Pumpkin carving is a classic autumn tradition, but for parents with toddlers, handing over sharp tools and expecting precise carving skills isn’t exactly practical—or safe. If your little one is too young to carve jack-o-lanterns, don’t worry! There are plenty of fun, creative, and safe pumpkin crafts that toddlers can enjoy with your guidance. These activities not only spark creativity but also make for great family bonding moments. Here are some pumpkin craft ideas that will keep your toddler entertained and excited about fall.
And remember -- here at Stockslager's Greenhouse and Garden Center near Dayton, Ohio, we have beautiful pumpkins of all sizes! We even have unique gourds! So if you're looking for some beautiful pumpkins and autumn flowers (like mums) for your home decor, come visit us!
1. Pumpkin Painting Party
One of the easiest ways to involve toddlers in pumpkin decorating is through painting. Toddlers love getting their hands messy, and painting allows them to unleash their creativity without any sharp objects involved.
What you'll need: Small pumpkins, non-toxic acrylic paints, paintbrushes, and aprons or old clothes (to protect against spills). You can also include glitter, googly eyes, or stickers for added fun.
How to do it: Set up a painting station outside or cover your kitchen table with newspaper. Give your toddler a pumpkin and let them go wild with paint. Encourage them to mix colors, create patterns, or even turn their pumpkin into an animal or character. If you want to give the pumpkin a glossy finish, you can apply a coat of clear sealant once the paint dries (just make sure it's child-safe if toddlers will be handling the pumpkins afterward).
2. Pumpkin Stickers and Foam Shapes
For toddlers who might not be ready to wield a paintbrush, stickers and foam shapes offer an easy and mess-free option. You can find fall-themed stickers, including pumpkins, ghosts, and leaves, at most craft stores, or you can cut out your own foam shapes in different colors and sizes.
What you'll need: Mini pumpkins, fall-themed stickers, or foam sheets (if you're cutting your own shapes), and glue.
How to do it: Let your toddler choose their favorite stickers or foam shapes and stick them all over the pumpkin. You can create fun designs together, like faces or patterns, and the craft becomes a lesson in spatial awareness and fine motor skills. If you’re using foam shapes, help your child glue them onto the pumpkin for added texture and depth.
3. Pumpkin "Dress Up" with Accessories
Turn pumpkins into little characters by "dressing them up" with various accessories! This is a great way to reuse items you have lying around the house or add some flair to your Halloween décor.
What you'll need: Mini pumpkins, pipe cleaners, felt, googly eyes, buttons, fabric scraps, and craft glue.
How to do it: Help your toddler attach googly eyes and buttons to the pumpkin to make a face. You can twist pipe cleaners to create arms, ears, or even hair for your pumpkin "person." Use fabric scraps or felt to fashion clothing or hats. Toddlers will love the idea of transforming their pumpkin into a fun character, and the possibilities are endless!
4. Pumpkin Collage with Fall Nature Finds
Take your toddler on a nature walk and gather leaves, acorns, small sticks, and other fall-themed treasures. Then, use these finds to decorate their pumpkin in a collage-style craft.
What you'll need: Small pumpkins, collected nature items (leaves, twigs, acorns), glue, and possibly some paint or markers for added detail.
How to do it: After your nature walk, sit down with your toddler and arrange the leaves, acorns, and other items on the pumpkin. They can glue the leaves to the pumpkin to create a beautiful, textured design. This craft not only keeps toddlers busy but also allows them to connect with the outdoors.
5. Pumpkin Stamping with Apples
For an easy art project, try using an apple to create pumpkin "stamps" that toddlers can use to decorate paper pumpkins or create fall-themed artwork.
What you'll need: Apples, non-toxic orange paint, paper or paper pumpkins, and a small knife (for the parent to cut the apple).
How to do it: Cut an apple in half and dip the flat side into orange paint. Then, let your toddler stamp the apple onto a sheet of paper to create pumpkin shapes. They can add details like faces, stems, and leaves with markers or crayons. This activity lets toddlers enjoy painting and stamping without the risk of using sharp tools.
6. Pumpkin Sensory Bin
For toddlers who love to explore textures, create a pumpkin-themed sensory bin filled with various autumn items.
What you'll need: A large bin, mini pumpkins, faux fall leaves, small pinecones, and any other soft, safe, and textured items that fit the fall theme.
How to do it: Fill the bin with the items and let your toddler explore. They can touch, feel, and play with the pumpkins, leaves, and pinecones, which will help them develop sensory awareness while engaging in imaginative play.
Bring your kids to Stockslager's Greenhouse and Garden Center near Dayton Ohio!
These pumpkin crafts allow toddlers to join in the fall fun without the need for sharp tools or complicated steps. Whether they’re painting pumpkins, adding stickers, or assembling their own pumpkin character, your little one will feel proud to contribute to the festive family atmosphere. Plus, these activities help build fine motor skills, spark creativity, and give toddlers a safe way to celebrate autumn. So, gather your supplies, invite your toddler to the crafting table, and let the pumpkin fun begin!
