Free History of Thanksgiving Coloring Page
The history of Thanksgiving coloring page set started as something easy to print while we talked about the Pilgrims and the Mayflower, but it got my son asking questions.
He wanted to know what the journey was like, what people really ate, and why they were so thankful.
It turned into more than just a coloring break. If you’re looking for a simple way to spark those kinds of conversations, these pages work surprisingly well.
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Thanksgiving History Worksheets for Kids
This free set of Thanksgiving worksheets for kids includes eight printable pages that mix coloring with simple facts about the early days of the holiday.
From the Mayflower and harvest foods to Native American traditions, each sheet highlights a part of the story that shaped what we now call Thanksgiving.
You can use them in the classroom or at home, just scroll to the bottom to print the full set.
Pilgrims and Native Americans Together
A Native American boy and a Pilgrim boy stand side by side in this coloring sheet, reflecting the cooperation behind the first Thanksgiving.
It’s a good chance to talk with kids about community, respect, and helping one another.
Native American Girl with Pumpkin
Pumpkins were just one of the many crops Native Americans taught the Pilgrims to grow.
This illustration highlights that agricultural support, and how those traditions still show up on our tables today.
Pilgrim Girl with Roast Turkey
Turkey may not have been the star of the first feast, but it’s become a Thanksgiving icon.
Here, kids can color a Pilgrim girl holding a roasted turkey while learning how food and gratitude are tied into the holiday’s story.
Thanksgiving Gathering
This scene shows the Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a meal together.
It’s a quiet way to spark conversations about what they might have felt, relief, friendship, survival, and how the harvest brought everyone to the same table.
The Mayflower Ship
The Mayflower brought the Pilgrims across the Atlantic in 1620.
This page helps kids picture the journey and understand why so many families saw it as a risk worth taking.
Turkey and Roast Turkey
This two-part page shows a live turkey next to a roasted one. It’s a small but helpful way for kids to connect where their food comes from, and why the turkey ended up such a big part of modern celebrations.
Pumpkin and Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkins were a staple crop, and eventually became the base for pies and other treats. This page ties the historical harvest to the familiar desserts we enjoy now.
For more interactive fun grab our free Thanksgiving sorting worksheet (then and now).
Pilgrim Hat and Harvest Basket
The Pilgrim hat and harvest basket represent both simplicity and survival. Kids can color this one while thinking about how hard life was back then, and why that first successful harvest meant so much.
Books About Thanksgiving for Kids
After your kids finish the coloring pages, it’s a great time to dig a little deeper into the holiday’s history with a few of our favorite Thanksgiving books. These stories don’t just fill in the facts, they’ve sparked some thoughtful questions and conversations at our kitchen table over the years.
- The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of the Pilgrims’ journey and their first feast in a way that feels both detailed and gentle. It was one of the first Thanksgiving books we read together, and it still comes out every year.
- Sharing the Bread by Pat Zietlow Miller: A sweet, rhythmic book that follows a family preparing for a holiday meal. My son loved the structure when he was younger, it reads almost like a poem, and the focus on each family member doing their part is a nice touch.
- The Story of the Pilgrims by Katharine Ross. Simple and clear, this one’s great for younger readers just starting to learn about Thanksgiving. We used it as a read-aloud when we were first introducing the holiday, and the illustrations helped fill in the gaps.
Want All Our Thanksgiving Activities In One Place?
More Thanksgiving Coloring Fun
If your kids finish the history set and want more, these are a few extras we’ve returned to over the years, simple, festive printables that keep things fun and low-prep during Thanksgiving week.
- Classic Thanksgiving coloring pages featuring Pilgrims, turkeys, cornucopias, and fall scenes add a festive touch to the season. They’re perfect for home or classroom decorations or as placemats for dinner.
- These turkey color by number worksheets help kids practice numbers and colors while they bring a turkey to life. Great for developing fine motor skills and number recognition!
- Thanksgiving I Spy printable is a fun challenge for little ones to count fall-themed items like pumpkins and Pilgrim hats. It’s a great quiet activity that builds observation skills.
- Kids can color these Thanksgiving cards and add a personal message inside. Perfect for sharing with family and friends to spread a bit of holiday gratitude.
Get Your Free Thanksgiving History Coloring Sheets Here
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If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free Thanksgiving coloring page.
Last Updated on 6 August 2025 by Clare Brown