We took a trip to the pumpkin patch and after getting rid of massive amounts of hay in my kids’ hair, I couldn’t handle the mess of pumpkin guts. So, here are five non-carving pumpkin activities your kids will love. Yes, that means you get to play with pumpkins without reaching in. (Eww!!)
1. Tic-Tac-Toe
- 3 small orange pumpkins (We got 10 for 10 bucks at our grocery store).
- 3 small white pumpkins
- Butcher paper
- Pen (or painter’s tape)
If you’re thinking of having a halloween themed playdate or party, play Tic-Tac-Toe with mini pumpkins and you’ve won the Pinterest war. Done.
2. Sensory Bin
- Sensory table
- Corn kernels
- Pumpkin seeds
- Little squash
Next, we made a fall-themed sensory bin using corn, (which feels so good to run your hands through) pumpkin seeds and scoopers made from little squash. The kids just love these things. Ford, however, took it to a whole other level while I was not looking and dumped in a bucket of water. Hey, whatever works! I was able to taste some really yummy pumpkin soup and this DIY bin has just gotten a lot of mileage.
3. Growing a Pumpkin in a Pumpkin
- Emptied out pumpkin
- Dirt
- Pumpkin seeds
Next, we headed over to the garden to grab an emptied out pumpkin. We then put a little (or a lot) of dirt in… poor Ford. Once the dirt was in we planted our pumpkin seeds, covered them up and gave them lots of water. I’m not going to lie we have yet to see any sprouts. That could be me. I don’t have the greatest track record.
4. Pumpkin Tees
I had these leftover golf tees from our construction episode and wow, they worked even better on pumpkins! Ford could hammer these in and pull them out all day long. I wanted to add a little spin for Presley, so we used color rubber bands to create shapes and she covered the whole pumpkin and really loved this! I’m telling you, you have to get yourself some golf tees.
5. Pumpkin Guts Sensory Bag
- Pumpkin guts
- Plastic bag
Finally, we wanted to do something with all those yucky pumpkin guts, so we put them in a plastic bag and let Tess try them out as a little sensory activity. She loved squishing it around, until she wanted to eat it. At least she doesn’t have teeth yet!
