Thanksgiving Word Search Puzzle – FREE Printable PDF

Can you find all the Thanksgiving-themed words? This fun word search puzzle features holiday words and pictures to help you wind down before the feast!

This free Thanksgiving word search puzzle is a fun activity for kids of all ages. It is a perfect addition to a night of easy activities after Thanksgiving dinner.

The free printable Thanksgiving word search is for personal use / non-commercial use only. Scroll to the bottom of the post for instructions for printing.

Click here and get more ideas for fall diys, crafts, and family fun.

What is a Word Search?

A word search, also known as a word find, word seek, or mystery word puzzle is a game in which players attempt to locate all of the words hidden within a grid. 

The words may be hidden horizontally, vertically, or diagonally and often overlap. 

Players typically use a pen or pencil to circle the words as they find them.

The History of Word Searches

Word searches are believed to have originated in England in the 19th century. 

They became popular in newspapers and magazines in the 1970s and can now be found in many books and websites. 

Many word search puzzles are themed, featuring words related to a particular topic or group of words (such as animals, food, holidays, etc.).

My Christmas word search is a perfect example of this.

Why Word Searches are Popular

So, why are word searches so popular? 

One reason may be that they are relatively easy to do. Unlike crosswords or Sudoku, you don’t need special knowledge to complete a word search. All you need is a good eye and some patience.

Another reason could be that they are relaxing. 

Unlike other puzzles that can be pretty challenging, word searches provide a sense of calm as you methodically scan the grid for words. 

And once you find all the words, there’s a sense of satisfaction that comes with it.

They are a great way to pass the time that some say helps improve your cognitive skills.

Try this fun Thanksgiving Scattergories game (click link).

Tips for Finding all the Words

There are a few helpful tips and hints that can help reveal hidden words.

Keep in mind all words are lower case letters, and there will be no space between the two-word options.

1. First, scan the entire word search for any words that stand out to you. 

If any particular letters seem to be used more often than others, make a mental note.

2. Next, look for words that are hidden in plain sight. 

Sometimes, words can be spelled diagonally, so be sure to check all of the possible directions.

3. Finally, if you’re still having trouble finding words, try scanning for the beginning letter of your target word.

This can give you a good starting point and help you find the words you’re looking for more quickly.

Words Included

There are two different Thanksgiving word search printable options included. You can test your knowledge of the first Thanksgiving while you have a ton of Thanksgiving fun.

The level of difficulty is considered medium. The vocabulary level is appropriate for 3rd grade and older.

Younger kids can still have a ton of fun. They might need a bit of help from an older kiddo.

Choose the list of words you prefer, or complete them both. Answer keys are provided for each printable game upon downloading.

Puzzle 1

• Thanksgiving
• Cranberries
• Deviled eggs
• Yams
• Pumpkin
• Turkey
• Gravy
• Stuffing
• Rolls
• Pie
• Green beans
• Corn
• Dish
• Yum
• Home
• Thankful
• Serve
• Parade
• Buns
• Bake

You’ll also want to look at my Thanksgiving Printable Placemats for more fun activities for the kids!

Puzzle 2

• November
• Pilgrims
• Cornucopia
• Mayflower
• Harvest
• Feast
• Thursday
• Gobble
• Plymouth
• Wampanoag
• Gratitude
• Ham
• Cookies
• Pumpkin pie
• Massachusetts

How to Print

To access these Thanksgiving games, click the “snag them here” button below. You will receive a direct download to your computer immediately upon clicking.

Print directly from your home printer.

No purchase necessary for either printable puzzle. 

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy the free word search for Thanksgiving Day fun at home or in the classroom. Anyone can join in on the fun, from little kids to adults. 

Great spelling skills are not a requirement.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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