foil, find a gap on a crowded table and squeeze it in.
Carrying a pie on your lap in the carHold it level through every turn and bump.
Dragging a suitcase through a crowded airportWeave, check the board and break into a jog.
Driving a long way to dinnerGrip the wheel, check the mirror and hush the back seat.
Forgetting a cousin's nameStart a greeting, stall and turn it into a long hug.
Getting measured against a taller cousinStand back to back, stretch up and sneak onto your toes.
Getting your cheek pinched by an auntBrace, take the pinch and rub your cheek after.
Hanging up everybody's coatsTake coat after coat until you cannot see over the pile.
Hosting Friendsgiving in a tiny apartmentTurn sideways to pass between chairs with a hot dish held high.
Hugging a relative you have not seen all yearOpen your arms wide, squeeze and rock from side to side.
Meeting the new baby in the familyLean in, make a silly face and hold out a careful finger.
Ringing the doorbell with your hands fullBalance a dish and press the bell with an elbow.
Saying goodbye at the door for an hourPut on your coat, reach for the handle and turn back again and again.
Showing a grandparent how to use a phonePoint at the screen, tap it for them and watch them hold it to an ear.
Sleeping on an air mattress that goes flatLie down, sink slowly to the floor and pump it up again.
Stuck in holiday trafficInch forward, brake and drop your head onto the wheel.
Taking the family photoWave people closer, count down with your fingers and hurry to join.
Fall outdoors 19
A scarecrow in an empty fieldHang from a pole with your arms out and let a crow land on you.
A squirrel burying acorns for winterDig fast, drop one in, pat it down and look around.
A strutting turkeyTuck your thumbs under your arms, fan out a tail and gobble without a sound.
A turkey hiding until the holiday is overTiptoe behind a tree, peek out and cross days off a calendar.
Bagging leaves on a windy dayHold the bag open with a foot and watch the wind empty it.
Blowing leaves onto the neighbor's lawn by mistakeSwing the blower around, see where they went and look away.
Bundling up for a cold walkZip to the chin, pull down a hat and push your hands into your pockets.
Carrying in the firewoodStack logs up to your chin and feel for the door with a foot.
Catching a falling leafWatch it zigzag down and snatch at it twice.
Diving into a fresh leaf pileTake a run, land in the middle and come up with leaves in your hair.
Getting lost in a corn mazeTurn left, hit a wall of corn, turn back and scratch your head.
Hanging a fall wreath on the doorHold it up, step back, tilt your head and straighten it.
Lighting the first fire of the seasonCrumple paper, stack the logs, strike a match and warm your hands.
Picking applesReach up, twist one off and polish it on your sleeve.
Raking leaves into a pilePull long strokes toward your feet and lean on the rake to rest.
Riding a bumpy hayrideSit on a bale, bounce along and pick straw off your sweater.
Scraping the first frost off the windshieldScrape with a card, blow on your fingers and scrape again.
Walking off the dinnerStroll slowly with one hand on your stomach and breathe out.
Wild turkeys crossing the roadStrut across slowly, stop in the middle and stare at the car.
Leftovers and the day after 19
A midnight trip to the fridgeTiptoe in the dark, open the door and squint in the light.
Carrying the extra table leaf back to the closetSteer a long board through a doorway that is too narrow.
Carrying too many shopping bagsHang bags up both arms and turn sideways through a door.
Drying dishes with a towelWipe a plate in circles and hand it on.
Eating pie for breakfastLook around, cut a slice and eat it standing at the counter.
Falling asleep in the middle of a board gameHold your cards, nod off and get nudged for your turn.
Finding a serving spoon nobody claimsHold it up to each guest and get a shrug every time.
Finding the lid that fits the containerTry lid after lid and hold each one up to the light.
Fitting leftovers into a full fridgeMove things about, balance one more box and shut the door fast.
Lining up before dawn for a saleShiver in a line, sip from a cup and check your watch.
Making a leftover turkey sandwichStack turkey, stuffing and cranberry between bread and press down.
Making turkey soup from the bonesDrop the bones in a big pot, fill it and skim the top.
Napping on the couch after dinnerSink down, pull a blanket to your chin and let your mouth fall open.
Pretending you are too full to help clean upPat your stomach, sink lower and close one eye.
Scrubbing the roasting panLean your whole weight on a sponge and check the corners.
Sending everyone home with leftoversPress a stack of containers into arms that are already full.
Two people eyeing the last slice of pieBoth reach, both stop, and one offers to cut it in half.
Washing a mountain of dishesScrub, rinse, stack and look at a pile that never shrinks.
Wrapping leftovers in foilTear a sheet, cover the plate and crimp the edges.
Giving thanks and giving back 19
A harvest feast that lasts three daysEat, sleep at the table, wake and eat again. The 1621 feast at Plymouth ran three days.
A turkey that has just been pardonedStrut off with your chest out and wave a wing at the cameras.
Bringing in the harvestSwing a scythe, bundle the stalks and wipe your forehead.
Calling a grandparent to say thank youDial, smile at the phone and nod a lot.
Dropping cans in a food drive boxCarry a heavy bag and place each can in gently.
Holding hands around the tableReach out both ways, squeeze and bow your head.
Hugging the cookWait until the oven door is shut, then squeeze from the side.
Inviting a neighbor who would be aloneKnock, point back at your house and wave them over.
Making a paper chain of thankful notesWrite on a strip, loop it through the last one and hold up the chain.
Packing boxes at a food bankFill a box from a row of shelves, tape it shut and slide it along.
The president pardoning a turkeyRaise one hand over the bird and let it strut away. A yearly custom since 1989.
Saying graceBow your head, fold your hands and hold still.
Saying what you are thankful forStand, put a hand on your heart and point warmly at each person.
Serving dinner at a community kitchenLadle onto tray after tray down a long line and smile at each person.
Teaching a toddler to say thank youHold the cookie back, mouth the words and wait.
Tracing your hand to draw a turkeySpread your fingers on the paper, trace around them and add a beak to the thumb.
Writing a thank-you noteChew the pen, write a line and sign with a flourish.
Writing home about a good harvest with a quillDip the quill, write slowly and blot the ink.
Your turn to give thanks and your mind goes blankStand, open your mouth, look at the ceiling and point at the pie.
How this list was compiled: Written for this site by the editors; nothing was copied from another list. Every card is something a person can act without props or speech on the day itself: cooking the dinner, sitting at the table, the dishes, the parade and the football, guests arriving, the fall yard, the leftovers and giving thanks. The deck was checked against the site's family-safe rule (nothing sexual, no alcohol or drugs, nothing that mocks a person or a group, no real people): the toast is made with cider, nobody is asked to play a Pilgrim or a Native American, and the deck holds no film, show, book or song titles, no brand names, no store names and no team names. Difficulty is an editor's judgment: easy is one dish or one action a room gets in seconds, medium needs two or three beats, hard has a twist or a second person the guessers must name. The line under each card is the editors' acting hint, not a rule. The dishes and customs were checked against Wikipedia's article on Thanksgiving dinner, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_dinner, checked 2026-09-19: roasted, smoked or deep-fried turkey, stuffing or dressing with sage, onion and celery and cornbread dressing in the South, giblet gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, green bean casserole (created in 1955), Brussels sprouts, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, rolls and cornbread, pumpkin, apple, pecan and sweet potato pie, apple cider, ham, turducken and meatless roasts, a dinner of side dishes only, grace before the meal, potluck dishes, leftovers and the leftover sandwich, recipe rivalries, food drives and volunteering, Friendsgiving, the mock pardon of a turkey (typical since 1989) and the three-day harvest feast of 1621 at Plymouth. The New York parade (held since 1924, giant balloons, marching bands, Santa on the final float), saying what each person is thankful for, the informal yard football game and the sales on the day after follow https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_%28United_States%29, checked 2026-09-19. Detroit's professional football game on the holiday (begun in 1934, the one annual home game kept when play resumed in 1945) follows https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_on_Thanksgiving_Day, checked 2026-09-19. Turkey trots (footraces on or near the day, often fun runs in costume, the oldest in Buffalo, New York, from 1896) follow https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkey_trot, checked 2026-09-19. The wishbone custom (two people pull, the larger piece wins the wish) follows https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furcula, checked 2026-09-19; that article does not tie the custom to this holiday, so neither does the deck. Card texts were compared with every other deck on the site on 2026-09-19. Six cards are also in the Christmas charades deck (Brussels sprouts, Gravy boat, Hot apple cider, Mashing potatoes, Sitting at the kids' table, Whipping cream by hand), four are in this site's main charades deck and two are in the Halloween deck. Dish names such as Pumpkin pie and Cornbread also appear in the site's Thanksgiving bingo and drawing lists. Licence: own work