Thanksgiving Memory Game Free Printable PDF

Between cooking, cleaning, and hosting, it’s easy for little ones to get restless. That’s where this Thanksgiving Memory Game free printable comes in!

It’s fun, festive, and super easy to set up. Keeping kids entertained while you prepare for the big day. And it’s perfect for both home and classroom use.

In this post, I’ll show you what’s included in the free printable, how to set it up, and why memory games are great for kids. I’ll also share creative ideas for making the game even more exciting.

What Is The Thanksgiving Memory Game?

This is a kid-friendly, printable game that’s just like the classic memory matching game, but with a Thanksgiving twist.

The game features cheerful, holiday-themed images such as:

• A turkey sitting in a pumpkin

• A pilgrim hat

• The word “Thanksgiving” in festive script

• A turkey dressed like a pilgrim

• A smiling turkey face

• Pumpkin pie and whipped cream

• A roasted turkey dinner

• A mug of hot cocoa

• A pie with a golden crust

• A cornucopia filled with pumpkins

• Cozy candles

• A slice of creamy pumpkin cheesecake

The designs are colorful and cute.

They’re perfect for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early elementary kids.

Best of all, they’re not just fun,  they’re educational too.

How To Prepare The Game?

Setting up the Thanksgiving Memory Game is quick and easy.

Here’s how:

Print the Game – Download the free PDF, then print it two times so you have a matching pair for every picture. I do recommend that you use cardstock if you want sturdier cards. However, it’s not necessary.

Laminate the Cards – This is optional but highly recommended. Laminated cards last longer and hold up to repeated play. If you’re a teacher, lamination is a must so you can reuse it year after year.

Cut Out the Cards – Use scissors or a paper cutter to separate the squares. Try to keep the edges even for a neat, professional look.

Shuffle and Play – Lay the cards face down in neat rows.

How To Play The Thanksgiving Memory Game?

The rules are simple, making it perfect for younger kids.

Basic instructions:

1. Players take turns flipping over two cards.

2. If the pictures match, they keep the pair and take another turn.

3. If the pictures don’t match, they flip the cards back over, and it’s the next player’s turn.

4. Play continues until all the pairs are found.

5. The player with the most pairs at the end wins.

This game works great with two players or a small group. You can even play with a whole class by dividing kids into teams.

Why Memory Games Are Great For Kids?

This activity isn’t just cute,  it’s beneficial too.

1. Improves Focus – Kids have to pay close attention to where each picture is located.

2. Strengthens Memory Skills – They must remember where they’ve seen each card before to find matches.

3. Encourages Patience – Turn-taking teaches kids to wait and be respectful of others.

4. Boosts Vocabulary – Talking about the pictures introduces and reinforces Thanksgiving words.

5. Enhances Visual Recognition – Kids notice shapes, colors, and details while playing.

Best of all, kids don’t even realize they’re learning because they’re having so much fun.

Fun Variations For This Game

While the classic game is always enjoyable, you can make it even more exciting with these variations:

1. Speed Round – See how fast one player can find all the matches. Then, let others try to beat that time.

2. Story Match – When a player finds a match, they tell a short Thanksgiving-themed story using the picture. For example, “The turkey in the pumpkin went to the feast!”

3. Movement Match – Assign actions to certain cards. If they find the pilgrim hat, they tip an imaginary hat. If they get the pie, they pretend to eat it.

4. Learning Twist – Ask questions about the cards to boost learning. Example: “What color is the pilgrim hat?” or “Can you name three foods we eat at Thanksgiving?”

5. Team Play – Divide the group into two teams. Each team works together to remember where the cards are.

Perfect For Home, School, Or Thanksgiving Parties

This printable works anywhere.

• At Home – Keep kids busy while the turkey is cooking. It’s also a great family game for after dinner.

• In the Classroom – Use it during Thanksgiving week as a center activity, a group game, or a fun brain break.

• At a Party – Set it up at a kids’ table or activity station. It’s a great icebreaker for shy little ones.

You could even send each child home with a printed set so they can play with their families.

Tips For Extra Fun

Make your Thanksgiving Memory Game extra special with these ideas:

• Play festive background music while the game is going on.

• Give small prizes like stickers or pencils to the winner.

• Let the kids decorate their own envelopes to store the cards in.

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Memory Game?

This free printable is:

Festive – Brimming with Thanksgiving charm.

Educational – Builds important skills without feeling like schoolwork.

Easy to Prep – Just print, cut, and play.

Reusable – Laminate it and bring it out every year.

Perfect for All Ages – Works for preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary kids.

Parents love this game because it keeps kids happily occupied, and teachers love it because it’s low-prep and engaging.

And, well kids love it because it’s colorful, fun, and a little bit competitive.

Download Your Free Printable

Click on the link below to snag your free printable PDF.

 

Thanksgiving Memory Game Free Printable PDF (22 downloads )

 

 All you have to do is print two copies, cut out the cards, and start matching.

This Thanksgiving Memory Game is sure to bring laughter, learning, and a little friendly competition to your holiday season.

So, before you start mashing the potatoes or setting the table, download this free printable.

You’ll have a quick and easy way to keep kids busy while creating fun Thanksgiving memories they’ll remember for years to come.

More Thanksgiving Activities For Your Kids

Here are some more activities that you can consider grabbing for your kids:

• Free Thanksgiving activity placemats for kids
• Fun and meaningful Thanksgiving activities for the whole family
• How to teach gratitude to your kids
• Fall trivia questions and answers for kids 

Pin This Thanksgiving Memory Game

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