The Best Family Games to Play on Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is all about togetherness — sharing food, stories, and laughter. Once the feast is over and everyone gathers in the living room, there’s no better way to keep the energy high than with a few rounds of games. In recent years, technology has transformed how families play together. From voice-activated quizzes to virtual party games, there are endless ways to make your Thanksgiving more fun and interactive. Here’s a curated list of the best family games to play on Thanksgiving Day and bring everyone together.

Best Family Games to Play on Thanksgiving Day

Jackbox Party Pack

If there’s one name synonymous with digital party games, it’s Jackbox Games. Each Jackbox Party Pack includes several mini-games designed for groups, and everyone can join in using their smartphone — no console controller needed.

Whether you’re drawing weird prompts in Tee K.O., bluffing your way through Fibbage, or guessing outrageous answers in Quiplash, there’s a game for every kind of personality at the table.

Why it’s perfect for Thanksgiving:

• Simple setup: connect a laptop or console to your TV.
• Great for large groups (up to eight players plus audience).
• Easy for kids, teens, and grandparents alike.

Available on: PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

Heads Up! and Charades-Style Mobile Games

Sometimes, you just need a fast, hilarious game that gets everyone moving. Heads Up! — made famous by Ellen DeGeneres — is a crowd favorite. One player holds their phone to their forehead while others shout clues to help them guess the word on screen.

You can choose categories such as movies, animals, or Thanksgiving trivia. The app even records short videos of each round, so you can replay the funniest moments later.

Alternative apps:

• Psych! by the same creators, where you invent fake answers to real questions.
• Charades! — a free app that offers endless themed decks.

Available on: iOS and Android.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Few games are as universally loved as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It’s vibrant, competitive, and instantly fun for players of all ages. With simple controls and plenty of chaos, it’s the ideal post-dinner game when everyone wants to laugh.

Why it stands out:

• Up to four players can race on one screen.
• The tracks are colorful and filled with surprises.
• You can use motion controls for a more interactive feel.

If you don’t have a Nintendo Switch, consider Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled or Hot Wheels Unleashed on other consoles for a similar experience.

Trivia and Quiz Nights with Alexa or Google Assistant

Voice assistants can instantly turn into game hosts with a simple command. Ask Alexa or Google Assistant to play a trivia game, and you’ll get a mix of categories, difficulty levels, and scoring.

Fun Alexa skills to try:

• Jeopardy! — daily trivia in the iconic game-show style.
• Song Quiz — guess the title and artist of popular tracks.
• Would You Rather? — perfect for sparking laughter and debates.

For Google Home, try “Play a trivia game” or “Let’s play a guessing game” to start.

Why it’s great: Everyone can join in just by shouting out answers — no screens, no controllers, just pure interaction.

Just Dance: Turn Thanksgiving into a Dance Party

If your family is ready to burn off the extra pie, Just Dance is the ultimate way to move. Using your smartphone as a controller, you follow on-screen choreography to popular songs. The game scores your accuracy and enthusiasm, so everyone can join in regardless of skill level.

Highlights:

• Hundreds of songs across all genres.
• Multiplayer mode for up to six players.
• Family-friendly playlists for all ages.

Available on: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and streaming via the Just Dance+ app.

Create a family tournament and award small prizes — it keeps everyone motivated and laughing.

Among Us and Other Social Deduction Games

For families who enjoy strategy and mystery, Among Us adds a fun twist to Thanksgiving night. Players work together to complete spaceship tasks — but one or more impostors are secretly trying to sabotage the mission.

It’s an engaging mix of cooperation, deception, and quick thinking. The game can be played locally or online, and it’s simple enough for newcomers to learn in minutes.

Alternative picks:

• Goose Goose Duck — a sillier take on the same idea.
• Werewolf Online — perfect for larger family gatherings.

Available on: Mobile, PC, and consoles.

Kahoot! Family Trivia Night

Kahoot! turns your smartphone into a buzzer for custom trivia games. You can create your own Thanksgiving-themed quiz or choose from thousands of existing ones.

How to set it up:

1. Go to kahoot.com and choose a quiz.
2. Share the game PIN with players.
3. Everyone joins using their phones.

You can play on a smart TV, laptop, or projector, making it perfect for family gatherings. Kahoot! is especially fun if you include personal questions like “Who made the mashed potatoes this year?” or “Which relative always brings dessert?”

Jackbox Alternatives for Kids and Casual Players

If your group includes younger children, try these more accessible and screen-free digital games:

• Switch Sports: Simple bowling, tennis, and volleyball matches with motion controls.
• Overcooked! 2: Team up to run a chaotic virtual kitchen — expect laughter and shouting.
• Minecraft Party Mode: Build themed worlds or compete in mini-games together.

Each offers easy setup, cooperative play, and quick rounds that fit perfectly between dessert and cleanup.

Stream Party Games Virtually with Remote Guests

If your loved ones can’t join in person, technology still makes it easy to play together. Use Zoom, Discord, or Steam Remote Play to host digital game nights.

Recommended online party games:

• Codenames Online — a word-association game that’s free and fun for groups.
• Gartic Phone — an online drawing and guessing game.
• Pictionary AI — lets an AI judge your doodles in real time.

Remote gaming can make far-away family members feel part of the celebration, no matter the distance.

Use AI to Add a Creative Twist to Family Fun

AI tools can even help you invent your own Thanksgiving game ideas. Ask ChatGPT or Gemini to create custom trivia questions, scavenger hunts, or family challenges. You could say:

“Generate a list of Thanksgiving trivia questions for a family of 10, including kids.”

The results are instant, personal, and adaptable to your family’s humor and traditions. Pair these with smart home devices for an interactive hybrid game night.

Make Tech-Powered Games Feel More Personal

The key to a memorable Thanksgiving game night isn’t just the technology — it’s how you use it. Here are a few tips to make your gaming session more meaningful:

• Mix physical and digital games for balance.
• Include games that encourage storytelling or creativity.
• Keep rounds short and inclusive so everyone stays engaged.
• End the night by sharing a favorite moment or photo from the games.

A little structure goes a long way toward making the evening feel fun rather than frantic.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving is ultimately about connection, and technology can enhance that when used thoughtfully. Whether you’re competing in Mario Kart, guessing songs with Alexa, or laughing through Jackbox Party Pack, these games remind us that tech doesn’t just entertain — it brings people closer.

This year, turn your devices into tools for togetherness. After all, gratitude and joy are best shared — one game, one laugh, and one memory at a time.