Got Pumpkins? Here are 5 ideas for you!

Use up those leftover pumpkins with these simple crafts and activity ideas at home!

Painting Pumpkins - For a tried-and-true alternative to carving pumpkins with your little one, try painting them instead!

What you’ll need: a pumpkin, washable paint, a paint brush, newspaper or trash bag for the mess, optional: painter’s tape

What do to: Line your art space with newspaper or a trash bag for an easy clean up. Set out washable paint in cups or on a plate with a paint bursh and let your kiddo go at it! For added fun, use painter’s tape to make a design on your pumpkin first then invite them paint over it. After the paint dries, pull off the tape to reveal the final product!

Paper Mache Pumpkins - Another simple alternative to carving pumpkins that is a paint-free, crowd favorite!

What you’ll need: a pumpkin, tissue paper squares, white school glue, water, a paint brush

What do to: Mix equal parts water and white school glue in a cup and set out with tissue paper squares. Then, model how to apply tissue paper to your pumpkin by placing a tissue paper square on a desired spot on your pumpkin, then apply the glue water mixture on top. Tip: Set out an additional cup of water for your child to dip the tissue paper in first, then place it on your pumpkin and add the glue water mixture on top for a stronger hold.

Pumpkin Threading - this simple fine motor exercise will keep your kiddos entertained for hours!

What you’ll need: mini pumpkin, shish kabob sticks, objects to thread (e.g., paper straw pieces, beads, spider rings, etc.), bowls

What do to: Firmly stick four shish kabob sticks in the top of your pumpkin (make sure the dull end is facing up). Then, set out beads, paper straw pieces, spider rings, or other objects you have on-hand that can be used for threading. Then, invite your child to practice threading the objects onto the sticks. For added challenge, invite your kiddo to sort the objects by color or create patterns on their pumpkins.

Pumpkin Bath - a simple water sensory bin, but with PUMPKINS!

What you’ll need: large rectangle container or sensory bin, mini pumpkins, baby shampoo or dish soap, sponges, paint brushes, rags, optional: glitter, food coloring or watercolors, milk frother or hand mixer

What do to: Mix warm water and a few drops of baby shampoo or dish soap in a large rectangle bin or sensory table. Add a few mini pumpkins, sponges, and paint brushes and let your kiddo give their pumpkins a bath! Afterwards, offer rags to dry the pumpkins off and wipe out the bin for easy clean up.
Tip: To make the mixture extra sudsy, use a milk frother or hand mixer to whip up the soapy water! Or, add some glitter or food coloring or watercolors for even more fun!

Rubberband Pumpkins - This simple and fun exercise offers GREAT fine motor practice that strengthens pre-writing skills!

What you’ll need: mini pumpkins, rubber bands

What do to: Secure lots of rubber bands on a mini pumpkin and invite your kiddos to remove each rubber band. Repeat as many times as they are interested! Or, once completed, challenge then to put the rubber bands back on the pumpkin by themselves!