The big day is here, and that is Thanksgiving. Families have been waiting for this day for a while now and they are gathering with their friends and family and have a big meal and remind themselves of what they have to be thankful for. While this is a day that a lot of families look forward to, it cannot be denied that it can be a busy day for mom. If mom is the one cooking, she likely has a lot on her plate and this can be challenging to do when she has young children running around.
Cooking a large meal with children running around can also be dangerous, as people are more likely to get hurt from a hot pan or spill a pot of boiling water. Since no one wants that to happen, it is important that mom can find something that will keep her children entertained. Scavenger hunts can be the perfect activity for young children because it sparks their natural sense of curiosity, an important aspect of child development. Mom may need to rope in another adult, or older child, to help, but we have compiled three unique ideas for scavenger hunts that any child will love.
The Traditional
A traditional scavenger hunt is always fun, and this can be done one of two ways. According to Birthday Party Ideas 4 Kids, mom can go with the option of putting together a list and having her child go outside and look for fall items. Like leaves, sticks, and feathers, but the downfall with this plan is that mom will need to go with them if she doesn’t have anyone else. Another idea takes a bit more prep time, but it can be done. Mom can print pictures of different Thanksgiving items and tape them up around the house (just not in the kitchen). Then children can run around the house and try and find all the items.
Sensory Bins
Sensory bins are famous for being able to get children involved, and they require little setup and supplies. According to The OT Tool Box, a Thanksgiving sensory bin can be fun, and you can make it into a scavenger hunt. Mom can find items that go with her theme and bury them in a bucket of rice or cheerios. Then, give her child a list (use pictures if they cannot read yet, and have them dig through and find the items.
Book Hunt
According to Good Housekeeping, there are tons of really great Thanksgiving books for children, and you can find one for a child of any age. This one will require an adult or older child to sit with a younger one, but if you have a grandma or grandpa hanging out it may be a great chance to bond. Books like Be Thankful Pout-Pout Fish, Over the River and Through the Wood, and Happy Thanksgiving Curious George are all great ones to use. As you are sharing and reading the story with a child, turn it into a scavenger hunt. Ask them to find things on the page, like a turkey, pie, or leaves.
Sources: Birthday Party Ideas 4 Kids, The OT Tool Box, Good Housekeeping