Free Thanksgiving Scattergories Printable (Fun Family Game)
Looking for a fun Thanksgiving activity for the whole family? Grab this free Thanksgiving Scattergories printable and enjoy an easy word game with older kids, teens, and adults while dinner finishes cooking.
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Looking for a fun Thanksgiving game that gets everyone laughing while dinner finishes cooking? This free Thanksgiving Scattergories printable is an easy way to bring a little friendly competition to your holiday gathering!
I love having a few simple family games ready for Thanksgiving, especially when everyone is hanging out while the turkey finishes cooking. And this one doesn’t require a bunch of supplies or complicated instructions.
It’s a fun word game for older kids, teens, and adults, and you can even pair younger kids with an older sibling or grown-up so they can join in.
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, planning a Friendsgiving party, or looking for an easy office activity, this printable game is a fun way to get everyone involved.
Just download the free printable, grab a few pens, and let the Thanksgiving word games begin!
Why This Thanksgiving Scattergories Game Works
As a working mom, I know how valuable it is to keep the kids occupied and off their devices without needing to plan a whole new activity. This printable Thanksgiving Scattergories game is:
Where Can You Download the Free Thanksgiving Scattergories Printable Puzzles
Our Home Made Easy Subscribers
If you are a subscriber, click here to open the Our Home Made Easy Resource Library. You’ll find the print in the ‘Seasonal’ section of the library.
New Visitors
If you are new here, you must fill out the form directly below, and you will be emailed the printable!
How to Play Scattergories
Each printable game sheet includes a holiday-themed word made of four or five letters. Players must fill in the blanks with words that match specific Thanksgiving-related prompts—all beginning with the letters in the theme word.
Here’s how to play:
- Choose one puzzle to start (you’ll find both included in the download).
- Set a timer—two to three minutes is usually plenty. (Feel free to practice timing yourself a week or two before Thanksgiving!)
- Each player must write a word that matches the prompt and starts with each letter in the puzzle word.
- Once time is up, players read their answers aloud.
- If someone else wrote the same word, neither player earns a point. Unique answers score one point each.
- The person with the most points at the end of the round wins!
How to Score Thanksgiving Scattergories
Once the timer goes off, have everyone take turns reading their answers aloud.
Players earn one point for each valid, unique answer that fits the category and starts with the chosen letter. If two or more players have the same answer, nobody earns a point for that answer.
Add up the points at the end of each round. The player or team with the most points wins!
If someone comes up with a questionable answer, let the group decide whether it counts. Sometimes debating the answers is half the fun!
What You’ll Need to Play Thanksgiving Scattergories
One of my favorite things about this Thanksgiving game is how little preparation it takes!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Printed Thanksgiving Scattergories Sheets – Have one game sheet ready for each player or team.
- Pens or Pencils – Everyone needs something to write their answers with.
- A Timer – Set it for two or three minutes per round, depending on how challenging you want the game to be.
- Clipboards or Books (Optional) – These make writing easier if everyone is playing from the couch or around the living room.
That’s it! You can have everything ready before your guests arrive and pull out the game whenever you need a fun activity.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Thanksgiving Scattergories Game
- Print on white cardstock for durability if you’re playing with larger groups.
- Set a time limit to keep the game fast-paced and exciting.
- Mix up teams so older kids can pair with younger siblings or grandparents.
- Use clipboards or books as writing surfaces if you’re playing around the living room.
- Print a few extras for surprise guests or to use again later in the day.
How to Print Your Thanksgiving Scattergories Game
Once you’ve downloaded your free Thanksgiving Scattergories printable, print enough copies for everyone who wants to play.
Regular printer paper works just fine, but you can use white cardstock if you’d like sturdier game sheets. I also recommend printing a few extras in case more people decide to join in.
If you’re hosting a larger group, set the printed sheets and pens in a basket so everything is ready when it’s time to play.
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Take It to Work: A Fun Icebreaker for the Office
This free printable Thanksgiving Scattergories game isn’t just for the kids’ table! It’s also a great way to bring a little seasonal fun to your workplace. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving potluck or just looking to break up the afternoon slump, Scattergories makes for an easy icebreaker that doesn’t require any special setup.
Print off enough sheets for your department or small team, gather in a break room or conference space, and set a 3-minute timer. You’ll be surprised how quickly coworkers get competitive over Thanksgiving-themed words. It’s also a perfect activity if you’re hosting a lunch-and-learn or casual meeting around the holiday.
Why it works so well with co-workers:
- No mess, no setup, no supplies needed, just pens and printables
- Everyone participates at once, keeping things efficient
- It’s a great activity for newer employees to feel included and get talking
- You can play with teams or individuals depending on your group size
This is an easy way to sneak in a little holiday spirit and team-building, even during the busiest time of year.
Thanksgiving Scattergories FAQs
What Ages Is Thanksgiving Scattergories Best For?
This printable is best for older kids, teens, and adults who enjoy word games. Younger children can join by playing on a team with someone who can help them think of and write down answers.
Can You Play Thanksgiving Scattergories at Work?
Yes! It’s an easy Thanksgiving office icebreaker because you don’t need much setup. Print enough sheets for everyone, set a short timer, and let coworkers compare their answers. You can also divide a larger group into teams.
Can Younger Kids Play Thanksgiving Scattergories?
Absolutely, with a little help! Younger kids might have trouble coming up with answers quickly, so try pairing them with an older sibling, parent, or grandparent.
You can also give teams a little extra time to finish their answers. The goal is to have fun together, not make everyone feel like they’re taking a spelling test!
The Perfect Way to Keep the Family Connected
Whether you’re looking for a fun Thanksgiving game to entertain the kids, break the ice with coworkers, or bring the whole family together before dinner, this free printable Thanksgiving Scattergories game is just what you need. With easy instructions, zero prep, and endless hours of fun, it’s a great activity for groups big and small. Download it once, print it off, and create a new favorite family tradition this Thanksgiving.
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Hi, I’m Brittany, and I believe life at home should feel easier, not heavier.
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