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Thanksgiving Show for Kids: Ideas and How to Plan

Thanksgiving brings more than just turkey and pie to the table. While families gather to share gratitude, many parents wonder how to make screen time meaningful during the holiday season.

The right thanksgiving show for kids can turn ordinary TV moments into cherished family traditions that teach gratitude, kindness, and togetherness.

This post helps parents, teachers, and caregivers find the perfect Thanksgiving-themed episodes that entertain while building lasting memories.

When children watch shows that celebrate thankfulness, they learn valuable lessons. Plus, parents get a few quiet moments to prep dinner!

How to Plan Thanksgiving Show Time for Kids

Creating the perfect viewing setup makes Thanksgiving shows for kids extra special.

Parents can change any space with soft blankets, throw pillows, and a bowl of popcorn. Simple crafts like paper turkeys keep little hands busy during commercials.

Show length matters by age group when choosing a Thanksgiving show for kids.

Toddlers focus best with 15-20 minute episodes, while older kids handle 30-45 minutes comfortably. Preschoolers sit happily for about 25 minutes.

Smart families pair each Thanksgiving show for kids with fun activities. Coloring sheets featuring characters from the episodes work well.

Thanksgiving trivia games between shows get everyone talking. Plus, kids love making simple snacks like trail mix or apple slices.

These extras turn regular TV time into special family moments that children remember long after the holiday ends.

Top Thanksgiving Shows and Episodes for Kids

Here are the best thanksgiving shows for kids that families love watching together. Parents can pick from classic favorites or try something new.

Each thanksgiving show for kids teaches gratitude while keeping little ones entertained.

1. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Charlie Brown fumbles through a non-traditional feast while Snoopy saves the day with toast and jelly beans. This heartfelt classic teaches gratitude and inclusion perfectly. Kids love the silly dinner setup.

Suitable for: Ages 5+
Rating: G
Run Time: 25 mins
Where to Watch:Apple TV+

2. Garfield’s Thanksgiving

Garfield faces a turkey-free holiday after a vet orders him on a diet. Expect laughs and heartwarming moments throughout. The orange cat’s antics keep kids giggling.

Suitable for: Ages 6+
Rating: TV-G
Run Time: 24 mins
Where to Watch:Peacock

3. Dora the Explorer: Dora’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Dora must rescue a float before the big parade begins. A bilingual Thanksgiving adventure packed with teamwork. Kids learn Spanish words while helping solve problems.

Suitable for: Ages 3–6
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 24 mins
Where to Watch:Paramount+

4. Sesame Street: Thanksgiving on Sesame Street

Elmo, Big Bird, and friends explore the meaning of Thanksgiving through songs, crafts, and stories. The episode mixes education with pure fun. Little ones sing along easily.

Suitable for: Ages 2–5
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 25 mins
Where to Watch:Max

5. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Thanks-a-Bunch Day

Mickey and pals learn how to say “thank you” through small acts of kindness. The show teaches manners naturally. Kids want to help others after watching.

Suitable for: Ages 3–6
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 25 mins
Where to Watch:Apple+

6. Paw Patrol: Pups Save Thanksgiving

When a turkey takes off with the parade float, the pups spring into action to save the holiday fun. Action-packed rescue missions thrill young viewers. Teamwork wins the day.

Suitable for: Ages 3–6
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 22 mins
Where to Watch:Amazon Prime

7. Sid the Science Kid: The Reason We Eat

Sid investigates why food is important and how we get it, great for tying in Thanksgiving meal themes. Science becomes fun and simple. Kids ask smart questions about food.

Suitable for: Ages 4–7
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 27 mins
Where to Watch:PBS Kids

8. Elinor Wonders Why: A Time to Be Thankful

Elinor and friends explore gratitude and sharing in a gentle, nature-focused Thanksgiving episode. The show connects kids to the outdoors beautifully. Quiet moments teach big lessons.

Suitable for: Ages 4–7
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 25 mins
Where to Watch:PBS Kids

9. The Berenstain Bears: Thanksgiving Blessings

The bear family heads to Grandma’s house and learns to count their blessings on the way. Family traditions come alive through sweet storytelling. Kids recognize their own families.

Suitable for: Ages 4–8
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 23 mins
Where to Watch: YouTube

10. Peppa Pig: Thanksgiving Special

Peppa and her friends celebrate their first Thanksgiving with turkey crafts and stories about giving. Short episodes work well for little attention spans. British humor adds charm.

Suitable for: Ages 3–6
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 11 mins
Where to Watch:YouTube

11. The Loud House: Feast or Family

Lincoln Loud tries to balance two family Thanksgiving invitations in this hilarious and heartfelt episode. Older kids relate to family drama. Humor keeps things light.

Suitable for: Ages 6–11
Rating: TV-Y7
Run Time: 22 mins
Where to Watch:Paramount+, Nickelodeon

12. Wild Kratts: Happy Turkey Day

The Kratt brothers explore wild turkeys and uncover fascinating facts while celebrating Thanksgiving in the wild. Real animal footage amazes children. Science meets holiday spirit.

Suitable for: Ages 5–9
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 26 mins
Where to Watch:Youtube

13. Arthur: Francine’s Pilfered Thanksgiving

Francine feels left out when her family’s traditions differ until she learns what truly matters. Complex emotions get handled well. Kids understand feeling different.

Suitable for: Ages 5–9
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 25 mins
Where to Watch:PBS Kids

14. Caillou: Thanksgiving

Caillou helps prepare dinner and learns how people celebrate differently, instilling empathy and tradition. The show celebrates differences kindly. Kids see new perspectives.

Suitable for: Ages 3–6
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 22 mins
Where to Watch:YouTube

15. Little Bear: Family Portrait / Thank You, Little Bear

Little Bear gently guides viewers through heartfelt gratitude and seasonal bonding. Soft animation soothes young minds. Family love feels warm and real.

Suitable for: Ages 3–6
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 24 mins
Where to Watch:YouTube

16. Franklin: Franklin’s Thanksgiving

Franklin and his animal friends host a potluck and discover the joy of togetherness. Community spirit shines brightly. Kids learn about sharing meals.

Suitable for: Ages 4–7
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 22 mins
Where to Watch:YouTube

17. VeggieTales: Madame Blueberry

Not a traditional Thanksgiving episode, but a powerful lesson on thankfulness through a humorous story. Vegetables teach deep truths. Kids laugh while learning values.

Suitable for: Ages 4–9
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 30 mins
Where to Watch:Minno Kids

18. Curious George: Thanksgiving Special

George explores Thanksgiving traditions—from parades to baking pies—in his classic, curious style. Monkey mischief leads to sweet lessons. Kids love George’s adventures.

Suitable for: Ages 3–7
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 23 mins
Where to Watch:PBS Kids

19. Wonder Pets: Save the Turkey

The pets help a turkey escape danger just in time for Thanksgiving. Musical episodes get kids singing. Teamwork saves the day again.

Suitable for: Ages 2–5
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 23 mins
Where to Watch:Paramount+

20. Team Umizoomi: The Turkey Chase

A math-filled mission to recover a runaway Thanksgiving turkey adds educational fun. Numbers become exciting tools. Kids solve problems alongside characters.

Suitable for: Ages 3–6
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 22 mins
Where to Watch:Paramount+

21. Doc McStuffins: Thanksgiving Day Parade

Doc saves the day when a float collapses, reinforcing kindness and problem-solving. Medical play feels natural and fun. Kids want to help fix things.

Suitable for: Ages 3–6
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 24 mins
Where to Watch:JustWatch

22. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Thank You Day

Daniel makes thank-you cards for everyone, a great companion to gratitude activities. Simple lessons stick with children. Parents love the positive messages.

Suitable for: Ages 2–5
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 22 mins
Where to Watch:PBS Kids

23. Clifford’s Puppy Days: The Big Thanksgiving

Clifford and friends prepare for a multicultural feast, highlighting inclusivity. Different traditions get equal respect. Kids see diversity as normal.

Suitable for: Ages 4–8
Rating: TV-Y
Run Time: 23 mins
Where to Watch:PBS Kids

Conclusion

Choosing the right Thanksgiving show for kids creates more than entertainment, it builds lasting family memories.

These carefully selected episodes teach gratitude while bringing everyone together on the couch.

Families should talk about their favorite scenes after watching. What made everyone laugh? Which characters showed the most thankfulness? These conversations help lessons stick.

Here’s the best tip: make show time a yearly tradition. Add new episodes each November, and watch how last year’s picks become this year’s nostalgic favorites.

Benjamin Lewis

Hi there! I'm Benjamin Lewis, an educational writer at MeredithPlays. My job is to make complex topics easy to understand and engaging for everyone. I cover a wide range of subjects, from science and history to practical tips and how-to guides. When I'm not writing, you can find me exploring new coffee shops, traveling to new places, or capturing moments with my camera. I also love reading mystery novels and spending time outdoors, whether it's hiking in the mountains or strolling through city parks. Oh, and I'm always on the lookout for the best local food spots!