Inside: Getting multiple generations to connect during Thanksgiving can be challenging. Here are 25 ideas to help bring families together at the holidays in fun and engaging ways.

Thanksgiving is supposed to be about gratitude, family, and connection… but let’s be honest. Sometimes it feels more like:

Adults in one room
Teens glued to their phones
Grandparents trying to talk over the noise
Littles running in circles
And half the family wondering how to avoid political debates

If your holiday gatherings have ever veered into awkward silence or heated conversations, you are NOT alone.

The good news? With just a little intention, you can help every generation—from toddlers to teens to grandparents—actually talk, laugh, and enjoy being together.

Here are 25 fun and easy ways to spark conversations and build memories that won’t feel forced or cheesy (promise!).

1. Use Thanksgiving Conversation Cards (Printable Included!)

Set a little stack in the center of the table or pass the basket around.
Ask silly, meaningful, or unexpected questions—everyone answers ONE.

Examples:

• “What’s something you’re grateful for that isn’t a person or a thing?”
• “What’s a dream you had this year (big or small)?”
• “What’s a family memory that always makes you laugh?”

2. Ask the “High-Low-Buffalo” Question

Everyone shares:
High: the best part of their month
Low: a challenge
Buffalo: a random surprise

Quick, structured, works for teens.

3. The Three-Word Story

Go around the table and build a story three words at a time.
It gets wild fast, especially when Grandpa jumps in.

4. “Would You Rather – Thanksgiving Edition”

Fun, low-pressure questions like:

• “Would you rather have pie for breakfast or stuffing for dessert?”
• “Would you rather cook the meal or clean everything up?”

Great icebreaker for mixed ages.

5. The “Pass-the-Phone” Challenge

Pass a phone around and read prompts like:

• “Show a photo you love from this year.”
• “Show a picture you forgot you had.”
• “Find your oldest photo with someone at this table.”

Easy way to share memories without scrolling endlessly.

Fun & Easy Activities to Bring Generations Together

6. Thanksgiving Photo Scavenger Hunt

Give everyone 10 quick prompts to capture:

-Someone laughing
– Something orange
– A yummy smell
– A cozy moment

At dessert, do a slideshow on the TV.

7. “Grandparent Story Minute”

Give grandparents or older relatives one minute to share a short story from when they were teens.
Teens actually love these tiny peek-into-the-past moments.

8. Teen “DJ of the Day” Playlist

Let the teens be in charge of background music.
Bonus: Ask grandparents to request a song from their era.

9. Family Gratitude Chain

Cut strips of paper and have everyone write something they’re grateful for.
Link them together like a chain and display it.

The Grateful Turkey – Thanksgiving Gratitude Craft

10. Secret Compliment Notes

Hand everyone a sticky note.
Write a short compliment or appreciation for someone else at the table.
Stick it under their plate to discover later.

11. The “Taste Test” Game

Choose 3–4 foods (pie flavors, cranberry sauces, stuffing styles).
Everyone votes on their favorite in a blind taste test.

12. Start a TikTok Family Tradition

Create a fun, quick video:
-Dance
-Recipe
-Outfit color theme
-“What we’re thankful for” montage

Teens will actually participate if it’s short and simple.

13. Table Topics by Age

Put out bowls labeled:

• Kids
• Teens
• Adults
• Grandparents

Let people choose any bowl they want.

14. “Guess the Family Fact” Game

Before dinner, collect fun facts from each person.
Read aloud and have everyone guess who it belongs to.

15. The Recipe Memory Game

Ask everyone to share one food that instantly brings back a memory.
This always sparks stories.

Ways to Involve Teens (So They Don’t Hide in the Basement)

16. Put Teens in Charge of the Aesthetic

They can handle:

• Place cards
• Centerpiece
• Photo wall
• Drink station
• Apple cider bar

Creative control = participation.

17. Let Teens Interview Relatives on Video

Ask them to record a “Family History Mini Interview.”
Questions included:

• “What’s the best advice you were ever given?”
• “What was your favorite age to be?”
• “What’s one thing you want future generations to know?”

This becomes a keepsake.

18. Teens Lead a Game After Dinner

Simple options:

• Heads Up
• Exploding Kittens
• Code Names
• Charades
• Holiday Bingo

Games are a natural conversation starter.

Related: Best Board Games For Teens – Ideas for Teens from Teens

19. Give Teens a “Creative Job”

Examples:

• Thanksgiving photo backdrop creator
• Pie decorator
• Hot chocolate bar stylist
• Family photographer

Let each teen pick one “fun” job—NOT dishes.

20. Let Teens Teach the Adults Something

Teens love being the expert, even on silly things:

• How to take a good smartphone photo
• How to make a trending TikTok recipe
• What Gen Z slang actually means

Great equalizer.

New Thanksgiving Traditions That Build Connection

21. The “Thankful For You” Toast

Each person gives a 10-second toast to someone else at the table.
Short… but powerful.

22. Gratitude Tablecloth

Buy a white tablecloth + fabric markers.
Every year, have family members write gratitude notes.
Over time it becomes a priceless keepsake.

23. The “Future Letter” Tradition

Everyone writes a short note to their future self to read next Thanksgiving.
Include one hope, one memory, and one intention.

24. After-Dinner Walk and Talk

A simple 10-minute family walk creates natural conversation.
Teens often open up more when walking versus sitting.

25. Screen-Free Hour (With a Twist)

Instead of declaring “NO PHONES,” offer alternatives:
-Board games
-Music
-Dessert tasting
-Photo sharing
-Craft table

You’re replacing—not restricting.

Final Thoughts: Make Connection Easy, Not Forced

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be awkward, boring, or filled with tense small talk. With just a few simple activities, conversation starters, and intentional traditions, you can create a holiday where every generation feels included and everyone walks away with a memory they’ll actually want to repeat next year.

Even teens.

Related: 50+ Family Christmas Traditions To Build Lifelong Memories