FREE Printable Thanksgiving Placemats for Kids

Last updated on November 21st, 2025 at 10:29 pm

Thanksgiving is a day full of food, family, and gratitude, but if you have little ones, you know it can also mean extra energy at the table. Kids are excited, there’s so much going on, and the wait for dinner can feel like forever. That is exactly why I created these free printable Thanksgiving coloring placemats. They are an easy way to keep kids engaged while the grown-ups finish prepping the meal.

These placemats double as an art project and table décor. They give kids a chance to color, draw, and even write what they are thankful for. By the end of dinner, you might have a sweet little piece of artwork to tuck into your memory box.

And the best part is they require almost no prep, just print them out, set them at each seat with a few crayons or colored pencils, and you’re ready to go. Let me show you how to use these Thanksgiving placemat printables, what you’ll need, and some other kid-friendly Thanksgiving ideas you can try this year.

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Why Use Thanksgiving Coloring Placemats?

If you’ve ever tried to keep a toddler or young child seated at the Thanksgiving table for more than a few minutes without something to do, you know it’s not easy. These Thanksgiving activity placemats can be a lifesaver because they:

• Keep little hands busy while food is being served
• Start the “What I’m thankful for” conversation with everyone at the table
• Are quick to print and easy to replace if one gets spilled on
• Make each child’s place setting feel extra special

With multiple designs to choose from, they’re perfect for larger family gatherings. Kids can trade placemats with each other or work their way through all the activities. Even adults might be tempted to join in once they see how fun they are.

What You’ll Need

Most of what you need for this Thanksgiving kids’ table activity is probably already in your house, but here’s the short list:

Supplies:

• Printer
• White paper or cardstock
• Crayons, colored pencils, or washable markers
• Optional: Clipboards or placemat protectors to keep coloring surfaces sturdy and spill-proof

Pro tip: If you use cardstock, the placemats will hold up better through the meal and are easier to save as keepsakes.

Other Fun Ways to Dress Up the Kids’ Table

The Thanksgiving coloring placemats might be the main event, but a few extra touches can turn the kids’ table into their table. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just a little something to make it feel special. Here are a few easy ideas you should try:

• Colorful Tablecloth or Paper Roll – A washable tablecloth in fall colors looks cute, but honestly, a big sheet of kraft paper they can doodle on works just as well.
• Mini Centerpieces – Set out mini pumpkins, mason jars filled with crayons, or a little “thankful tree” they can decorate while waiting for dinner.
• Name Cards – Write each child’s name on a card and place it at their seat. Or, set up a craft table so they can decorate their own place card before the meal starts.
• Fun Plates and Cups – Disposable plates and cups with Thanksgiving or fall designs are perfect for a kids table, and there’s no stress about spills or breakage. And when they are done eating just toss them in the trash for easy clean up.

How to Use the Free Printable Thanksgiving Placemats

1. Download and print the PDF file with all four placemat designs. You can print them all or just your favorites on regular 8.5 x 11 paper or cardstock. (Keep scrolling to get to the download)
2. Set one at each child’s place setting before guests arrive, along with crayons or markers, so they can start right away.
3. Let the kids work on their placemats and enjoy some quiet time while the adults catch up.
4. Print extras so you’re ready if someone finishes early or wants to try a different design
5. Save a few of the finished placemats if they survive the meal without too much gravy or cranberry sauce.

More Thanksgiving and Fall Activities for Kids

If the kids enjoy these coloring placemats, you might want to add a few more activities to keep the fun going. Here are some family-friendly options you can link to:

• DIY Thankful Tree Craft – Kids write what they’re grateful for on paper leaves, then attach them to a branch centerpiece.
• Pumpkin Painting Station – No carving required, and great for younger kids.
• Thanksgiving Bingo Game – A classic game that the whole family can join in.
• Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt – Indoors or outdoors, it’s a great way to burn off some energy before dessert.

Download Your Free Printable Thanksgiving Placemats

Grab all four placemat designs by clicking the link below. Print as many as you need so every child gets their own.

When you’re ready, set them out with some crayons, markers, or colored pencils. The kids’ table will feel instantly more fun, and you might even get a few quiet minutes in the kitchen before the “When’s dinner?” questions start up.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food, it’s about the people around the table and the moments you want to remember. These printable Thanksgiving coloring placemats are such an easy way to keep the kids happy, give them something of their own, and maybe even give you a few quiet minutes before the big meal.

Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just a small gathering, the four designs mean there’s something for every age and interest. Print them, set out some crayons, and let the kids do their thing while you enjoy your people and your plate.

If you end up using these, I’d love to hear which design was the favorite at your table. And if you know another parent who would love a little help keeping the kids entertained this Thanksgiving, go ahead and share this post with them.