Free History of Thanksgiving Coloring Page

The history of Thanksgiving coloring page gives kids a hands-on way to explore the holiday’s origins, from the Pilgrims’ arrival to their first shared feast with Native Americans.

These pages invite children to bring history to life through illustrations, connecting with Thanksgiving traditions while learning about the spirit of gratitude.

This set of free printable Thanksgiving activities combines creativity and education, offering coloring pages with historical insights that transport kids back to the early days of the holiday.

history of thanksgiving coloring page

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Thanksgiving history worksheets for kids

This set of free printable Thanksgiving activities includes eight unique pages, each with coloring opportunities and simple historical facts that bring kids back to the early days of Thanksgiving.

Each page introduces key symbols like the Mayflower, Native American harvest traditions, and traditional Thanksgiving foods, connecting kids to the holiday’s origins.

These worksheets are free for classroom and personal use—scroll to the bottom of the page to get the free PDF.

Pilgrims and Native Americans together

This page features a Native American boy and a Pilgrim boy, symbolizing the cooperation that marked the first Thanksgiving.

It’s a great opportunity to start a conversation about what it means to come together and support one another.

first thanksgiving coloring page

Native American girl with pumpkin

Pumpkins were one of the many crops Native Americans taught the Pilgrims to grow.

This page highlights the agricultural support Native Americans provided, and the pumpkin’s lasting place on our Thanksgiving tables.

native american coloring page

Pilgrim girl with roast turkey

While turkey wasn’t necessarily the main dish at the first Thanksgiving, it has since become an iconic part of the meal.

Here, kids can color a Pilgrim girl holding a turkey, learning about food and gratitude in the holiday’s history.

pilgrim coloring page

Thanksgiving gathering

This page shows the Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a meal, encouraging kids to think about the importance of sharing and community.

It offers a chance to talk about how the first Thanksgiving celebrated survival, friendship, and the harvest.

thanksgiving meal coloring page

The Mayflower ship

The Mayflower brought the Pilgrims across the Atlantic in 1620. This page helps children imagine the journey that led to the founding of one of America’s first settlements.

mayflower coloring page

Turkey and roast turkey

With this coloring sheet, kids can color both a live turkey and a roasted one. This duo shows the connection between the animal and the modern Thanksgiving feast.

turkey coloring page

Pumpkin and pumpkin pie

Pumpkins weren’t just for decoration; they were a crucial part of early settlers’ diets.

This page gives kids a glimpse into how pumpkins evolved from a crop staple to a holiday treat, and pumpkin pie’s special place in Thanksgiving today.

pumpkin pie coloring page

For more interactive fun grab our free Thanksgiving sorting worksheet (then and now).

Pilgrim hat and harvest basket

In this combined page, the Pilgrim hat and basket of fruits and vegetables represent simplicity and survival.

Kids can reflect on how hard life was for the Pilgrims and why they were so grateful for the harvest.

pilgrim hat coloring page

Books about Thanksgiving for kids

After your kids finish the coloring pages, dive deeper into the holiday’s history with a few favorite books about Thanksgiving that bring its story to life. These stories not only entertain but also offer young readers a richer understanding of the holiday’s origins and values.

  • The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh. This beautifully illustrated book shares the journey of the Pilgrims and their first feast with warmth and detail, giving kids a fuller picture of the holiday’s beginnings.
  • Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story by Pat Zietlow Miller. A heartwarming, rhythmic tale that walks children through the preparations for a traditional holiday meal, celebrating family, food, and togetherness.
  • The Story of the Pilgrims by Katharine Ross. With simple text and engaging illustrations, this book recounts the Pilgrims’ arrival, their challenges, and their first shared meal, offering an accessible way for young kids to learn about the holiday.

More Thanksgiving coloring fun

  • 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.

Need to print later? Add this to your Pinterest board or share it on Facebook. You’ll have it handy whenever you’re ready to use it!

Grab the free Thanksgiving history coloring sheets here

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Last Updated on 23 November 2024 by Clare Brown

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