In this Thanksgiving-themed game, Happy Harvesters, you’ll remind kids to give thanks for all that God has given them.

What You’ll Need

• toy fruits and/or vegetables (1 for every 2 people)
• sturdy disposable bowls (1 per person)

Directions for Happy Harvesters

• Form pairs. You and any other adult or teen helpers can partner with kids, too!
• Guide everyone to form two lines in the middle of the room with partners facing each other about an arm’s length apart. Make sure there’s plenty of space as the pairs will be stepping farther apart as they play.
• Give each person a sturdy disposable bowl. Place a toy fruit or vegetable in each bowl in one of the lines. One person from each pair should now have a fruit or vegetable.
• Players must hold their bowls with both hands and toss the fruit or vegetable to their partners by lobbing the toy food out of the bowl. The partners must try to catch the food in their bowls.
• After they catch it, they should take one small step backward. When anyone drops a fruit or vegetable, they must scoop it up with the bowl and name one thing they’re thankful for before tossing the fruit or vegetable back to their partner.

Remind Kids to Give Thanks

After playing this game, invite everyone to sit down in small groups and discuss:

• How hard or easy was it to think of something you’re thankful for in this game? Why was it easy or hard?
• What are some things God gives us every day?
• What are some other things you can give thanks for?

Say: “And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20). The Bible tells us that we can always give thanks to God for everything, not just at Thanksgiving time, but every day!

This idea is adapted from The Encyclopedia of Bible Games for Children’s Ministry. This resource is loaded with 175 easy-to-lead games that add fun to any lesson—or any day in the life of your children’s ministry!