Disguise a Turkey Template
Built by Johnny Alto · free, no sign-up · updated July 26, 2026
The classic Thanksgiving project: print a blank turkey, then disguise it as anything at all, a superhero, a pirate, a robot, a favorite cartoon, so it does not end up on the dinner table. This printable gives you a clean turkey outline with plenty of room to decorate, an optional sign for the turkey to hold, and optional feather lines for coloring. Print it and let the kids get creative.
Pick your options, then Print at 100 percent. Cut it out (or leave it on the page) and disguise the turkey with markers, crayons, paper, feathers, or googly eyes so it escapes Thanksgiving dinner.
What the disguise a turkey project is
Disguise a Turkey is a Thanksgiving classic in elementary classrooms: each child gets a blank turkey and decorates it in disguise so it will not be recognized, and therefore not eaten, at Thanksgiving dinner. The fun is in the creativity, kids turn their turkey into a superhero, a mermaid, a football player, a unicorn, a favorite character, anything that hides the fact that it is a turkey. It is part art project, part story prompt, and it usually comes home with a little written explanation of the disguise.
This printable gives you a clean turkey outline with big, open feathers and body so there is plenty of room to decorate. Choose the plain version to glue on paper costumes and add props, or the lined-feather version if your kids would rather color it in. There is also an option to give the turkey a blank sign to hold, which is perfect for a message like "Please don't eat me, I'm a superhero!"
Ideas and tips
Print on regular paper to color, or on cardstock if you want to cut the turkey out and stand it up or glue on heavier decorations. Great disguises lean on a few props: googly eyes, cotton balls, felt or construction-paper clothing, pipe cleaners, feathers, and markers. Encourage kids to write a sentence about who their turkey is disguised as, which turns the craft into a writing activity too. Print at 100 percent scale for the full-page size.
Frequently asked questions
What is the disguise a turkey project?
It is a Thanksgiving activity where children decorate a blank turkey in a disguise so it will not be recognized and eaten at dinner. Kids turn the turkey into a superhero, animal, or character, and often write a note explaining the disguise.
How do I use this template?
Choose whether you want a plain turkey or one holding a sign, and blank or lined feathers, then click Print. Decorate the printed turkey with markers, paper, googly eyes, feathers, or whatever you like.
Should I print on paper or cardstock?
Regular paper is fine for coloring and gluing on paper decorations. Use cardstock if you want to cut the turkey out, stand it up, or attach heavier props.
Can I make it a writing activity?
Yes. Turn on the sign option, or have kids write a sentence about who their turkey is disguised as. Combining the craft with a short explanation is how many classrooms use it.
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