The Kids Table

There are two schools of thought (and good reasons for both) about whether or not to have a “kids table” on Thanksgiving. Whatever side of the table you’re on, you’ll love these activities and recipes that elevate the kids table into something extra special and fun. Next thing you know, everyone in the family will want to sit there! Alternatively, consider planning a Friendsgiving event on a different day this month.

Turkey Veggie Platter

Roasted rainbow carrots decorated to look like a turkey are a surefire way to get kids to eat their veggies! Serve with hummus or ranch dip for a tasty side dish.

Find recipes and project directions for everything on these two pages in our “Friendsgiving for Kids” article at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/dining-andrecipes/friendsgiving-recipes-for-kids.

Edible Sand Art

Colorful bottles of sanding sugar are another way to identify seats at the kids table, or a fun (albeit messy) activity for kids after they’ve eaten. Layer colored sugar in little glass bottles (have a few small funnels on hand), write each child’s name on a tag, then tie it to a bottle with twine.

The Edible Sand Art project and all photos on this page are courtesy of The RecipeA-Day Kids Cookbook by Food Network Magazine.

Thanksgiving Sodas

Sure, you can pick up a bottle of sparkling cider at the store, but since we’re kicking things up a notch this year, why not make one (or more) of these delicious homemade sodas? Choose from apple-pomegranate, spiced cran-grape or pecan pie. Make the simple flavored syrup, then stir a few tablespoons into a glass of seltzer to make it bubbly.

Mini Apple Pies

There’s something extra special and adorable about items in miniature sizes. Take apple pie, for example. What child wouldn’t love a miniature apple pie that doesn’t have to be shared with anyone? What adult wouldn’t, for that matter. Our online Friendsgiving article includes recipes for these mini apple pies, as well as pumpkin, blueberry or apple mini mason jar pies.

Thanksgiving Crackers

Photos by Alyssa Navapanich and Lisa Gipson

Party crackers (aka party favors) may be more traditional at Christmas dinner, but there’s no reason they can’t be modified for Thanksgiving for any other celebration! Make DIY Thanksgiving Crackers as a group activity to take home as party favors, or make them in advance to decorate each place setting. Fill each cracker with small treats or turkey jokes for kids or fill with notes of thanks or conversation starters for adults. Our award-winning “Art with Alyssa” contributor, Alyssa Navapanich shares instructions in our “Friendsgiving with Kids” article (website on previous page).

Photos by Alyssa Navapanich and Lisa Gipson

Turkey Jokes

Write turkey jokes on strips of paper to put inside Thanksgiving crackers (jokes provided by Alyssa Navapanich). Q: Why did the turkey cross the road? A: He wanted people to think he was a chicken. Q: What did the turkey say to the computer? A: Google, Google. Q: What kind of weather does a turkey like? A: Fowl weather. Q: Why did the cranberries turn red? A: Because they saw the turkey dressing. Q: What’s the best dance to do on Thanksgiving? A: The turkey trot. Q: What sound does a turkey’s phone make? A: Wing, wing, wing.

Thanksgiving Bingo

We created a festive game of Thanksgiving Bingo for kids to play when they’re done eating. Go to www.sandiegofamily.com/for-thekids/crafts-for-kids to print out free bingo cards and calling cards, and to read game instructions. v

Lisa Gipson is the managing editor of San Diego Family.

20 • SanDiegofamily.com • November 2022