If you’re not constantly scrolling Pinterest, maybe you’ve missed the adorable things happening with pumpkins these days. Times have changed since we were kids and it’s not your average jack o’lanterns anymore! Pumpkins can provide HOURS of creative entertainment this fall for you and your kiddos. Here are my favorites…

1. Make a pumpkin fairy home.

This involves more than just carving your pumpkin, but also decorating. You can add doll-house items or -- even better --  these can be made purely from found items and remain 100% compostable. 

2. Paint your pumpkins.

Painting pumpkins is a fun and easy activity for little ones, especially since you can wash them and do this activity several times. Another fun way to decorate is by using Elmer's glue or Mod Podge and adhering pressed flowers. Depending on the type of flower, it takes a few days to a few weeks to press and preserve them. Take a nature walk and tuck some found flowers into a press or old book, then come Halloween you’ll be ready to craft. 

3. Try Pumpkin Hammering

No matter if you’ve carved, painted, or pressed flowers onto your pumpkin, once you’re almost ready to say goodbye for the season which brings me to, one of my kids’ favorite activities: pumpkin hammering. I use crab mallets and golf tees (which I usually get from the Dollar Store). We’ve had this activity out at halloween parties and it’s always a favorite for the kids. 

Now, I’m not knocking carving! It’s actually an amazing fine motor and sensory experience for your kids. Using tools, squishing the slimy seeds in their hands, all provide tactile learning. If you do carve open a pumpkin this year, I hope you can create a space where it feels ok to get messy. 

Pumpkins should not be tossed into the green waste whole. If you are composting, remember to clean off any glue or paint, and cut it into pieces. There are several farms and organizations that will collect pumpkins just after halloween for various animals to enjoy. 

Remember to post and tag SMMC so we can see your creations this season 🎃