Thanksgiving Scattergories (4 Free Printable Games)

These free Thanksgiving Scattergories printables include four game boards using the themed words GIVE, LEAF, FALL, and CORN.

Each game includes seasonal categories covering food, traditions, fall activities, movies, and things to be thankful for.

We’ve been playing this game for years, and it’s an easy, no-prep activity for kids, teens, and adults while waiting for Thanksgiving dinner.

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Thanksgiving Scattergories Categories

Each of the four game boards includes six Thanksgiving and fall-themed categories, with plenty of possibilities for funny and unexpected answers.

We’ve played this game lots of different ways over the years. Although Scattergories is usually played with a timer, we often skip it, especially with younger kids, and just see what everyone comes up with.

Print one game sheet per player and grab some pens to get started. Each printable fits on a single page with plenty of space to write, or you can print them on white cardstock if you want sturdier game sheets.

Each Thanksgiving game includes these six categories:

• Something thankful for
• Fall activity
• Thanksgiving food
• Something orange
• Thanksgiving tradition
• Favorite movies set in fall

The four printable boards use LEAF, GIVE, FALL, and CORN instead of random letters.

The goal is to come up with a unique answer for each category using the starting letter for that round. If two or more players write the same answer, nobody gets a point, so it pays to think of something different!

How Do You Play Scattergories?

If you’ve never played original Scattergories before, it’s a simple word game that gets surprisingly competitive, especially when someone insists “gravy” counts as a vegetable.

Here’s how we play:

• Everyone grabs a copy of the game card and something to write with.
• Pick one of the letter sets (like GIVE or FALL).
• For each category, write a word that starts with the matching letter. So if the letter is “G” and the category is “Thanksgiving food,” you might write “gravy.”
• After a few minutes (or whenever everyone’s done), go around and read your answers aloud.
• If more than one person wrote the same word, nobody gets a point. Unique answers score 1 point each.
• Keep score for a few rounds. Whoever has the most points at the end wins!

We don’t always bother with a timer, especially with younger kids, but if you want to make it more of a challenge, set one for 2 minutes.

It’s an easy way to get everyone laughing and thinking, and honestly, the fun is in hearing the unexpected answers people come up with.

More Thanksgiving Games the Whole Family Will Enjoy

If your crew loves Thanksgiving word games, here are a few more we’ve used to keep the holiday fun going, especially when everyone’s full and just needs something low-key.

• Thanksgiving Bingo – A fun twist on the classic game, with printable cards full of holiday-themed items. Great for all ages and easy to set up last-minute.
• Thanksgiving Memory Game – Match the fall-themed cards in this printable game. It’s simple enough for younger kids but still fun for older siblings or adults who get a little competitive.
• Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt Riddles – Hide fall-themed clues around the house or yard. Ours usually ends with a small prize or treat.

Want more seasonal fun? Grab our free Fall Scattergories. It’s another easy, low-prep game that works great for cozy autumn afternoons or classroom brain breaks.

More Seasonal Scattergories Boards

If your family enjoys Thanksgiving Scattergories, there are plenty of other themed versions to try throughout the year. These seasonal printables are an easy way to keep the fun going, whether you’re in the mood for spooky, sporty, or snowy.

• Halloween Scattergories – Perfect for October parties or classroom brain breaks.
• Football Scattergories – Great for game day or Super Bowl Sunday.
• Winter Scattergories – A cozy option for snow days or indoor fun.
• Christmas Scattergories – A festive favorite in our house during winter break.

Each one follows the same easy-to-play format with themed letter sets and categories to match the season.

Get Your Thanksgiving Scattergories Free Printable Here!

If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the PDF.

Last Updated on 28 September 2026 by Clare Brown