Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. When it’s over I get a little sad knowing I will have to wait another 364 days to experience it again. There’s something about watching the parade, football, family time, cooking and elastic waistband pants that brings me so much joy.

But there is so much to do this time of year. Especially if you’re hosting. So sometimes I need stuff to keep the kids busy that I don’t have to oversee. You know those crafts and activities where you just end up doing the whole thing for them because they can’t? Yeah, not so much. There are times when I do want to sit and do it with them, and then there’s times where I just need to keep them busy so I can go about my adulting.

So I compiled a list of some of my favorite Thanksgiving crafts, games and activities that require little to no help from the parents. There might be a little prep ahead of time for some of them, especially if you have really little ones but once they’re ready to start, this should buy you a few minutes to cook a turkey in peace!

*Just in case I need to cover my butt on this, I don’t condone leaving your children alone people. Obviously they need supervision I just mean these are things they can do without you having to do it for them so they can do these games and activities while you’re cooking…. in the same room. Because, duh!