Thanksgiving chores for kids, by age
A job for every kid on the big day, plus a free printable helper checklist.
Thanksgiving is one of the few days a year when there's real work for everyone, and kids are usually happy to help when the job is clear and theirs. This list sorts helper jobs by age, from napkins for the littlest ones to a full side dish for teens. The printable version fits on one page so you can stick it on the fridge the night before.
Ages 3 to 5
- Put a napkin by each plate
- Carry coats to the coat pile
- Put rolls in the basket
- Wash veggies in the sink
- Greet guests at the door
- Wipe the table after dinner
Ages 6 to 8
- Set the table
- Fill the water glasses
- Make place cards for each guest
- Stir and mash, with a grown-up nearby
- Take out the trash before guests arrive
- Clear plates to the counter
Ages 9 to 12
- Peel potatoes or carrots
- Measure ingredients for a side dish
- Unload the dishwasher early so it starts empty
- Run drinks for guests
- Pack up leftovers
- Load the dishwasher
Ages 13 and up
- Make a side dish from start to finish
- Hand-wash the big pots and the roasting pan
- Keep the little cousins busy
- Set up extra chairs and the kids' table
- Sweep or vacuum after dinner
- Wrap up plates for guests to take home
Making it work on the day
- Hand out jobs the night before. Nobody likes being drafted mid-chaos. Let kids pick from their age list.
- Give the job a title. Little kids take "Napkin Captain" very seriously.
- One or two jobs each is plenty. The goal is helping, not a full shift.
- Everyone clears the table. Even guests' kids can carry their own plate.
Want the helping to keep going after the holiday? ChoreHub keeps every kid's chores, streaks and allowance in one place, free. Kids check off jobs on their own device, and you see it right away.
Start your family's board freeWe share new printables and chore ideas on Pinterest. Follow ChoreHub on Pinterest.
Looking for everyday jobs too? See the full chores by age list, or browse all our free printables.