Free Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt for Kids

This free Thanksgiving scavenger hunt for kids includes 12 printable rhyming clues to hide around the house.

We love using treasure hunts during the holidays, and this one is perfect for keeping kids busy while everyone is waiting for Thanksgiving dinner. Each clue leads to a familiar spot around the home, from the shower and front door to the washing machine and their bed.

Simply print the clues, hide them in order, and leave a small prize or Thanksgiving treat at the end.

**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**

Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt Clues

The printable includes 12 Thanksgiving scavenger hunt clues, each with a short rhyme leading kids to a different spot around the house.

The clues are easy enough for younger kids to follow, but you can make the hunt more challenging for older children by choosing less obvious hiding places.

• Happy Thanksgiving Day, your next clue is where you play. (near where they play the most.)
• The pilgrims came to America on the Mayflower, the next clue is where you shower (in the shower.)
• Thanksgiving is in fall, the next clue is in the hall (under a mat, or somewhere more obvious for younger children.)
• My family makes me feel grateful, the next clue is a plateful (hide it where the plates live.)
• My favorite is pumpkin pie, your next clue is where you say hi and bye (front door, or window)
• Thanksgiving makes me want to bake, the next clue is where you wake (in their bed)
• I love my Thanksgiving roast, the next clue is where you make toast (near the toaster, or grill.)
• A pumpkin is a type of squash, the next clue is where you wash (their bathroom, but not in the shower, as you already have one there)
• I love my dinner with green beans, the next clue is in the washing machine (if the washing machine is on, just leave the next clue on top of it.)
• Thanksgiving is when I like to bake bread, the next clue is near something red (a rug, a favorite book, a red fire engine toy, anything that is red!)
• Friends and family gather to eat, and your next clue is under the seat (dining chair, or sofa)
• Turkey, pumpkin, and pie, your next clue is where clothes go to dry (dryer, or air dryer, whichever you use.)

How to Set Up a Thanksgiving Treasure Hunt for Kids

This Thanksgiving treasure hunt for kids only takes a few minutes to set up. Print and cut out the clue cards, then hide each one in the location indicated by the previous clue.

You can set it up before Thanksgiving dinner, during a family gathering, or anytime you need an indoor Thanksgiving activity to keep kids busy.

What You’ll Need

• The 12 printable scavenger hunt clue cards
• Cardstock or regular printer paper
• Scissors
• A small prize or Thanksgiving treat for the end of the hunt

I prefer printing the clues on cardstock because they’re easier for kids to handle, although regular printer paper works perfectly well.

Before you start, make a quick note of where you’ve hidden each card. With 12 clues around the house, it’s surprisingly easy to forget one!

Give the first clue to the kids and let them follow the trail. Put a small prize, book, or treat at the final hiding place to finish the hunt.

Best Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt Prize Ideas

A small prize at the final hiding spot makes the hunt even more exciting. We prefer non-candy prizes that kids can enjoy after the game, and these Thanksgiving-themed gifts work particularly well:

• Thanksgiving Mad Libs Book – A fun choice for older kids who enjoy silly word games.
• Thanksgiving in the Woods Book – A cozy Thanksgiving story to read together after the hunt.
• Would You Rather? Thanksgiving Edition – A family game that can keep everyone entertained around the Thanksgiving table.
• Squishmallows Turkey – A cute plush prize for younger kids.

You don’t need a big prize. A new book, small game, Thanksgiving craft, or favorite treat is plenty for the final treasure.

More Thanksgiving Activities for Kids

If you’re looking for something to do after the hunt, we have plenty more Thanksgiving activities to try:

• Set up a Thanksgiving escape room for older kids and teens.
• Play Thanksgiving scattergories together.
• Try a Thanksgiving photo scavenger hunt for a different version of the traditional hunt.
• Use our Thanksgiving coloring pages for a quieter activity.
• Make Thanksgiving coloring cards for kids to give to friends and family.

Get Your Free Printable Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt Riddles Here!

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

Other Scavenger Hunts to Try

If your kids loved the Thanksgiving scavenger hunt, there’s plenty more fun where that came from. Try these seasonal favorites to keep the excitement going all year:

• Halloween treasure hunt riddles
• Christmas treasure hunt clues
• Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt clues
• New Year’s Eve scavenger hunt list

Last Updated on 28 September 2026 by Clare Brown