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Writer's pictureNeda Watanabe

# A Pediatrician's Guide to a Healthy and Fun Thanksgiving Day for Kids

Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful time for families to come together, share a meal, and express gratitude. As a pediatrician, I understand the importance of making this day not only fun but also healthy for kids. Here are some ideas to help you plan a memorable and healthy Thanksgiving Day for your little ones.

## Healthy Thanksgiving Day Recipes for Kids

Preparing a Thanksgiving meal that is both delicious and nutritious can be a challenge, especially when you want to ensure your kids will enjoy the food. Here are some healthy Thanksgiving recipes that your kids will love:

1. Fruit and Veggie Turkey: This is a fun and festive snack made entirely of fresh fruit, veggies, and a few sweet additions¹.

2. Thanksgiving Snack Mix: This sweet and salty snack mix is easy to throw together and will keep your kids satisfied all afternoon until dinner time¹.

3. Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes: A delicious twist on the traditional mashed potatoes served at the Thanksgiving table¹.

4. Butter and Herb Roasted Turkey Breast: These whole-roasted turkey breasts come out moist and flavorful from a buttery paste underneath the skin and a low and slow roast in the oven¹.

5. No Bake Pumpkin Pie Bites: These no bake pumpkin pie bites are more nutritious than a traditional pumpkin pie, and easy for kids to pop in their mouths after dinner is done¹.

You can find more healthy Thanksgiving recipes for kids [here](^1^).

## Thanksgiving Day Activities for Kids

Keeping kids entertained during Thanksgiving Day can be a bit of a task. Here are some fun activities that your kids can engage in:

1. Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt: This is a fun activity that will have the family scrambling to find something that smells amazing, that has words on it, that makes me laugh, and so on⁵.

2. Turkey Tag: A game of tag is almost a necessity for a Thanksgiving get-together, and these DIY turkey tag clothespins make it even more fun⁶.

3. Thanksgiving Pictionary for Kids: Pictionary is a fun game for kids and adults of all ages, and this one is made into a Thanksgiving game by using words like "turkey," "leaf," "autumn," and "scarecrow"⁶.

4. Gratitude Scavenger Hunt: This printable Gratitude Scavenger Hunt will have the family scrambling to find something that smells amazing, that has words on it, that makes me laugh, and so on⁶.

5. Turkey Waddle: Turkey Waddle is a fun and silly Thanksgiving game that will get the family out and move⁶.

You can find more Thanksgiving Day activities for kids [here](^5^).

Remember, the key to a successful Thanksgiving Day is to plan ahead and involve your kids in the preparations. This will not only keep them engaged but also help them understand the significance of the day. Happy Thanksgiving! 😊

Source: Conversation with Bing, 11/23/2023

(3) 50 Fun Thanksgiving Activities and Ideas for Kids - Parade. https://parade.com/1097669/marynliles/thanksgiving-activities-for-kids/.

(4) 14 Thanksgiving Games for Kids and Families - The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/thanksgiving-games-for-kids-and-families-1356366.

(5) 50 Fun Thanksgiving Activities and Ideas for Kids - Parade. https://parade.com/1097669/marynliles/thanksgiving-activities-for-kids/.

(6) 64 Kid Friendly Thanksgiving Side Dishes (Great for Picky Eaters!). https://makehealthyrecipes.com/kid-friendly-thanksgiving-side-dishes/.

(7) 30+ Super Cute Thanksgiving Recipes for Kids - In the Kids' Kitchen. https://www.inthekidskitchen.com/kids-thanksgiving-recipes/.

(8) 30 Easy Thanksgiving Recipes for Kids - Peanut Blossom. https://www.peanutblossom.com/blog/thanksgiving-recipes-for-kids/.

(9) 9 Awesome Thanksgiving Day Activities for Kids and Toddlers - Jen Bradley. https://www.jenbradleymoms.com/thanksgiving-day-activities/.

(10) 32 Fun Things to Do on Thanksgiving for Families, Kids & Adults. https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/g33352541/things-to-do-on-thanksgiving/.

(11) 14 Thanksgiving Classroom Activities That Make for Holiday Fun That's .... https://www.teachstarter.com/us/blog/thanksgiving-activities-for-the-classroom/.

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