Do you already have family pumpkin picking plans on your calendar? This classic fall activity is a great way to prep for Halloween and usher in the new season. Once you’re back home with your pumpkins, try out one of the following ideas for family fun and memories:
Classic jack-o’-lantern
For those who like to keep their traditions nice and simple, the classic jack-o’-lantern is the perfect pumpkin craft. Help your child create a silly (or scary) jack-o’-lantern by emptying out the pumpkin filling and using a drill or carving knife to get the look you want. To light up your creation on Halloween night, an outdoor-friendly, battery powered candle or tea light can safely provide your pumpkin with lots of glow.
Pumpkin pie
Once you’re done carving your next pumpkin creation, don’t throw all the filling away! Instead, use it to create a tasty, old-fashioned pumpkin pie. While you may traditionally eat this delicious fall dish closer to Thanksgiving, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a pie or two early. Get the whole family involved for a treat you can all enjoy making and eating!
Crafty diorama
If you’re especially crafty, a pumpkin diorama may be the perfect project for you. Empty out your pumpkin’s filling as you would if you were carving a jack-o’-lantern, then cut out a “viewing window” in the front of the pumpkin to showcase the insides. Decorate the interior with small figurines like bats, creepy trees or ghoulish landscapes—whatever you want! Add a small tea light candle to the back of your diorama to give it some light. The end result is a fun, imaginative creation your friends, family and trick-or-treaters will love.
Stack-it-yourself pumpkin man
In snowy climates, kids love creating snowmen during the holidays. Why not do the same with pumpkins? Pick up several pumpkins of various sizes to stack on top of each other (you can even glue them together for extra staying power). Next, glue on eyes, ears, and fun facial features. For the eyes, you can use stick-on googly eyes or even large buttons. Add a top hat and scarf and you’re good to go!
Chalkboard pumpkins
For kids, chalkboard paint is a ticket to instant fun. Use this arts and crafts staple on a pumpkin or two to give kids or neighborhood trick-or-treaters a chance to have fun with chalky designs. You can draw on silly faces or signage (such as “treats this way”) for a unique effect.
Painted pumpkins
Looking for a simple way to dress up your front porch? Paint several pumpkins (in varying sizes) different colors and place them by your front door for a unique twist on the classic decoration.Pumpkin familyGet the whole family involved with the pumpkin fun! Have each member of your family decorate their own pumpkin in their likeness—use googly eyes, buttons, chenille stick hair and arms and other add-ons to complete the effect.
Spider pumpkins
Turn small pumpkins creepy crawly by painting them black, adding stick-on googly eyes, and four pairs of chenille stick legs.
We hope you and your family have fun this Halloween while creating unique pumpkin masterpieces! Let us know in the comments how you like to dress up your Mount Dora home for the beloved fall holiday.
Previous Article
Next Article
