Free Thanksgiving Photo Scavenger Hunt For Kids
A Thanksgiving photo scavenger hunt has become one of our favorite ways to keep older kids and teens engaged while the adults prep dinner or watch football.
Everyone grabs a phone and sets off to capture a mix of silly, festive, and unexpected moments, from dirty dishes to parade scenes on TV.
This printable checklist keeps it organized, and it’s surprisingly fun for all ages.
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Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt for Teenagers
Teenagers still love a good challenge, especially if it involves phones and a bit of friendly competition. This photo-based Thanksgiving scavenger hunt gives them some independence while keeping them part of the holiday fun.
We usually split into small teams (two or three per group works great), give everyone the list, and set a one-hour timer. As long as each group has a smartphone or camera, they’re good to go, some even bring old-school instant cameras for fun.
It’s simple to set up and always leads to some unexpected, hilarious photo results.
Tips for Hosting a Successful Fall Photo Hunt
One of the best things about this scavenger hunt is how easy it is to adapt for different ages. We like to pair younger kids with older ones, it gives the little ones some help, and the older ones get a chance to lead.
Set clear boundaries before starting. Younger kids usually stick close to the house or yard, while teens can head a little farther (as long as they stay in touch).
If the weather’s not great, we’ve shifted the hunt indoors, sometimes even snapping photos of TV ads or fall-themed décor inside the house.
Having a few simple tools on hand helps: we use clipboards to keep things organized, phone timers to stay on track, and always remind kids to check in if they’re exploring farther out.
Fall-Themed Photos to Capture
Here’s the challenge: teams race to snap as many of these 20 festive fall moments as they can before time runs out. Some are classic Thanksgiving sights, others are just plain funny, and all of them make for great memories.
- Cornucopia
- Cooked turkey
- A full plate of food
- Football game
- Something orange
- Fallen leaves
- Someone napping!
- Pumpkin
- Any type of pie
- Families out for a walk
- Food on the floor
- Fall wreath
- Dirty dishes
- Someone cooking
- Something red
- Christmas ad on TV
- Pine cone
- Mashed potato
- Table placemat
- Thanksgiving parade
Fun Prizes for the Winners
A small prize adds extra excitement, especially for teens. Decide ahead of time how to pick a winner: fastest team, most creative photos, or funniest interpretations.
Some go-to prize ideas include gift cards (Target, Amazon, iTunes), small gadgets like phone stands or wireless earbuds, or even Thanksgiving board games. Creative teens might appreciate sketchpads or art supplies.
You’ll find more ideas in our favorite Thanksgiving gifts for kids.
Want All Our Thanksgiving Activities In One Place?
Get Your Free Fall Photo Hunt Checklist Here!
Ready to grab your free printable? Just pop your name and email into the form below, and it’s all yours!
If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free Thanksgiving cell phone hunt.
Looking for More Photo Hunt Fun?
If your kids love snapping pictures, try one of our other seasonal cell phone scavenger hunts:
- Easter Photo Scavenger Hunt – springtime fun with bunnies, eggs, and more
- Halloween Photo Scavenger Hunt – spooky snapshots for all ages
- Christmas Photo Scavenger Hunt – festive finds during the holiday season
Last Updated on 6 August 2025 by Clare Brown