Thanksgiving Turkey Tag Game + Craft for Kids
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Looking for a fun Thanksgiving game for kids that gets everyone moving? This Turkey Tag Game combines a simple craft with an energetic backyard activity—perfect for kids, families, classrooms, and cousins waiting for Thanksgiving dinner to be ready.
Inspired by the picture book Run, Turkey, Run! by Diane Mayr, this game gives kids a chance to become the turkey and “run, run, run!” as they try to snatch each other’s clothespin turkey feathers.
It’s playful, fast, and guaranteed giggles.
What Is Thanksgiving Turkey Tag?
Turkey Tag is an active chase game similar to flag tag, but instead of flags, kids decorate colorful turkey tail feather clothespins to clip onto the back of their shirt or jacket.
Players try to collect as many turkey feathers as possible while protecting their own.
It’s easy to prep, great for groups, and a perfect “get-the-wiggles-out” activity before Thanksgiving dinner.
We read a fun Thanksgiving storybook called Run, Turkey, Run! by Diane Mayr and wanted to create an activity to go along with it. This cute book is about a turkey who is running away from the farmer at Thanksgiving time. He does not want to be eaten and runs and hides. My kids were all giggling through it.
This Turkey Tag Game was inspired by the runaway turkey in the story. (Wait until you read the ending, it is hilarious!)
Turkey Tag is both a craft and an activity! It’s a great activity for those who love to create and those who. love to move. We have some of both in our family!
How to Make the Turkey Tail Feathers (Craft)
These cute turkey tail feathers make the game extra fun.
Supplies Needed to MAke The Turkey Tail Feathers:
Clothespins
Paint
Glue
Craft Feathers
Extra decorations- glitter, googly eyes
Instructions
Paint the clothespins
Let kids paint them in fall or rainbow colors. Quick-dry paints or squeeze-and-brush paints help reduce the mess.
Decorate
Add glitter glue, paint designs, or googly eyes—whatever makes your turkey feathers fabulous.
Attach feathers
Once dry, glue craft feathers onto the clipping end of the clothespin.
Tip: small feathers stay on better while running; large ones may fall off.
Now it’s time to run and play turkey tag!
How to Play Thanksgiving Turkey Tag
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Give each player 1–2 clothespin turkey feathers and clip them on the back of their shirt or coat.
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Choose one person to be the caller for the round.
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When the caller yells “Run, Turkey, Run!”
– everyone races around trying to grab feathers off other players.
– when players collect feathers, they clip them onto the front of their shirt. -
When the caller yells “Stop, Turkey, Stop!”, everyone freezes.
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Continue until one player has collected all the feathers or until you decide to reset and play again.
Kids LOVE this game—and it’s even better with a big group of cousins or classmates.
Turkey Tag Game Variations (Fun Add-Ons!)
Make your post feel “new” with these optional variations:
1. Silent Turkey Tag
Players must sneak, tiptoe, or walk—no running allowed.
2. Turkey Teams
Divide into two teams with different feather colors.
3. Hide & Seek Turkey
Hide feathers around the yard. Kids hunt for them and clip them on.
4. Winter-Coat Friendly Version
Clip feathers onto backpack straps for outdoor play.
5. Classroom-Friendly Indoor Version
Players may only walk fast, crab-walk, or shuffle.
My kids LOVED playing this! They had lots of fun. I think it would be even better with a big group. We are planning to bring a big set of them to our family’s Thanksgiving dinner so all of the cousins can play together. This is a great game to pass the time and stay busy while all the food is cooking!
Educational Connections
Add a little learning (and Pinterest-saves!) by tying in literacy or motor skills:
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Book Pairing: Run, Turkey, Run! by Diane Mayr
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Gross Motor Practice: agility, spatial awareness, balance
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Craft Skills: painting, gluing, fine motor control
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Social skills: cooperation, patience, taking turns
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SEL: handling winning/losing, working as a group
Tips for Success
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Use small craft feathers or felt feather cutouts—they’re more durable.
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Make extra feathers, especially if playing with a large group.
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Clip feathers LOW enough on shirts that kids can’t reach their own.
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Play outside if possible! Indoors can get wild fast.
Want some more Thanksgiving Fun? Check out some of these:
Thanksgiving Family Feud Game Printable
Turkey Felt Board Feather Matching
Thanksgiving Dinner Scratch Off Cards
This is the Feast Story Sticks
I love this game idea! So cute!! When they get someone else’s clothes pin do they just hold it? Or do they clip it onto themselves?
This game sounds fun. A twist on the game to involve adults and kids could be a version of the baby shower game by having each guest wear the turkey feather throughout Thanksgiving and all guest can’t say the word “Turkey”. If one guest hears another say “Turkey” that person can take the feather.
Super cute idea! Can’t wait to try this with my group!