Looking for creative ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in the classroom or at home? These turkey art projects for kids make learning fun with colorful, hands-on activities that encourage creativity and fine motor skills. Perfect for Thanksgiving lesson plans, art centers, or festive family fun days!
Easy Turkey Art Projects for Thanksgiving
From classic paper turkeys and coffee filter crafts to exciting new artist-inspired projects like the Murakami Turkey Art, you’ll find Thanksgiving ideas that work for preschoolers through elementary grades. Each project utilizes simple supplies and provides opportunities to explore art techniques, including color mixing, pattern, and texture.
🎨 You’ll find more (non-turkey) Thanksgiving art projects here.
1. Coffee Filter Turkey
Turn simple coffee filters and clothespins into bright, feathery friends. Add a dash of Thanksgiving science by watching colors mix as the filters absorb water.
Concepts: Color mixing, absorption, symmetry
Full Coffee Filter Turkey Instructions →
2. Color-By-Number Turkey
A low-prep printable perfect for centers or morning work. Great for practicing number recognition and color matching!
Concepts: Number sense, color identification
Grab Free Color-By-Number Printable →
3. Paper Plate Turkey
An easy, classroom-friendly craft that turns paper plates into cheerful Thanksgiving turkeys. Kids can experiment with color patterns or add messages of gratitude to each feather.
Concepts: Shape recognition, color patterns, expression of gratitude
Paper Plate Turkey Instructions →
4. Paper Turkey Rubbing Art
Explore texture and pattern! This turkey craft introduces rubbings, one of the earliest forms of printmaking. Kids can create patterned feathers using leaves, coins, or textured paper using our free turkey template.
Concepts: Texture, printmaking, pattern
Paper Turkey Craft →
5. Picasso Turkey Art
Discover abstract art with a playful Thanksgiving twist! Inspired by Pablo Picasso, this project helps kids explore geometric shapes, colors, and creative self-expression.
Concepts: Abstract art, cubism, symmetry
Picasso Turkey Art Project →
6. Murakami Turkey Art
Combine pop culture and bright color with this new favorite! Inspired by Takashi Murakami, students design turkeys featuring bold outlines, cheerful cartoon-style faces, and colorful flower motifs.
Concepts: Contemporary art, pop art, pattern, color theory
Grades: 1–4
Tip: Use black marker outlines and bright paint or markers to create the “Superflat” Murakami look.
Try the Murakami Turkey Art Project →
7. Pool Noodle Turkey
A creative STEAM twist! Use a pool noodle and markers to build a moving “turkey bot” or simple sculpture. Perfect for group projects or Thanksgiving STEM challenges.
Concepts: Engineering, design process, vibration movement
Pool Noodle Turkey Bot →
8. Turkey Hat Craft
Make Thanksgiving fun and festive with this wearable art project! Perfect for preschool and early elementary students.
Concepts: Cutting skills, design, patterning
Turkey Hat Instructions →
9. Turkey in Disguise Project
The Thanksgiving classic! Design creative disguises to help your turkey “escape” Thanksgiving dinner. Comes with printable templates and disguise ideas.
Concepts: Creativity, storytelling, problem-solving
Turkey Disguise Templates →
🔎 Pair with our exciting Turkey Escape STEM Challenge!
10. Turkey Lapbook
Learn turkey facts with art! This printable lapbook includes coloring pages, a turkey body parts activity, and a simple life cycle diagram.
Concepts: Biology, sequencing, labeling
Printable Turkey Lapbook →
Printable Thanksgiving Packs for Kids
Visit our SHOP for easy-to-print art, STEM, and science lesson plans for the whole year. Or join us in the Little Bins Club.
