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US Letter, 8.5 x 11 inches. Print at 100% for craft pieces; use Fit to page if your printer clips the margins. An adult should help with scissors and fitting wearable crafts.
Pin the Tail on the Turkey turns a familiar party idea into a Thanksgiving activity with a paper bird and a removable feather. Use reusable adhesive or painter’s tape instead of a sharp pin. The fun comes from comparing the feather placements, so the game works well with a small prize or simply a shared laugh.
What to make
Print a turkey target and give every player a named feather. The intended tail location should be clear before play starts. A blindfold is optional; younger children can close their eyes briefly, point from a marked spot, or take an open-eye turn from farther away. Choose a version that matches the players and the space.
How to use this printable
- Attach the turkey at a comfortable reaching height on a clear wall, away from corners, furniture, and fragile items.
- Prepare one feather per player with a name or number and a small loop of gentle tape on the back.
- Show the target position, then let one player approach at a time with an adult guiding the route if eyes are covered.
- Compare the center of each feather placement with the tail target. The closest placement wins, with shared wins for ties.
Make the activity your own
For a cooperative version, ask the group to build the silliest complete turkey rather than compete for accuracy. For a classroom party, let students decorate their own feathers before the game. Keep the walking distance short and skip spinning players around; it adds dizziness without improving the activity. Always offer an uncovered-eye turn so everyone can participate comfortably.
Questions before you begin
Do I need a blindfold?
No. Try an open-eye placement challenge from a marked line or ask players to use their non-dominant hand.
Can I reuse the game?
Yes. A cardstock target lasts longer, and removable adhesive lets you take off the feathers between rounds.