Thanksgiving picture bingo to print
Show a Thanksgiving picture and let players cover the matching picture on their boards. Children can take part without reading the labels, and pairs can share a board when the dinner table is crowded.
Print the 30 call names above, the blank board below and the caller log. You will need to add matching pictures before playing. This page does not include 24 finished illustrated boards or a separate board PDF. The instructions show how to prepare different layouts, count boards for dinner or class, and check each winning pattern.
What you can print
The printable materials are the 30 Thanksgiving call names, one blank 5x5 board template and a log listing all 30 calls. The center square is a free Thanksgiving dinner space. Each completed board needs 24 pictures around that center; the caller deck includes dinner, harvest and parade objects such as roast turkey, an acorn and a parade balloon.
The Print all 30 button above prints the page, not a separate illustrated deck. Add pictures to the printed calls before cutting them into cards. Keep a copy of the rules with the cards so someone else can take over calling; the printable party games guide explains how to prepare helper notes.
The on-screen Draw another call button selects a call name. It can repeat a call from earlier in the round and does not fill in your caller log. Paper cards drawn from a shuffled deck are easier to use without repeats.
Print and fill in a Thanksgiving bingo board
Prepare one drawing for each of the 30 calls, then copy those drawings onto the caller cards and boards. Use the same picture for the same call everywhere. For example, give pumpkin pie a visible pumpkin detail and apple pie an apple detail so players can distinguish the two. Labels underneath are useful for readers, but words alone do not make the board playable by picture matching.
For each board, select 24 different pictures from the 30 calls. Put one in every blank square and leave the free dinner center in place. Arrange the pictures differently on the next board, then compare completed layouts if you want a set of 24 different boards. Different layouts do not prevent tied wins.
Blank 5x5 board
Print one copy for each board you are preparing. Draw or glue pictures into the empty squares. Check a test page before printing the full set; print settings affect the space available for pictures.
Player or pair: ____________________ Board number: __________
| FREE Thanksgiving dinner | ||||
For another occasion, the Halloween picture bingo instructions include a smaller board for younger players. The Christmas picture bingo page also explains how to arrange matching pictures on blank boards. Both require you to add artwork before picture-only play.
How many boards do you need?
At dinner, allow one board per two guests. Twelve guests sharing in pairs need six boards. Give each pair one marker cup and bring the boards out between courses when there is room beside the plates.
For a classroom, prepare one board per child or let children share in pairs. The original preparation plan calls for six spare boards for late arrivals, siblings or replacements; these are extra copies, not six additional unique layouts.
| Players and arrangement | Boards in use | With six spares |
|---|---|---|
| 12 dinner guests in pairs | 6 | 12 |
| 24 children playing individually | 24 | 30 |
| 48 children in pairs | 24 | 30 |
Prepare extra pictures and markers for any spare board that may be used. For more than 24 individual players, run rotations or prepare more layouts. If you want an activity after the seated round, the large-group party games guide has games where several children take part at once.
Write down your print quantities
Number of players: __________ Players per board: __________
Boards needed for play: __________ Spare boards: __________
Total boards to prepare: __________ Marker cups: __________
Caller: ____________________ Helper: ____________________
Show the pictures and check the winner
Choose the winning pattern before you begin: one complete line of five across, down or diagonally, or all four corners. Show the pattern on a sample board. Everyone covers the free center before the first call; it counts toward a line that passes through it.
Shuffle the picture cards and draw one at a time. Say the name once, then hold the picture where everyone can see it for at least five seconds. Leave more time if players are still looking. For a show-don’t-say round, let children match the displayed picture without relying on the spoken name. A partner can help a younger child scan the board.
Record each new call on the log and put the card in a used-card pile. Players cover a matching picture if it appears on their board; each board uses 24 of the 30 calls, so some calls will not match.
When someone calls bingo, pause and check every square in the chosen pattern against the log. If two players complete the pattern on the same call, you can let them share the win. If using prizes, have a small prize for the round and optional runner-up stickers ready before play.
At a quieter dinner table, players can raise a hand instead of shouting. The quiet party games guide has other seated options. Once older children want a word activity, the Thanksgiving word games pack describes scrambles, a word search and other games for readers.
Thanksgiving bingo caller log
Write the call number beside each picture as you draw it. Use this sheet to check a winning board. Start each new round with a fresh log, cleared boards and all caller cards returned to the deck.
Round: __________ Winning pattern: ____________________
Caller: ____________________ Winner or winners: ____________________
| Call | Order drawn | Call | Order drawn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roast turkey | ______ | Stuffing bowl | ______ |
| Pumpkin pie | ______ | Green beans | ______ |
| Apple pie | ______ | Sweet potato casserole | ______ |
| Cornucopia | ______ | Wishbone | ______ |
| Pilgrim hat | ______ | Mayflower ship | ______ |
| Scarecrow | ______ | Turkey feather | ______ |
| Acorn | ______ | Parade balloon | ______ |
| Maple leaf | ______ | Football | ______ |
| Fall wreath | ______ | Dining candle | ______ |
| Pumpkin | ______ | Oven mitt | ______ |
| Corn on the cob | ______ | Hot apple cider | ______ |
| Dinner roll | ______ | Whipped cream dollop | ______ |
| Cranberry sauce | ______ | Caramel apple | ______ |
| Mashed potatoes | ______ | Hay bale | ______ |
| Gravy boat | ______ | Sunflower | ______ |
If you use the on-screen picker, skip any call already recorded. It does not remember the full round for you.
Get the bingo materials ready
Prepare the pictures and boards before game day. You can print and add artwork the weekend before, pack everything the day before, and put boards at every second place setting shortly before a paired dinner round. Drawing and copying pictures may take longer than printing alone.
- Count the players and decide whether they will share boards.
- Print a test board, the 30 call names and a caller log. Start with 100% scale and check the preview before making more copies.
- Add matching pictures to the caller cards and boards. Card stock is an option for boards you want to keep.
- Number the boards and compare layouts before preparing the full set and six spares.
- Cut the caller cards apart and put them in a bowl or hat for drawing.
- Set out one marker cup per player or pair, plus extras.
- Choose a line or four-corners finish and show it on a sample board.
- Pack the boards, cards, logs, markers and any prizes together, with the rules for the caller.
Use removable markers that suit your players. The original options are candy corn or dried pasta. Crayon X marks work for paper boards you do not need to clear for another round; do not rely on crayon wiping off a laminated board.
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Keep the boards for another round
Clear removable markers after each round, collect all 30 caller cards and use a fresh log. You can keep the same board layouts for the rematch. Laminating finished boards is an option for classroom reuse; store them flat and keep the cards banded with the rules and blank logs.
The Easter picture bingo instructions also explain preparing matching pictures and reusable boards. For a February class party, the Valentine picture bingo page uses friendship pictures. The birthday picture bingo page describes birthday-themed calls, while New Year’s Eve bingo includes blank boards and countdown play. Each occasion needs its own pictures; keep each deck with its matching boards.
Other games for the Thanksgiving table
If children would rather look for objects in a scene, the Thanksgiving picture-search party pack explains preparing three scenes and keyed answers. Read its preparation instructions before choosing it as your next activity.
Keep the boards and markers out of the serving area when food arrives. Use the party food quantity guide to count everyone eating and work out amounts for each dish. If you still need to decide what to serve, browse party food ideas.
For a longer gathering, choose another activity from party games that fits the room and players. The seasonal party ideas guide can help with food, supplies and timing for other holiday gatherings.
Thanksgiving picture bingo questions
Does this page include 24 finished picture boards?
No. It provides 30 call names, a blank 5x5 board and a caller log. Add matching pictures and arrange the board layouts yourself; there is no finished illustrated board download here.
How many boards do I need for a classroom?
Prepare 24 boards for 24 individual players, or use those boards for up to 48 children playing in pairs. Prepare six spare boards if needed.
Can 3-year-olds play without reading?
They can match pictures without reading the labels. Show each caller picture for at least 5 seconds and give more time or a partner’s help when needed.
What can we use as markers?
Use removable markers that suit your players. The original suggestions are candy corn or dried pasta. Crayon X marks are an option for paper boards you do not need to clear for another round.
How do I avoid repeated calls?
Shuffle the printed picture cards and put each drawn card in a separate pile. The on-screen picker can repeat earlier calls; record new calls on the log and skip repeats if you use it.
How should I store the kit?
Keep prepared boards flat, band the caller cards and store them with the rules and blank caller logs. Laminate finished boards if you want to reuse them.