Free Printable Thanksgiving Drawing Game Cards

Created by Print & Mingle

Seasonal games · Drawing game · 4 pages

24 original Thanksgiving drawing scenes in a colorful four-page pack, with clear team rules, timed rounds, and accessible alternatives.

Draw a Thanksgiving scene instead of a single word

This Thanksgiving drawing game gives each artist a small scene to communicate: a familiar autumn object with an unexpected setting or companion. The 24 cards are written for a family or adult gathering that enjoys playful guesses rather than polished artwork. A pumpkin riding in a wheelbarrow needs only two recognizable shapes and a connecting idea. Stick figures, arrows, and rough outlines are welcome. The scenes make this a different activity from our silent acting cards. Here, the drawing remains visible while teammates build on each other's guesses, and the artist stays seated with a pencil and paper.

Print one set and prepare the drawing space

The pack contains 24 numbered scene cards, six per page across four illustrated pages. Both the A4 and US Letter versions have identical prompts. You provide drawing paper or a wipe-clean board; the PDF is a card set, not a drawing pad or score sheet. Print at 100 percent, check the first page, then cut and shuffle the cards face down. Put the drawing surface where teammates can see it without leaning over hot dishes. Have a timer and a separate sheet for scores if competing. A thick dark pen usually makes sketches easier to see across a table.

Set the rules before revealing a card

Divide players into two balanced teams and choose a first artist on each team. Give the active artist one card and ten seconds to read it privately. Start a 60-second timer when drawing begins. The artist may draw pictures and arrows but may not write letters, numbers, words, or word-length blanks. They may not speak, mouth the answer, point to nearby objects, or act out the scene. Teammates can make as many guesses as they wish before time expires. Show the card afterward so everyone understands what the picture was trying to communicate, then give the other team its turn.

Accept the meaning and score fairly

Award one point when a guess identifies the main objects and their relationship. For the squirrel carrying a tiny pie, "a squirrel bringing a small pie" is close enough; "an animal" alone is not. Decide this meaning-based rule before playing so exact wording does not become a surprise obstacle. Use a neutral reader or agree together if a guess is borderline. There are no steals in this version. Each team receives the same number of turns, ideally six, with artists rotating so willing players get a turn before anybody repeats. If the scores match after the agreed rounds, share the win.

Make the scenes manageable for different players

A younger artist can quietly ask a helper to read the card before the timer starts. If a scene has an unfamiliar word, the helper may explain it privately without drawing. Allow 90 seconds for every artist if the group prefers a slower pace; use the same limit throughout that round. A person who does not want to draw can guess, keep time, or pass the artist role. For a cooperative version, give the whole table one shared target, such as recognizing six scenes, and remove the timer. Larger paper and a broad pen can help guests who find tiny details difficult to see.

Avoid the most common drawing-game frustration

Start with the biggest useful shape instead of adding decorations. For a pumpkin in a wheelbarrow, draw the wheel and tray first, then the pumpkin sitting inside. If teammates guess pumpkin but miss the wheelbarrow, add a handle instead of tracing the pumpkin repeatedly. The artist can point to part of their own drawing but cannot point into the room. Keep used cards separate so scenes do not repeat unexpectedly. If a card feels too difficult, allow one replacement before the timer starts and put the skipped card aside. Give both teams this same option and do not award a bonus for choosing harder scenes.

Finish while people still want another turn

A twelve-turn match with brief changeovers usually fits into about 20 minutes. Stop after equal turns even if unused cards remain. Invite everyone to look at the drawings together without ranking the artwork or naming a worst artist. Ask permission before photographing a person or sharing their work. For guests who prefer movement, the Thanksgiving charades cards provide silent acting prompts. For a quieter table reset, offer the Thanksgiving word scramble. Keep the drawing cards in a labeled envelope and use the other half of the set at a future gathering.