With cooler temps just around the corner, it’s time to think all things pumpkin. Pumpkin patch visits, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie….let’s give a cheer for our favorite fall staple! We love crafts at our house, meaning my kids enjoy making messy and noisy projects and I embrace projects that don’t require 35 supplies and a ton of preparation. My preschooler has one more year before kindergarten, so I try to throw some learning activities into the mix, too.
Pumpkin Lacing
Supplies Needed:
- Pumpkin lacing printable
- Hole punch
- Scissors
- Yarn
- Tape
I like this activity because it can be modified for a toddler or preschooler. A free printable makes this activity even more convenient. Simply use a hole punch to punch out the holes for each number, cut a piece of yarn (I taped the end of the yarn to the back the pumpkin so it wouldn’t slip) and let your child go to town. Great for number recognition, counting and fine motor skills, the idea is to have the child lace the yarn from number to number in the correct numerical order. Toddlers can use a blank version and lace around the edge of the pumpkin.
Popsicle Stick Pumpkin Magnet
Supplies Needed:
- Popsicle Sticks (painted orange)
- Black Marker
- Cardstock
- Glue
- Magnet
- Green Pipe Cleaner
The Legend of Spookley The Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano is a favorite at our house. Check your local library, watch on YouTube or visit the website dedicated to Spookley. There’s also a Spookley app through the Apple store. The story has a positive message about learning to accept others’ differences. Your child will paint the Popsicle sticks (or take the lazy way and just buy the colored ones like I did!), and then glue them to a piece of card stock slightly smaller than the Popsicle Sticks. After allowing for dry time, use a black marker to draw the face on the pumpkin. Glue a magnet to the back and a green pipe cleaner for the stem and you have your very own Spookley!
Painting With Pumpkin Tops
Supplies Needed:
- Pumpkins
- Paint
- Paper Plates (For the Paint)
- Construction Paper
Did I mention my boys love getting messy? This painting activity lets kids explore with shapes, textures and colors. An adult will need to cut the tops off the pumpkins. Be sure to cut around the stem and leave it attached so it will act as a handle. Kids can dip the pumpkin tops into the paint to create stamps. When your child is done painting, scoop out the “guts” of the pumpkin and talk about the parts of the pumpkin. My preschooler has done this activity with other fruits and vegetables, too, and it’s always a hit.
What are your favorite pumpkin activities?