Chase the Turkey: A Hilarious Family Game for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving dinner done, but the family drama’s just getting started? Time for Chase the Turkey – a Thanksgiving game that the whole family can enjoy!
It’s the perfect recipe for burning off that extra slice of pie and avoiding Grandma’s relationship questions.
Ready to trade awkward silences for ridiculous turkey chasing? Let’s gobble up some fun!
Turning a Human into a Turkey (No Magic Required)
First things first, we need to transform an unsuspecting victim – I mean, volunteer – into our designated turkey.
Don’t worry, no actual birds were harmed in the making of this game (though your pride might take a hit). I know mine always does.
- Print those gobblers: Download and print out some turkey designs. The more ridiculous, the better.
- Dress your turkey: Tape those paper turkeys all over a t-shirt. Pro tip: Use strong tape, or you’ll end up with a trail of sad, fallen turkeys.
- Choose your victim: Pick someone to wear the turkey shirt. Bonus points if they can do a convincing gobble.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
| Must-Haves | Nice-to-Haves |
|---|---|
| Turkey printables | Prizes for winners |
| Tape | Enthusiasm (or caffeine) |
| T-shirt | A sense of humor |
| Clear playing area | First-aid kit (just in case) |
Choosing Your Turkey Runner
Selecting your turkey runner is like picking the shortest straw – nobody really wants to do it, but someone’s gotta take one for the team.
Look for these qualities in your ideal turkey:
- A good sense of humor (they’ll need it)
- Decent cardio (or at least the ability to wheeze dramatically)
- A willingness to look ridiculous (non-negotiable)
Remember: Being the turkey runner is a badge of honor. Or at least that’s what we tell ourselves to feel better about it.
Rules of the Roost: Don’t Ruffle Any Feathers
Alright, turkey chasers, listen up! Here’s how to play without causing a poultry-themed riot:
- The “turkey” tries to avoid capture while the other players attempt to snag those paper turkeys.
- Set clear boundaries – we don’t want any turkeys crossing state lines.
- Catch a turkey, earn a point. Simple, right? (Spoiler: It’s not.)
- Look out for the special “YOU WON!” turkey – it’s worth extra points.
Remember, the goal is to have fun, not recreate a scene from “Rocky” with poultry. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen, and it’s not pretty.
Chase that turkey like your life depends on it! But when you’re done being having that kind of fun strut on over to my Thanksgiving game buffet. Discover more festive fun with our kid-approved Thanksgiving activities or try some of these hilarious Minute to Win It Thanksgiving challenges. They’re so good, you’ll want seconds… and thirds.
Let the Turkey Trot Begin!
Now that you’ve got that out of the way, it’s time to unleash your inner turkey hunter (minus the camo and questionable facial hair).
- Give your turkey a 20-second head start. Trust me, they’ll need it.
- Shout “Gobble gobble, let’s wobble!” to kick things off. Yes, it’s cheesy. No, I won’t apologize.
- Chasers must grab the paper turkeys, not tackle the runner (we’re not savages… mostly)
- The game ends when all turkeys are caught or the runner collapses from exhaustion (whichever comes first)
Strategies for Snagging Gobblers: Be the Master Turkey Catcher
Want to up your turkey-catching game? Here are some expert tips from someone who’s spent way too much time chasing paper poultry:
- Team up: Form alliances to corner the turkey. It’s like a less intense version of “The Hunger Games.”
- Stay alert: Keep your eyes peeled for that winning turkey. It’s like finding a needle in a haystack, if the needle was wearing feathers.
- Use your environment: Obstacles can be your friends. I once caught a turkey by accidentally tripping over a chair. Style points, anyone?
| Strategy | Difficulty Level | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Teamwork | Easy | High |
| Eagle-eye focus | Medium | Medium |
| Obstacle navigation | Hard | Low (but hilarious) |
Adapting for All Ages: From Tiny Tots to Grumpy Grandpas
Not everyone has the stamina of a caffeinated squirrel, so here’s how to keep it fun for all ages:
- For the little ones: Start them closer to the turkey and use fewer printables. It’s like playing on easy mode.
- For the too-cool-for-school teens: Add obstacles or team challenges. Make it Instagram-worthy, and they’ll be all over it.
- For the adults: Just remind them it’s cheaper than therapy and burns calories. Win-win!
Indoor Turkey Chase: Because Mother Nature Hates Fun
Rain ruining your turkey parade? No worries! Here’s how to bring the gobble indoors:
- Set the Stage: Clear a space in your living room. No, wider. Wider! We need room for a circle of wannabe turkey snatchers.
- Prepare the Prey: Dress your volunteer in the turkey shirt, loaded with paper turkeys. Plop them in the center of the room. Blindfold them.
- Circle of Sneaks: Arrange other players in a circle around the turkey. Think “vultures,” but less creepy.
- Draw Your Destiny: Players draw numbers to determine the order. Lowest number goes first – congratulations, you’re our pioneer poultry pilferer!
- The Stealthy Snatch:
- One by one, players attempt to creep up and snag a paper turkey.
- If the turkey touches you, you’re out! (Cue sad trombone)
- Successfully snatch a turkey? Retreat to safety and bask in your ninja-like glory.
Turkey’s Defense: Our blindfolded bird isn’t helpless! They can:
- Listen intently for any movement
- Swivel in place to defend their feathery fortress
- Reach out to tag any approaching sneaks
| Sneaking Strategy | Difficulty | Success Rate | Style Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Army Crawl | High | Medium | Off the charts |
| Tippy-Toe Tango | Medium | High | Moderate |
| The Statue Freeze | Low | Low | Maximum giggles |
Scoring and Prizes: Because Bragging Rights Are Important
Time to crown our turkey-catching champions! Here’s how to make it official:
- Count those turkeys: Each caught turkey = 1 point. Math has never been so fun!
- Special turkey bonus: The “YOU WON!” turkey is worth extra points. It’s like hitting the poultry jackpot.
- Create a leaderboard: Nothing motivates like seeing your name climb the ranks.
Prize ideas:
- A turkey-themed trophy (bonus points if it gobbles)
- The honor of wearing the turkey shirt next round (it’s a privilege, I swear)
- Bragging rights until next Thanksgiving
| Prize Type | Coolness Factor | Embarrassment Level |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey trophy | High | Medium |
| Turkey shirt honor | Medium | High |
| Bragging rights | High (if you know how to work it!) | Low |
Remember, the goal here is stealth, not speed.
You’re not aiming for “Mission Impossible,” not “Fast and Furious: Turkey Drift.”
Safety First: Avoid Turkey-Related Injuries
Let’s keep the ER visits to a minimum, shall we? Here are some tips to ensure your turkey chase doesn’t turn into a medical chase:
- Clear the area: Remove any tripping hazards. Your pride will thank you.
- Set boundaries: Make sure everyone knows where the “no turkey zone” is.
- Wear proper footwear: No one wants to explain a “turkey-related flip-flop incident” to their doctor.
Remember, the goal is to catch turkeys, not break records (or bones).
Post-Game Gobble-fest: Keep the Fun Rolling
Congratulations! You’ve successfully channeled your inner turkey hunter and hopefully avoided any major embarrassments (unlike me, who once got outsmarted by a paper turkey).
Here’s some post-game activities to keep the fun going:
- Share funny moments: Everyone loves a good “I can’t believe that just happened” story.
- Create turkey-inspired art: Those leftover printables make great craft materials.
- Plan your next chase: Because once you’ve tasted turkey-chasing glory, there’s no going back.
Your Turn
If you could add one wacky rule to “Chase the Turkey,” what would it be? (Remember, we’re aiming for fun, not family feuds!) Let me know in the comments below.