Skip to main content
Brighter Futures Logo

Table Talk: Conversation Starters for Kids at Thanksgiving


Many of us will gather around the table to share food with loved ones this Thanksgiving. There's no better time than the holidays to bond with the kids in your family, get to know each other better and create memories you can share when they grow up.

Try out some of these conversation starters with the kids at your Thanksgiving table to help get the conversation flowing and open up discussions around the importance of being thankful.

Tips for Starting Conversations With Kids

  • Practice active listening. When asking kids these conversation starters, be sure to show you’re actively listening by making eye contact, nodding and asking follow-up questions.

  • Never force kids to answer a question. This should be a fun activity! If a child seems to be struggling to answer any questions or is uninterested, move on to another one or stop asking altogether.

  • Give them a chance to ask you questions. Help them practice social skills and creativity by giving kids the chance to ask you anything they want! Kids are naturally curious, so you may be surprised by the great conversation starters they come up with.

Thanksgiving-themed Conversation Starters for Kids

  • If you could invite any fictional character to the Thanksgiving table, who would it be?

  • What’s your favorite Thanksgiving food?

  • What are three things you’re thankful for this year?

  • What’s your favorite Thanksgiving pie/dessert?

  • Which friend in your life are you grateful for?

  • What’s your favorite thing to do after Thanksgiving dinner?

  • Have you ever read a book about gratitude? (Check out our list of books about gratitude here!)

  • What do you remember about last Thanksgiving?

  • What’s your favorite float in the Macy’s Day Parade?

School-based Conversation Starters for Kids

  • What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned in school this year?

  • What do you like about your teacher at school?

  • If you could learn about any topic, what would it be?

  • What do you like to do at recess?

  • What’s an art project you’ve done at school recently? (You can also ask them to show you the project if they have it in the house!)

Fun Conversation Starters for Kids

  • What’s the funniest joke you know?

  • If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

  • If you could be any animal for a day, which animal would you be?

  • Who’s your favorite TV show character right now?

  • Who do you spend the most time with at school?

  • If you could be SUPER good at any sport, what sport would you choose?

  • What’s the best movie you’ve seen lately?

Enjoy These Conversation Starters for Kids

We hope these conversation starters will bring joy to your dinner table this year.

Looking for more Thanksgiving activities for kids? Check out this blog for ideas on how to teach kids to be thankful.