Need a Thanksgiving game that does not require a shopping trip? Give this turkey its missing wattle. Our free printable includes a small poster for a quick game and a larger wall version you can make with four sheets of regular paper.
Download the free turkey game PDF (9 pages, about 2.7 MB). No email signup or purchase needed.
What is included?
- Clear printing, assembly and play instructions.
- A one-page mini turkey poster and 12 matching small pieces.
- Four Letter-size poster tiles that join into a 15 by 20 inch wall game.
- 12 numbered large wattle pieces for the wall version.
- An eyes-open option for younger children.
The wattle is the hanging skin below a turkey’s beak. You might know this kind of activity as pin the gobbler, pin the tail, or pin the feather on the turkey. This version uses a red paper wattle and removable tape, not sharp pins.
Choose which pages to print
For the mini game: print pages 2 and 3. For the larger wall game, print pages 4 through 9. Page 1 has the full instructions, so keep it handy on your screen or print it too.
Use US Letter paper, 8.5 by 11 inches, in portrait orientation. Print single-sided at Actual size or 100%, with Fit and Shrink to page turned off. Measure the test line on page 3 or 8: it should be exactly one inch. Keep the small pieces with the mini poster and the large pieces with the wall poster.
Assemble the wall poster
- Have an adult trim each of the four poster tiles along its thin outer rectangle.
- Arrange A1 and A2 across the top, with B1 and B2 directly underneath.
- Bring the cut edges together without overlapping them. Align the picture, then tape the seams on the back.
- Test removable tape on your surface before hanging the poster at a height the players can comfortably reach.
You do not need a poster-size printer. The four trimmed sheets make the large poster. Plain paper works; cardstock is optional for sturdier game pieces.
How to play
- An adult cuts around each red wattle. Give each player a numbered piece and note who has which number.
- Add a small loop of removable paper tape to the back of the piece.
- Players take turns placing their wattle. Aim the small circle near its top at the dot below the turkey’s beak.
- The closest circle wins. If it is too close to call, share the win. Gently remove the pieces for another round.
Keep it comfortable and safe
Young children can play with their eyes open. Older players may close their eyes only if they want to, with an adult guiding them from beside the poster. Skip spinning, walking blindfolded and forced eye covering. Use removable tape, never sharp pins. Adult supervision is needed for cutting and play.
For a relaxed version, forget scoring and take turns with eyes open. See how funny the turkey looks after everyone has added a wattle.
More free Thanksgiving activities
Want something quieter for the table? Our free Thanksgiving printable sampler has coloring, a leaf craft and a simple game.
Get the free Pin the Wattle on the Turkey game and print only the size you plan to use.