Unplugged and Unbothered: Low-Cost Adventures for Thanksgiving Week

Kitchen Chemistry (That You Can Eat)

Thanksgiving break is coming, and you know what that means — the kids are home, the house is louder, and somehow everyone is hungry all the time. Before panic sets in, take a deep breath and remember: you don’t need fancy plans or expensive outings to make the week fun. With a little imagination (and maybe some snacks to bribe cooperation), this break can be full of connection, laughter, and good old-fashioned curiosity.

Here’s a list of easy, low-cost activities that work for every age and interest — from the artist to the scientist, the bookworm to the backyard explorer.

1. Backyard ScientistsYou don’t need lab coats to experiment. Try the Leafy Volcano trick — collect a pile of fall leaves, sprinkle baking soda underneath, and pour vinegar on top to create a fizzing fall “eruption.” Or make “nature potions” using flower petals, pine needles, and colored water in old jars. It’s messy, magical, and science disguised as play.

Check out a "nature potion" recipe here https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/resource/make-a-nature-potion/

2. Reading Fort Retreat Grab some blankets, string up fairy lights or flashlights, and create a cozy reading fort. Everyone picks their own book (or a read-aloud if your crew likes stories together). Add popcorn and you’ve got yourself a book club that smells faintly of corn chips and contentment. This is also a great opportunity to get into your local library to grab some fresh reading materials! You can find some fantastic Fall book suggestions here: https://caitlinmariedesign.com/best-fall-books-for-kids/

3. DIY Game MastersChallenge the kids to invent their own board game. Give them a cardboard base, some markers, and a handful of buttons or rocks for playing pieces. They’ll spend hours arguing over the rules, but in the best creative way. Bonus points if you all play it together later and come up with a dramatic game-night name like “Revenge of the Crawfish.”

Grab a free board game template here: https://haytorview.devon.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/Create-my-own-board-game-template.pdf

4. The Great Louisiana Scavenger Hunt Go outside and see what local treasures you can spot: a bird feather, a red leaf, a pinecone, a squirrel, or maybe even a tiny frog who refuses to pose for photos. Make it competitive or cooperative — either way, it’s screen-free and full of surprises.

Make your own scavenger hunt or snag a free one here: https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/projects/try-a-nature-scavenger-hunt

5. Mini Makers’ StudioSet up a small “creativity station” with recyclables — cardboard tubes, egg cartons, bottle caps — and challenge everyone to build something that does something. Maybe a marble run, a bug hotel, or a robot that doesn’t actually move but looks like it wants to. Let imagination lead.

There are LOTS of great "creativity station" supplies suggestions here https://www.kathyceceri.com/maker-supply-list

6. Kitchen Chemistry (That You Can Eat)Whip up a batch of homemade butter by shaking heavy cream in a mason jar (kids love the shaking part). Or make edible “slime” with marshmallows, powdered sugar, and cornstarch. It’s science meets snacktime, with sticky fingers guaranteed. Slime recipe: https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/make-marshmallow-edible-slime-recipe-taste-safe/

7. Neighborhood Acts of Kindness Make simple art cards, small pinecone ornaments, or leaf-pressed bookmarks, and leave them as surprises for neighbors or family. It’s creative, heartwarming, and a good reminder that gratitude is best shared.

Find a pressed leaf bookmark tutorial here: https://aberlehome.com/pressed-leaf-bookmarks-for-fall/

8. Family Film Festival Pick a theme — animals, adventure, “movies Mom loved as a kid.” Let everyone submit one film to the lineup and design handmade tickets and snacks. You’ll end up with popcorn on the floor, sure, but also a few new inside jokes.

Check out this list of cozy family movies: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/cozy-fall-movies-for-the-family

Thanksgiving break doesn’t have to be all turkeys and table settings. It can be about curiosity, creativity, and connection — the simple joys that don’t need Wi-Fi or big budgets. Whether your kids are building leaf volcanoes, designing the next great board game, or hiding in a reading fort with a flashlight, they’re learning the art of making something out of nothing.

And honestly, that’s the best kind of holiday magic there is.

I'd love to hear about all of your wonderful family adventures during Thanksgiving break! Tag FreeRangeHippie on social media to share the fun!