Thanksgiving Games For Large Family Gathering: The Best Options for Unforgettable Fun
Thanksgiving is a cherished time for family, food, and gratitude. But once the feast is over, keeping everyone entertained, from the youngest cousins to the eldest grandparents, can be a delightful challenge. That’s where a fantastic selection of Thanksgiving games for large family gathering comes in handy.
Planning activities that cater to diverse ages and interests ensures your holiday gathering is filled with laughter and memorable moments. The right game can transform post-dinner lull into lively engagement. It helps create new traditions and strengthens family bonds.
We’ve curated a list of top games that are perfect for large groups, offering a variety of play styles and engagement levels. Whether you prefer active outdoor challenges or cozy indoor brain teasers, there’s something here for every family. These options ensure everyone finds a way to join the fun.
From budget-friendly options that offer endless replayability to premium sets designed for durability, our selection covers a wide range. You’ll find games that are easy to learn and others that offer a bit more strategic depth. This collection aims to make your Thanksgiving celebration truly special.
Dive into these fantastic choices that promise to add an extra layer of joy to your holiday. You can easily find these on Amazon, ready to ship for your upcoming festivities. Get ready to discover the best Thanksgiving games for large family gathering.
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1. Giant Tumbling Timbers Game
This oversized block-stacking game is a fantastic choice for all ages. It takes the classic Jenga concept and scales it up for outdoor or spacious indoor play. The suspense builds with every move, making it incredibly engaging.
It’s perfect for families who enjoy a mix of strategy and physical dexterity. This game fosters teamwork and encourages lively interaction. Its large size (often stacking over 4 feet or 1.2 meters high) makes it a visual spectacle.
This is a mid-range option that offers hours of fun. It’s a great way to get everyone involved before or after the big meal. The simple rules mean anyone can jump in.
2. GoSports Cornhole Set
A backyard classic, cornhole is an absolute must-have for any large family gathering with outdoor space. Teams compete to toss beanbags into a hole on a raised platform. It’s easy to learn but offers plenty of room for skill development.
This set is perfect for families who love friendly competition and spending time outdoors. It promotes lighthearted rivalry and laughter. The game can be enjoyed by both active players and those cheering from the sidelines.
A mid-range investment, a good quality cornhole set is durable and provides endless entertainment. It’s one of the top Thanksgiving games for large family gathering. Many sets come with carrying cases for easy transport and storage.
3. Ladder Toss Game
Another excellent outdoor game, ladder toss involves throwing bolas (two balls connected by a string) onto rungs of a ladder. Points are awarded based on which rung the bolas land on. It’s a game of skill and precision.
It’s ideal for families seeking a relaxed yet competitive outdoor activity. This game is simple enough for kids but challenging enough for adults. It encourages pleasant conversation while playing.
This is a budget-friendly to mid-range game, often made with sturdy PVC or metal. It’s quick to set up and take down, making it convenient for holiday events. A standout feature is its ability to entertain diverse age groups simultaneously.
4. Bocce Ball Set
Embrace a touch of European elegance with a bocce ball set. Players take turns throwing larger balls closest to a smaller target ball called the pallino. It’s a game of strategy, precision, and gentle competition.
Bocce ball is perfect for families who enjoy a more leisurely outdoor activity. It’s less physically demanding but still highly engaging. This game is fantastic for multi-generational play, allowing everyone to participate comfortably.
Consider this a mid-range purchase for a quality set that will last for years. It’s a great choice for a sunny Thanksgiving afternoon. The game encourages casual conversation and friendly rivalry.
5. Spikeball Game Set
For the more active and energetic members of your family, Spikeball offers a fast-paced, exciting challenge. Players spike a ball onto a trampoline-like net, aiming to make it unreturnable for the opposing team. It combines elements of volleyball and four square.
This game is perfect for younger, more athletic family members, but it’s surprisingly easy for others to pick up. It’s a premium option in terms of engagement and physical activity. It quickly becomes a favorite for many.
Spikeball is excellent for burning off some energy before or after the big meal. It’s a fantastic way to get people moving and laughing together. Its compact design also makes it easy to transport.
6. Ticket to Ride Board Game
Shift gears to an indoor classic with Ticket to Ride, a beloved strategy board game. Players collect colored train cars to claim railway routes across a map, connecting cities and earning points. It’s easy to learn but offers strategic depth.
This game is ideal for families who appreciate engaging board games that are not overly complex. It’s perfect for a group looking for a slightly longer, more thoughtful activity. It encourages planning and friendly competition.
Ticket to Ride is a mid-range board game that provides excellent replay value. It’s a top choice for a quieter, more focused activity. The game supports 2-5 players, so multiple sets might be needed for a very large gathering, or you can run multiple games simultaneously.
7. Codenames Board Game
Codenames is a brilliant word association game that requires clever thinking and teamwork. Two teams compete to identify their secret agents from a grid of words, guided by one-word clues given by their spymasters. It’s a game of deduction and misdirection.
This is perfect for families who love word puzzles and enjoy cooperative challenges. It’s one of the best Thanksgiving games for large family gathering for its mental engagement. It’s suitable for teenagers and adults, but younger players can also join in.
Codenames is a budget-friendly game that offers immense replayability. It’s a fantastic way to get everyone thinking and communicating. This game often leads to hilarious misunderstandings and triumphant deductions.
8. Telestrations Party Game
Prepare for uncontrollable laughter with Telestrations, often described as a mix of “telephone” and “Pictionary.” Players draw what they see, then guess what they saw, passing sketchbooks around. The results are usually wildly different and incredibly funny.
This game is ideal for families of all ages who prioritize laughter and lighthearted fun. It requires no artistic skill, which only adds to the hilarity. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any large group.
Telestrations is a mid-range game that offers endless entertainment. It’s a fantastic choice for breaking the ice and creating shared memories. The original version supports 8 players, with a “Party Pack” supporting up to 12.
9. Wavelength Party Game
Wavelength is a social guessing game that challenges players to read minds. Teams try to guess where a target lies on a spectrum between two opposing concepts (e.g., Hot to Cold, Sad to Happy). It’s about finding common ground in abstract ideas.
This game is perfect for families who enjoy thoughtful discussion and creative communication. It’s great for adults and older teens, sparking interesting conversations. It’s one of the top games for engaging diverse perspectives.
A mid-range game, Wavelength is unique and provides a different kind of challenge. It encourages players to think outside the box and understand each other better. It’s an excellent choice for a post-dinner brain stretch.
10. Dixit Board Game
Dixit is a beautifully illustrated storytelling game that sparks imagination. Players take turns being the storyteller, giving a clue about one of their surreal image cards. Other players then choose a card from their hand that best matches the clue.
This game is ideal for families who appreciate creativity, art, and imaginative play. It’s perfect for a calmer, more reflective game experience. It encourages players to think abstractly and share their interpretations.
Dixit is a mid-range board game that stands out for its stunning artwork and unique gameplay. It’s a wonderful way to connect through shared stories and artistic appreciation. It’s suitable for a wide range of ages, from younger children to adults.
11. Apples to Apples Party Box
Apples to Apples is a classic comparison game known for its simplicity and humor. Players match “red apple” noun cards with a “green apple” adjective card chosen by a judge. The funniest or most fitting combination wins the round.
This game is perfect for families of all ages who enjoy quick, lighthearted fun and witty banter. It’s incredibly easy to learn, making it accessible for everyone. It’s a reliable choice for instant engagement.
As a budget-friendly to mid-range option, Apples to Apples provides fantastic value. It’s one of the best Thanksgiving games for large family gathering due to its broad appeal. It guarantees plenty of laughs and unexpected connections.
12. Reverse Charades Game
Put a fun twist on a traditional favorite with Reverse Charades. Instead of one person acting out a word for a team to guess, an entire team acts out a word for one person to guess. It’s chaotic, energetic, and incredibly funny.
This game is ideal for families who love active, high-energy games and don’t mind a bit of silliness. It’s perfect for burning off some holiday energy and getting everyone moving. It encourages teamwork in a hilarious way.
Reverse Charades is a budget-friendly game that delivers maximum laughs. It’s a great choice for breaking the ice and getting everyone comfortable. The quick rounds keep the energy high and participation constant.
13. Pictionary Air
Bring charades into the digital age with Pictionary Air. Players draw in the air, and their masterpiece appears on a screen via a smart device. Teammates guess the drawing before time runs out. It’s a modern, interactive take on a classic.
This game is perfect for tech-savvy families who enjoy a contemporary twist on traditional games. It’s great for getting people up and moving. It adds an exciting visual element to the guessing game.
Pictionary Air is a mid-range game that combines physical activity with digital fun. It’s a top pick for creating memorable, shareable moments. Ensure you have a smart device and casting capabilities for the best experience.
14. Taboo Game
Taboo is a fast-paced word-guessing game where players try to get their teammates to say a secret word without using “taboo” words listed on the card. It’s a race against the clock, demanding quick thinking and creative descriptions.
This game is ideal for families who enjoy word challenges and thrive under pressure. It’s perfect for adults and older teens, sparking competitive energy. It’s one of the best Thanksgiving games for large family gathering for quick, intense rounds.
Taboo is a mid-range game that offers fantastic replayability and builds communication skills. It’s a great choice for lively groups. The high-energy gameplay keeps everyone on their toes.
15. Relative Insanity Party Game
Created by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, Relative Insanity is a hilarious fill-in-the-blank game. Players complete setup lines with punchline cards, aiming for the funniest combination. It’s designed to bring out the humor in family dynamics.
This game is perfect for families with a good sense of humor who appreciate a bit of irreverent fun. It’s great for adults and older teens, providing plenty of belly laughs. It’s a premium option for guaranteed hilarity.
Relative Insanity is a mid-range game that promises to have everyone in stitches. It’s a fantastic choice for loosening up and enjoying some adult-oriented humor. The game thrives on surprising and outrageous card combinations.
16. Kids Against Maturity Card Game
For families looking for a fill-in-the-blank game suitable for a wider age range, Kids Against Maturity is an excellent alternative. It offers similar gameplay to other popular adult card games but with content appropriate for kids and teens.
This game is ideal for families with children who want to participate in a similar style of humor. It’s perfect for blending different age groups into one raucous game. It ensures everyone can laugh together without awkward moments.
Kids Against Maturity is a budget-friendly game that offers hours of family-friendly fun. It’s a great choice for inclusive entertainment. The game provides a clean yet hilarious experience for all players.
17. Throw Throw Burrito Game
Throw Throw Burrito is a unique dodgeball card game that combines card collecting with physical action. Players collect sets of cards, but if “burrito” cards appear, a chaotic dodgeball battle ensues with foam burritos.
This game is perfect for energetic families who love a bit of physical fun and unexpected twists. It’s great for getting everyone moving and laughing hysterically. It’s a premium option for high-octane entertainment.
Throw Throw Burrito is a mid-range game that guarantees an unforgettable experience. It’s a fantastic choice for breaking up the sedentary holiday routine. The active element makes it stand out among other card games.
18. Exploding Kittens Card Game
Exploding Kittens is a highly popular, strategic card game for cat lovers and explosion enthusiasts. Players draw cards, trying to avoid the Exploding Kitten. Various action cards allow players to defuse, skip, or move the dangerous feline.
This game is ideal for families who enjoy quick, quirky card games with a touch of strategy. It’s perfect for a game that’s easy to learn but offers surprising depth. It’s a budget-friendly option for casual fun.
Exploding Kittens is a fantastic choice for keeping a small group entertained during a larger gathering. It offers fast-paced rounds and plenty of opportunities for playful sabotage. It’s one of the best quick Thanksgiving games for large family gathering.
19. Sushi Go! Party Card Game
Sushi Go! Party is a delightful card-drafting game where players aim to create the best combination of sushi dishes. It’s fast, fun, and deceptively strategic, with adorable artwork. The “Party” edition includes more variety for larger groups.
This game is perfect for families who appreciate quick, charming card games that are easy to teach. It’s great for players of all ages, from kids to adults. It’s a budget-friendly game that offers surprising strategic depth.
Sushi Go! Party is a wonderful choice for a light, engaging activity that can accommodate more players than the original. It keeps everyone involved with its simultaneous card drafting. It’s a truly top pick for accessibility and fun.
20. Trivial Pursuit Family Edition
The classic trivia game gets a family-friendly makeover with Trivial Pursuit Family Edition. It features questions for both adults and children, allowing everyone to compete on an even playing field. Collect wedges by answering questions in different categories.
This game is ideal for families who love testing their knowledge and enjoy a bit of brainy competition. It’s perfect for multi-generational play, ensuring everyone can contribute. It’s a mid-range game for a traditional challenge.
Trivial Pursuit Family Edition is a great choice for sparking engaging conversations and learning new facts. It’s one of the best Thanksgiving games for large family gathering for intellectual stimulation. It brings a familiar, beloved challenge to the holiday table.
21. Cranium Board Game
Cranium is a multi-activity game that combines charades, Pictionary, trivia, and sculpting. Teams race around the board by successfully completing challenges from four different categories. It’s designed to use all your skills.
This game is perfect for families who enjoy variety and want a game that appeals to different talents. It’s great for getting everyone engaged in a diverse set of activities. It’s a mid-range game offering broad appeal.
Cranium is a fantastic choice for ensuring everyone has a chance to shine, whether they’re a wordsmith or an artist. It encourages teamwork and celebrates different strengths. It’s a truly top game for diverse family fun.
22. Beat That! The Bonkers Battle of Wacky Challenges
Beat That! is a hilariously active party game featuring 160 outrageous challenges. Players bet on their ability to complete silly tasks using various props like cups, dice, and balls. It’s all about skill, luck, and lots of laughter.
This game is ideal for families who love physical challenges, silly antics, and competitive betting. It’s perfect for getting everyone up and moving. It’s a mid-range game that guarantees a high-energy atmosphere.
Beat That! is a great choice for breaking the ice and creating unforgettable, laugh-out-loud moments. It’s one of the best Thanksgiving games for large family gathering for its sheer silliness. It’s incredibly easy to learn and endlessly entertaining.
23. What Do You Meme? Family Edition
This family-friendly version of the popular meme-captioning game brings modern humor to your gathering. Players match caption cards to photo cards, aiming to create the funniest meme. A rotating judge picks the winner each round.
This game is perfect for families with older kids and teens who are familiar with internet culture and enjoy contemporary humor. It’s great for sparking creativity and sharing laughs. It’s a budget-friendly option for a modern twist.
What Do You Meme? Family Edition is a fantastic choice for a casual, laughter-filled game. It’s a great way to bond over shared humor. It keeps everyone engaged with its quick rounds and relatable content.
24. The Game of Things!
The Game of Things! challenges players to write down funny answers to quirky prompts, then guess who wrote what. Prompts range from “Things you shouldn’t put in your mouth” to “Things you’d rather not share.” It’s all about imagination and knowing your family.
This game is ideal for families who enjoy creative writing, guessing games, and getting to know each other better. It’s perfect for sparking hilarious conversations and discovering hidden insights. It’s a mid-range game for social interaction.
The Game of Things! is a great choice for a relaxed yet engaging activity. It’s one of the top Thanksgiving games for large family gathering for its ability to generate unique, personalized humor. It encourages everyone to share their witty thoughts.
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Last Words
Choosing the right Thanksgiving games for large family gathering can truly elevate your holiday celebration. This curated list offers a diverse array of options, ensuring there’s something to captivate every family member, regardless of age or preference. From active outdoor challenges to engaging indoor board games, these selections promise to fill your home with laughter and lasting memories.
You truly can’t go wrong with any of these top picks. Each game has been chosen for its ability to foster connection, spark joy, and provide hours of entertainment. Consider your family’s unique dynamics and interests when making your final decision. Whether you prioritize strategy, physical activity, or pure silliness, there’s a game here that fits the bill.
We encourage you to explore these best options further on Amazon. Checking current prices and availability is easy, and you might even find some fantastic deals. Investing in a few quality games can transform your Thanksgiving into an even more unforgettable occasion, creating cherished traditions for years to come.
Leticia (a.k.a Letty) is a bibliophile who loves to read and write, she is also a Content Associate and Curator at Clue Media. She spends her spare time researching diverse topics and lives in New York with her dog.

