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PERFECT Pumpkin Carving Ideas for ALL Kids

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Guess what is just around the corner, friends? Halloween! Last year, I went a bit batty finding perfect pumpkin carving ideas for my kids. You see, I want my little ones to really participate in the pumpkin carving! I want them to decorate their very own pumpkins—whatever that may mean. With such a huge variety of ages in our home, it meant that everyone did something different. I wanted to share these easy pumpkin carving ideas with you.

In this post, you will find no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas for toddlers, easy carving ideas for slightly older kids, and EVERYTHING in between. I hope you find the perfect Halloween Memory Maker for you and yours!

Just before we get started, you’ll also want to grab this FREE Halloween Activity Pack! My kids LOVE these Halloween coloring and activity pages – I bet yours will too. You can grab them right here:

 

Pumpkin Carving Ideas for Kids

Such easy pumpkin carving ideas that are unique and adorable! Perfect carve ideas for little kids to try - great for beginners! #howweelearn #nocarve #pumpkin #pumpkincarving #halloween #jackolantern #diy #kidsactivities #kidscrafts

BOO-tiful No-Carve Pumpkins for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Lite Brite Pumpkin – Little ones can use a hammer and nails to prepare this jack-o-lantern! Best of all, the pumpkin will really glow once lit with a candle.

Any child will go bananas watching this pumpkin process art take shape. All you need is crayons and a blow dryer. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Melted Crayon Pumpkin Decorating by Color Made Happy – Finally! A project for all those broken pieces of crayon! This idea is spectacularly easy to do and creates an amazing effect. Choose multiple bright colors or stick to a Halloween color scheme for a different look.

Why be scary, when you can be glam? This sensory craft experience is great even the youngest toddlers. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Glittery Pumpkin 2.0 by Domestic Goddesque (link no longer available) – Why just add glitter when you can add glitter AND jewels to your glamorous pumpkin? A little messy, but super easy!

Kids can create almost anything by painting their pumpkins. They can go for abstract patters or paint their favorite character. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Pumpkin Painting by Glued to My Crafts – Painting pumpkins is such a quick and easy way to involve even your littlest toddler in the decorating process. Complete this craft outside on a crisp day to enjoy some fresh air and worry less about the mess.

Strengthen fine motor skills and get a cute decorated mini pumpkin to boot! Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Rubberband Pumpkin by The Imagination Tree – This is a great no-prep, mess-free, pumpkin decorating idea! Give your toddler a chance to decorate this Halloween while strengthening their fine motor skills.

More Creative Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

Your kids will be mesmerized to see their Halloween painting come to life with glow-in-the-dark paint! Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Glow-in-the-dark Pumpkins by Color Me Happy – This definitely takes pumpkin painting to a whole other level. Preschoolers can make fun designs with the paint squeeze tubes and be amazed when their drawing comes to life in the dark—well, not literally, I hope…

Add some name and letter learning to your pumpkin decorating! Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Paint Resist Pumpkins by iheartartsncrafts – Use tape to spell your preschooler’s name, then invite them to joyously cover their pumpkin in paint. Once the paint is dry, tear off the tape and watch your child’s surprise at what is left behind!

Your child can choose from varying colors and sizes of tissue paper to cover or decorate their pumpkin. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Tissue Paper Decorating by Cloudy Day Gray – With just some tissue paper and Mod Podge, you can easily create a beautifully textured pumpkin. Stretch your creative muscles by varying your colors, tissue paper shapes, or the amount of pumpkin you choose to cover.

Toddlers and preschoolers will love covering their own pumpkin with different patterns of tape. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Washi Tape Pumpkins by The Educator’s Spin On It – Tape, tape, tape! In this house, we just LOVE our tape! Toddlers will have a lot of fun using beautiful tape to create their own pumpkins.

This easy, straight-forward pumpkin art can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Squeeze Paint Pumpkin by Hello Wonderful – Strengthen those fine motor skills with this squeeze paint process art. If you are spray painting the pumpkins, try to do so at a safe distance away from little ones. 

You can make a simple sensory pumpkin with craft supplies or items found in nature! Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Sensory Pumpkin by A Little Pinch of Perfect – I love that all the items chosen for this sensory pumpkin can be found in nature. For a completely different look, use brightly colored pompoms, sequins, or stickers to decorate your rows.

Kids of all ages can decorate with stickers and practice fine motor skills while they are at it. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Sticker Pumpkin by Beyond Mommying – This easy-peasy pumpkin decorating idea is perfect for all ages and ability levels. One child can decorate their pumpkin entirely with stickers, while another can add stickers to a carved pumpkin or one with an elaborate painting.

Crafty Character Pumpkins for Kids

Play dough can be used for pumpkin decorating too! Find out how! Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

3D Playdough Pumpkin Faces by The Artful Parent – These playdough pumpkin faces are such an easy way to get all kids involved, from the littlest toddler to the eldest sibling. It is creative, sensory fun at its best! Did I mention it strengthens fine motor skills, too?

This is an easy spider pumpkin you can make with common craft materials. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Painted Spider Pumpkin by Buddy and Buggy – Making this pumpkin means your preschooler can practice painting, cutting, and folding and participate in each step of these adorable creations. 

These funny mummies are so easy to make and don't need to be died to be cute. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Mummy Pumpkin by Dream a Little Bigger – All you need is some gauze or fabric and googly eyes to make this adorable Mummy Pumpkin. Fabric dyes are optional for adding pops of color. You may want to dye fabrics in advance, away from the reach of little ones. Hot glue guns are also required.

Place various craft materials in a tray and watch your kids create unique pumpkins, all their own! Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Tinker Tray Pumpkin Decorating by Meri Cherry – The open-ended nature of this activity just screams creativity! You know what materials your child will be most safe working with. Materials that could be used include pushpins, elastics, stickers, toothpicks, pom-poms, googly eyes, pipecleaners, and more.

With googly eyes and pipecleaners you can have a spider pumpkin in no-time! Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Mini-Spider Pumpkins by Chelsea’s Messy Apron – A spider pumpkin in less than 5 minutes flat? I’m sold! They are perfect for the front porch or as a cute party decoration.

Invite kids to get creative with familiar materials and make some very funny pumpkins! Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Veggie Pumpkin by Jamie’s 365 Day Photo Challenge – What a great way to challenge kids of all ages to use familiar materials creatively! I suggest taking this pumpkin outside on Halloween night so you don’t have unwanted critters literally eating the face off of your pumpkin. Creepy…

The Most Adorable Pumpkin Carving Ideas for Kids

These are great ideas for using simple craft materials for making easy animal pumpkins. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Woodland Creature Pumpkins by Simple as That – These easy, mess-free pumpkins are sure to be a hit! You will have to pre-cut shapes for younger children, while older ones might prefer to design their own cut-outs.

Anyone can make this easy spider web with yarn, nails and a few spiders. Weaving this web can be a calming activity that also strengthens fine motor skills and coordination. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Yarn Spider Web Pumpkin by Find It, Love It, Make It – Once an adult has safely secured carpet tacks or small nails to the pumpkin in a circle formation, kids can take their time wrapping their yarn from nail to nail to make a spider web that won’t blow away in the wind!

Gather up a collection of random hardware and office supplies and watch your children come up with some scary and funny Halloween pumpkin faces. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Hardware Pumpkin by Gift of Curiosity – Finally, I’ve got it! This is what you can do with all those “extra” pieces from assembling your IKEA furniture! Kids will love using “big person things” to get creative and strengthen fine motor skills. You are the best judge of which materials are safe for your child to use under your supervision. 

Decorating pumpkins with candy is fun for all ages, even for adults! This could turn into a great game idea for a party! Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Candy Pumpkins by Mommy’s Bundle – Kitchen tools can be used to pre-make a few holes where lollipops and toothpicks with candy can be inserted. You can melt chocolate and use it as an adhesive. Maybe you don’t have to use THAT much candy corn on the pumpkin… nibble, nibble, nibble…

There is no need to chop off that pumpkin stem if you can use it in your design! So easy! Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Witch Pumpkin by Parents.com – I love the idea of flipping your pumpkin on the side for a new “canvas” and using the nose as part of the design. You can also use this idea to make a goblin or monster pumpkin.

You can create this easy and adorable Frankenstein with common craft materials. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Frankenstein Pumpkin by My Little Slice of Bliss – I love how this traditionally scary Halloween figure has been made adorable with googly eyes, fluffy hair, and a friendly smile. 

Eerily Easy Pumpkin Carving for Kids

Stencils are a great tool for guiding you in creating simple creative pumpkins! Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Simple Spider Carving by Clarks Condensed – Clarks Condensed shares some great tips on using stencils to facilitate pumpkin carving with kids. Watch them include their little one in this adorable spider carving. 

Turn any cookie cutter shape into your next pumpkin design. This pumpkin carving is so easy it's scary. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Cookie-cutter Pumpkin by Modern Parents Messy Kids – Get a pro-looking jack-o-lantern without all the mess while giving your children the joy of using a rubber mallet! Hahaha… ha… ha…

This is an easy and creative idea for adding wacky hair to any pumpkin decorating design. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Wacky Hair Pumpkin by Good Housekeeping – Add a leafy plant, corn husks, or piles of yarn to the top of any pumpkin carving idea for kids and take it from simple to hair-iffic in seconds!

This pumpkin design is a creative and easy tie-in to a learning theme around stars, galaxies and constellations. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Constellation Pumpkin by Merrythought for Design Sponge – This stunning and incredibly simple pumpkin design might spark an interest in learning about constellations. Parental supervision will be required for drilling constellation holes.  

*** Be sure to grab my Free Constellation Cards and simplified Greek Myths to go along with this pumpkin carving idea!***

Pumpkin Decorating Ideas that Are Bound to Be a Surprise!

This funny pumpkin is so easy to make and holds your candy too! Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Lollipop Pumpkin by Edible Crafts Online – This is another practical and creative way of adding hair to any pumpkin carving idea for kids. This would make a great party centerpiece.  

Make this creepy crawly pumpkin in no-time by drilling a few holes into your pumpkin. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Pumpkin Mouse House by Martha Stewart – Pumpkin carving ideas for kids don’t get much easier than this! Grab a few different-sized drill bits and drill holes randomly around your pumpkin. Have your child place mice or their favorite creepy crawly critters peeking out of different holes.

This is a great idea for turning any pumpkin into a funny scaredy pumpkin! Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Scaredy Pumpkin by Lowes – Take any of your favorite pumpkin carving ideas for kids and add this hilarious touch for a good laugh. You can use pipecleaners instead of electrical wire for the hair by poking them into pre-made holes. The link above also connects you to free jack-o-lantern face patterns!  

Make just one haunted house ore create a haunted village with simple paintings and easy cut-outs. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Haunted House by Country Living – Have your child paint or draw any haunted house of their choice, and then you can work with them to cut out the windows they have created. A spook-tacular team effort!

This carved pumpkin is fun and creative despite it's simple carving. Any child would delight in helping making this. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Cookie Monster Pumpkin by Shared.com – The pumpkin carving for this design is so simple, but the overall effect after painting, adding googly eyes, and then COOKIES, gives this carving design real flare!

Your kids will love decorating their pumpkin... and their candy bowl... at the same time. Here is a list of more pumpkin decorating ideas that toddlers, preschoolers and kids of all ages can create! #howweelearn #pumpkincarving #pumpkindecorating #jackolantern # halloween #kidsactivities

Pumpkin Candy Bowl by Home Grown Friends – Another super simple pumpkin carving idea for kids!  Turn your pumpkin into a candy bowl by placing a lipped bowl at the top opening. If your kiddos are feeling cheeky, place a flatter dish at the bottom of your pumpkin and have trick-or-treaters get their candy from the pumpkin’s mouth! Ooooo, eerie…

 

Well, what do you think, friends? Did we find the perfect pumpkin carving idea for your kids?

I am pretty sure we have got everyone possible on this list! Toddlers, preschoolers, big kids, even ideas for Mom and Dad! If you are not a fan of carving, we have you covered. Looking for a mess-free option? All good! I really feel like this is the ULTIMATE resource for carving pumpkins with our kids!

If you’re ready to make this Halloween extra special, I invite you to check out Halloween School and the Printable Halloween Games Pack—no pushpins (or horses) required! Just lots of fun memory-making games, crafts, and activities to enjoy with your children this Halloween season.

Take a peek at Halloween School right here: https://shop.howweelearn.com/pages/halloweenschool

And the Printable Halloween Games Pack right here: https://shop.howweelearn.com/products/halloween-games

Halloween School Family Unit Study by How Wee Learn Printable Halloween Games Pack

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you have found the perfect idea for you and your little goblins.

xo
Sarah

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