20 Thanksgiving Games Families Played Before Screens Existed

Here's a nostalgic look at fun family games that turned Thanksgiving gatherings into lively memories before screens took over.

Daisy Montero
December 1, 2025
6 min read

20 Thanksgiving Games Families Played Before Screens Existed — Craig Adderley on Pexels

Thanksgiving used to be more than food. Families gathered around tables or living rooms and played games that made conversations lively and laughter plentiful. These games connected generations and made holidays feel warm and memorable. This listicle revisits 20 such games that brought families together long before smartphones and tablets cluttered the room.

1. 1. Classic Board Game Night

Families often opened Thanksgiving after meals by pulling out a board game. This simple act kept everyone around the table long after dessert was gone. Laughter, competition, and sometimes good‑natured trash talk filled the air. Board games created memories that felt timeless.

2. 2. Picnic Table Card Games

Some families took their Thanksgiving fun outside or onto the porch. Card games at picnic tables offered a relaxed alternative while the turkey cooled or dinner digested. The clacking of cards and friendly banter created a cozy, low‑key vibe. Outdoor card games added a sense of freedom beyond the dining room walls.

3. 3. Dice Games After Dinner

Rolling dice after dinner felt like a ritual in many households. Simple dice games required no setup beyond a board or paper and a pair of dice. Grandparents and kids could join in without fuss. Often, those games sparked jokes and shared stories that lasted longer than the game itself.

4. 4. The Great Puzzle Challenge

Some families swapped competitive games for a jigsaw or picture puzzle after Thanksgiving dinner. Putting together scattered pieces required teamwork and patience. Kids and grandparents worked on the same problem in quiet camaraderie. The final completed image often felt like a small holiday victory for everyone.

5. 5. Storytelling Circle Game

This is a game where one person starts a story, and each subsequent person adds a sentence. This encouraged creativity and often resulted in absurd, hilarious tales. Younger children got practice thinking on their feet. Entire Thanksgiving tables turned into impromptu story workshops fueled by imagination.

6. 6. “Who Am I” Guessing Games

Players wrote down names of famous people, fictional characters, or family members on slips, and others guessed who they were. This game tested memory, and the tone often sparked laughter. Sometimes, clues came from impressions or accents. Guests of all ages enjoyed the challenge equally.

7. 7. Family Trivia Night

Families challenged each other with trivia about history, family lore, or favorite memories. Adults quizzed grandparents about past holidays, and kids learned family stories. Even shy relatives got drawn in. Trivia kept the conversation alive when energy from dinner started fading.

8. 8. Secret Word Charades

A player acted out a word without speaking, while others tried to guess it. The game turned screen-free time into a lively mix of gestures and laughter. Kids often stole the spotlight with exaggerated, hilarious movements. Charades brought everyone together, bridging generations through shared fun.

9. 9. The Memory Chain Game

One person said a word, and the next player repeated it, then added another. It kept going until someone forgot the full chain. This tested memory and often caused a fit of giggles. Younger kids got both challenge and fun, while older folks enjoyed the simplicity. Memory Chain turned a quiet evening into a lively testing ground for minds.

10. 10. Name That Tune by Humming

One person hummed a melody while others tried to guess the song. Tunes ranged from oldies to folk songs and camp favorites, keeping everyone engaged. The game sparked shared memories and often turned into spontaneous sing‑alongs. It brought music and joy to Thanksgiving evenings, making the moment feel lively and memorable.

11. 11. Word Association Chain

A player said a word, and each subsequent player responded with the first word that popped into mind. The chain continued around the table until hesitation broke the flow. Associations got hilarious or surprising fast, especially after a big meal. The game revealed odd connections and sparked laughter at unexpected pairings.

12. 12. Hot Potato Story Passing

While passing a small object, music played, or someone counted. When it stopped, the person holding it had to add a line to an ongoing story. That blend of suspense and waiting created unexpected plot twists. Adults and kids often ended up laughing at absurd turns. This game turned passive waiting into active storytelling.

One person described a scene while another tried to draw it blindfolded or without seeing the original. The resulting sketches often looked hilarious, making every guess even more entertaining. The game sparked creativity and laughter in equal measure. It combined art, memory, and humor into a single fun activity.

14. 14. Name Memory Challenge

Guests challenged themselves to recall the names of extended family or older generations. Players tested their memory by naming cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents. The game felt like a friendly history quiz that sparked conversation. Younger relatives often discovered new family connections along the way.

15. 15. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Families hid small objects around the house before dessert or after dinner and gave out clues to find them. Children raced from room to room hunting for treasures. Adults joined in the fun or enjoyed watching the chaos unfold. Scavenger hunts turned quiet evenings into lively, energetic moments.

16. 16. Animal Sound Guessing Game

One person imitated an animal while everyone else scrambled to guess it. Kids usually took charge, inventing the most outrageous and hilarious sounds. Laughter echoed through the room as guesses grew wilder and wilder. The game brought energy and silliness, making it a perfect way to shake off the heaviness of a big Thanksgiving feast.

17. 17. Telephone Whisper Game

One player whispered a phrase to the next, passing it around the table. By the time it reached the last person, the message often came out completely hilarious or strange. Misheard words created unexpected twists that sparked laughter at every turn. Younger children especially loved watching the phrases change in funny and surprising ways.

18. 18. The Compliment Circle Game

Everyone in the circle shared something they appreciated about another guest, passing it around until everyone had spoken. The game brought warmth and sparked genuine smiles across the room. It transformed playful gatherings into meaningful moments. Often, the stories and expressions of gratitude continued long after the game ended.

19. 19. Simple Card Deck Games

A simple deck of cards opened up countless game possibilities. Families enjoyed classics like War, Go Fish, and Rummy together. The games were easy to learn for all ages and kept everyone engaged. Card games proved that memorable fun did not require fancy tools or gadgets.

20. 20. Memory Jar Conversation Starters

Before the meal, each person wrote a favorite memory or a question on a slip of paper. After dinner, they took turns picking slips and sharing stories or fun facts. The activity sparked conversations that went far beyond everyday small talk. It created meaningful connections, helping generations share and remember special life moments.

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