Canadian Thanksgiving, celebrated on the second Monday of October, is a wonderful chance to slow down and talk about what we are thankful for. These activities suit a range of ages and need very little prep.
1. Gratitude pages
Ask your child to draw or write three things they are thankful for. Younger kids can draw, and older kids can write full sentences. Keep the pages and add to them each year.
2. A gratitude jar
Everyone in the family writes thankful notes on slips of paper and adds them to a jar. Read them aloud at the Thanksgiving table.
3. Autumn leaf crafts
Collect leaves on a walk and make rubbings, collages or leaf people. It is free, outdoors and easy to adapt.
4. Thanksgiving colouring and puzzles
Harvest-themed colouring pages, word searches and mazes keep kids busy while dinner is cooking. Our seasonal and holiday printables include a Canadian Thanksgiving pack.
5. Kids' placemats and place cards
Let children decorate placemats and write place cards for each guest. It gives them a real job at the table.
6. Thankful thank-you cards
Write cards to a teacher, neighbour or grandparent. It builds writing skills and kindness.
7. Get cooking
Kids can wash vegetables, stir batter or decorate a pie. Measuring ingredients is secret math practice.
8. Start a family tradition
A walk before dinner, a yearly photo or a favourite game can become a tradition they remember.
Printable help
Browse the Canadian Favourites collection or the seasonal packs for more holiday activities, and plan ahead for Remembrance Day, Christmas and Canada Day.