Free Thanksgiving Word Search Printable for Kids

With fall approaching, a Thanksgiving word search printable is an enjoyable way to engage your little ones in fun and educational activities.

This word puzzle not only entertains but also helps expand vocabulary and boost cognitive skills, making it a fantastic addition to your holiday celebrations.

Plus, it’s one of many Thanksgiving printables you can use to enrich your family’s learning experience during the season.

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Thanksgiving word search puzzle

This free printable word search is designed for personal or classroom use. You can find the PDF file at the end of this post.

Hidden words can be found horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and even backward, adding a challenge for the kids!

In addition to the word search, I’ve included some black-and-white Thanksgiving-themed images for the kids to color. It’s a great way to keep them engaged if they finish the word search quickly!

Tip: Use a highlighter or circle the letters instead of crossing them out, as some letters may be part of other words!

Tip: I recommend either using a highlighter pen or circling around the letters. Do not cross the letters out if you have found a word, as it may be used in another word!

Thanksgiving word bank

There are 15 Thanksgiving Day hidden words to find:

• Gravy
• November
• Turkey
• Gratitude
• Football
• Cooking
• Festival
• Harvest
• Family
• Friends
• Corn
• Autumn
• Pilgrims
• Leaves
• Pumpkin

The answer key is included in the download which you can get at the bottom of this post. 

Why not treat the kids to the History Smashers: The Mayflower book? It is perfect for upper elementary-aged kids, and goes over what really happened.

Creative uses for the word search

Thanksgiving break is a perfect time for family fun. Here are a few ways to make the most of your November word search printable:

Teamwork: Instead of competing, work together as a family to find all the words. This encourages teamwork and communication during the holiday meal.

Family Competition: Give each family member a copy of the word search. Set a timer and see who can find the most words. Consider offering a small prize, like the first slice of pumpkin pie!

Dinner Table Activity: Place a copy of the word search at each person’s setting. As you gather around the table, take turns searching for the hidden words, keeping everyone entertained while waiting for dinner.

You will also enjoy the Thanksgiving trivia multiple choice printable! It’s a great way to add more fun and learning to your celebrations.

Educational benefits

Incorporating this Thanksgiving word search into your lessons offers several educational advantages.

Teachers can use it as part of their English language arts curriculum, introducing seasonal vocabulary while making learning fun.

For younger children, this activity reinforces spelling skills.

Encourage them to spell out each word they find to practice pronunciation. Word searches also develop cognitive skills like pattern recognition and attention to detail, essential for a well-rounded education.

Have fun with our free Thanksgiving word scramble printable too!

Additional Thanksgiving activities

Check out even more free printable games for Thanksgiving:

Transform your Thanksgiving gathering into an adventure by organizing a Thanksgiving scavenger hunt, a perfect activity for kids of all ages.  

Give a classic game a twist with these Thanksgiving scattergories. Challenge players to brainstorm and write down holiday-related words that fit specific categories and start with a chosen letter.

Set up a creative corner with a variety of free printable color pages for Thanksgiving, allowing guests to relax and express their artistic side by filling autumn scenes with vibrant colors.

Provide guests with free Thanksgiving bookmarks to color, offering a personalized keepsake that combines creativity with functionality.

Inspire poetic expression by offering printable acrostic poems for Thanksgiving for the word “Thanksgiving,” prompting guests to create heartfelt verses that capture their gratitude and reflections on the holiday.

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!

Get your free printable Thanksgiving word search pdf

Ready to grab your free printable? Just pop your name and email into the form below, and it’s all yours!

Last Updated on 7 April 2025 by Clare Brown