This simple, hands-on craft lets kids use their creativity and imaginations to “disguise” a turkey so it can avoid becoming Thanksgiving dinner! With just a few coloring supplies and our free Turkey Disguise Template, your child will have a blast transforming their turkey into a totally different character.
RELATED: Design Your Own Turkey Craft
Turkey Disguise Template for Kids
Thanksgiving is almost here, and what better way to add some fun to the holiday than with an easy turkey disguise activity! This engaging and hilarious craft allows kids to “hide” their turkeys from becoming Thanksgiving dinner by transforming them into anything but a turkey. With our free disguise a turkey printable, kids can create everything from a pirate turkey to a superhero, or even a mermaid turkey. This simple and imaginative activity is great for classrooms, family gatherings, or just a cozy craft day at home.
If kids need a little inspiration, here are some funny disguise ideas to get started:
- Superhero Turkey: Draw a mask, a cape, and some bright-colored feathers for a heroic look.
- Chef Turkey: Add a chef’s hat and apron so it looks like the turkey’s ready to cook, not be cooked!
- Unicorn Turkey: Create a colorful mane, horn, and sparkly details to turn the turkey into a magical creature.
- Pirate Turkey: Think eye patches, pirate hats, and even a paper parrot on its wing.
- Santa Turkey Disguise: Give your turkey a white beard, red suit, and a festive hat!
- Snowman Turkey: Use cotton balls, a mini scarf, and a little top hat to turn the turkey into a wintery disguise.
- Ninja Turtle Turkey Disguise: Use our ninja template to turn your turkey into a green, cold-blooded crime-fighter!
Craft Materials Needed for the Disguise a Turkey Printable
Before you start this craft, make sure you have all the right arts and craft supplies.
- Disguise a Turkey Template Printable (free with email subscription)
- Colored pencils or crayons
- Scissors
- Mini Glue Dots or glue
You may also need:
- Construction paper
- Glitter glue
- Craft gemstones
- Fabric
- Cotton balls
- Faux fur
- Buttons
- Wiggly eyes
- Paint
Watch the Video Tutorial
Watch the video below to learn how to disguise a paper turkey!
Directions for Paper Turkey Disguise
Creating these disguised turkeys is as simple as downloading the free printable, setting up a craft station, and letting kids’ imaginations run wild!
STEP 1: Print the template. Access all the printables by clicking the link in the materials list and subscribing to our free craft newsletter. After subscribing, navigate to the post in our Substack titled “Turkey in Disguise” to find your download link.
Print the free templates on white paper or cardstock. Our template includes a blank turkey outline ready to be transformed, and the following disguises:
- Athlete
- Ballerina
- Chef
- Detective
- Mermaid
- Despicable
- Ninja
- Pirate
- Robot
- Royal
- Scientist
- Unicorn
- Wizard
- Worker
STEP 2: Pick a disguise. Kids can brainstorm fun disguise ideas. Will their turkey be a rock star, a firefighter, or a princess? Encourage them to think of new characters to use with the blank turkey disguise template, or they can choose one of the prepared disguises.
STEP 3: Color the turkey. Set up a crafting station with markers, colored pencils, crayons, paper, glue, and any additional decorations like googly eyes or glitter. Kids can cut out accessories from colored paper, such as hats, glasses, or even capes, and glue them onto their turkey’s body and face.
STEP 4: Cut out the shapes. Use scissors to cut out the patterns.
STEP 5: Glue the pieces. Use glue or Glue Dots (mess-free option) to put together your turkey.
STEP 6: Your turkey is finished! Display and share! Once the turkeys are fully disguised, hang them up or display them for family and friends to enjoy! These silly turkeys make festive Thanksgiving decor and are guaranteed to make everyone smile.
Turkey Disguise Project Ideas
This turkey disguise project lets kids creatively hide their turkey from Thanksgiving dinner by dressing it up as a superhero, unicorn, chef, or more! Here are some pictures of disguised turkeys from our disguise your turkey project template.
Athlete Turkey
Decked out in a jersey and shorts, the Athlete Turkey is ready to bounce his way out of Thanksgiving dinner!
Ballerina Turkey
With a tutu and ballet slippers, the graceful Ballerina Turkey is pirouetting away from the Thanksgiving table!
Chef Turkey
Wearing a chef’s hat and coat, the Chef Turkey looks like it’s ready to cook up a storm instead of being the main dish!
Despicable Turkey
With blue overalls and a mischievous grin, our Despicable Turkey is up to no good and ready to disappear with his buddies!
Detective Turkey
With a trench coat and a mysterious air, the Detective Turkey is on the case of the missing Thanksgiving guest.
Mermaid Turkey
Featuring a graceful tail and seashell accessories, the Mermaid Turkey is splashing out of the way of the oven!
Ninja Turkey Disguise
Dressed in black with a stealthy mask, the Ninja Turkey is quietly slipping away into the shadows.
Pirate Turkey
With an eye patch and pirate skull hat, the Pirate Turkey is setting sail to avoid the feast!
Royal Turkey
Wearing a jeweled crown, the Royal Turkey is way too dignified to end up on the Thanksgiving table.
Scientist Turkey
With a lab coat and goggles, the Scientist Turkey is experimenting with ways to make a grand escape.
Unicorn Turkey
Sporting a magical horn and rainbow mane, the Unicorn Turkey is enchanting its way out of Thanksgiving.
Wizard Turkey
Our Wizard Turkey is casting a spell to make itself disappear!
Worker Turkey
Wearing a hard hat and reflective vest, the Worker Turkey is busy constructing an escape route!
Take it Further
Looking for extension ideas? Try some of these ideas:
- Invite your child to pair this craft with a turkey disguise writing project.
- Make this craft while watching a Thanksgiving movie.
- Pair this craft with a book about Thanksgiving.
- Add glitter, pom poms, and wiggly eyes to your turkey to really make it shine!
More Thanksgiving Craft Ideas for Kids
Here are some more Thanksgiving crafts that are perfect for school, home, or community programs!
Want even more?
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