5 pumpkin carving alternatives for kids this Halloween season

One of the most popular family fall activities is pumpkin carving! But parents, let’s be honest, who really loves all that mess? Pumpkin guts also gross out my 7-year-old daughter, which inspired me to look into alternative methods to still be crafty and festive.

I have compiled a list of other substitute crafts that are just as fun and enjoyable for all family members. Also, most of these can be made using craft pumpkins, which do not have an expiration date.

Here are five pumpkin carving alternatives for kids this Halloween season: 

• Pumpkin painting. Forget the messy pumpkin insides, and grab a paintbrush instead. Pumpkin painting allows creativity for all ages, and no sharp objects are needed. Want to take it a step further? Come up with a decorating theme such as favorite book characters.
• Decorate with stickers. Head to your local craft store, and have your children choose some stickers to decorate their pumpkins with. Some craft stores even have stickers specially made for this so kids can give pumpkins faces or unique disguises.
• Mr. Pumpkin Head. Do your kids have a Mr. Potato Head toy at home? Use the pieces on a pumpkin for a fun, festive spin.  
• Use cookie cutters. Still want the carving experience but without the sharp objects? There is a method circulating social media, using cookie cutters to achieve this. The littles may still need your assistance as some pumpkin cores can be tough to break through. 
• Design it with push pins. Head to a dollar store for unique, colorful push pins, then use these to create designs on a pumpkin, simply by pushing them onto it. You can even create word messages this way!

What other pumpkin carving alternatives can you think of? Share your pumpkin crafts with us on Arizona PBS KIDS on Facebook.

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About the author

Marissa Will is the mother of two, Olivia (6) and Logan (4). Writing was her first passion: she’s a freelance writer and a Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumna. Will is currently educating the future leaders of tomorrow: She has spent the past nine years educating third grade with a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University-Yuma.