Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with family and enjoy some cozy, seasonal fun with little ones. It’s also an opportunity to respect and appreciate Indigenous people, history, and traditions.
Here are five fun, toddler-friendly activities that can help your family celebrate Thanksgiving, foster gratitude, and honor Native American Heritage Month.
1. Story Time with Indigenous Authors
Reading with your toddler is a great way to introduce them to Indigenous stories and perspectives. Look for picture books by Native authors that highlight the beauty and traditions of Indigenous cultures, like You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith or We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell.
Snuggle up with your toddler and read together, allowing them to explore cultures and themes that expand beyond the traditional Thanksgiving story.
Activity Tip: After reading, talk with your toddler about what they enjoyed in the story and encourage them to share their thoughts. You might even have a little story time snack inspired by the book, like fry bread or popcorn.
2. Create Corn Husk Dolls
Corn husk dolls have been a cherished craft among many Native cultures, including the Iroquois and other Indigenous peoples of North America.
Making these dolls can be a hands-on activity that helps toddlers develop fine motor skills while learning about traditional crafts. Learn about the storytelling dolls in this video.
Or find detailed instructions for how to make them.
Activity Tip: Pre-soak the corn husks and guide your toddler in twisting and tying them to make simple dolls. You can share a bit about how these dolls were made and cherished by children in Native cultures.
Finish by giving the dolls names and even creating a “family” of dolls to celebrate.
3. Learn About Native Plants and Foods
Many of the foods we associate with Thanksgiving, like corn, pumpkin, squash, cranberries, and wild rice, were staple crops among Indigenous communities long before Europeans arrived.
Take a little time to introduce your toddler to these foods through play and exploration. You can find some traditional recipes on here.
PlanToys Cupcake Set
Activity Tip: Create a sensory bin filled with dried beans, corn kernels, and small squash or pumpkins. Let your toddler dig, pour, and scoop while you talk about how these foods are important in Native culture. For a little snack, try cooking simple dishes like roasted squash or cornbread together!
4. Sing or Listen to Traditional Indigenous Songs
Music is a wonderful way to connect with different cultures. Find some toddler-friendly Indigenous music, such as songs in Native languages or traditional drumming. Many tribes have their own unique sounds and rhythms, so it can be an educational and soothing experience for toddlers.
Activity Tip: Put on a few songs during a calm activity, like coloring or playing with blocks. Afterward, ask your toddler what they liked about the music—whether it was the rhythm, the sounds, or even the instruments. This can open the door to talking about respect for different cultures and musical traditions.
5. Express Gratitude with a “Thankful Tree”
Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude, and making a “Thankful Tree” with your toddler is a great way to keep the focus on what you’re grateful for.
While crafting, discuss the idea of giving thanks, which is also a key element in many Native cultures. Indigenous people often hold ceremonies and rituals to express gratitude for the land, water, animals, and other gifts of nature.
PlanToys Chef Set
Activity Tip: Gather some branches in a vase and cut out paper leaves. Each day, help your toddler add a leaf to the tree with something they are grateful for, whether it’s family, food, or a favorite toy. This can also serve as a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece. How to Make a Thankful Tree in 3 Simple Steps.
Wrapping Up: Teaching Toddlers Respect and Awareness
By choosing Thanksgiving activities that introduce toddlers to Native cultures, you’re helping them gain respect and appreciation for Indigenous people, history, and traditions.
HABA Natural Wood Nativity Set
These activities are not only fun and educational but also instill values of gratitude, inclusivity, and understanding.
Thanksgiving is a chance for families to reflect on the holiday’s origins with respect, and to celebrate the connections we all share with each other and the natural world. Happy Thanksgiving!