Fall is the perfect time to gather with family, sip warm cider, and get creative by crafting. Is it even really fall without pumpkins?! If you’re a mom looking to entertain your kiddos (and maybe even host a fun crafting day with friends), these 10 pumpkin-themed craft ideas will be a hit with any age!
1. Pumpkin Patch Rocks
Instead of carving real pumpkins, paint small rocks to look like mini pumpkins! Grab a few smooth stones, orange paint, and some green or brown paint for the stems. Let your kids decorate the rocks however they want, creating a unique "pumpkin patch" to display around the house or in the garden. It’s mess-free and the pumpkins last all season long!
2. Paper Plate Pumpkins
Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, paper plate pumpkins are easy and budget-friendly. You’ll need orange paint, paper plates, glue, and some cut-out shapes like eyes, noses, and mouths to make funny or spooky pumpkin faces. Bonus: Add googly eyes for a cute, silly look!
3. Pom-Pom Pumpkins
Use orange yarn to make fluffy pom-pom pumpkins! Wrap the yarn around a fork or your hand to create the pom-poms. Once done, cut a small piece of brown felt for the stem and green ribbon for the leaf. These adorable pumpkins make great table decorations, or you can string them together for a fun fall garland.
4. Pumpkin Suncatchers
Brighten up your windows with pumpkin suncatchers! Cut out a pumpkin shape from clear contact paper, then let your kids decorate the sticky side with pieces of tissue paper in shades of orange, yellow, and red. Once it’s covered, place another layer of contact paper on top and hang them in the window to catch the autumn sun.
5. Painted Pumpkins
Skip the carving mess and opt for painted pumpkins. Set out an array of paint colors, glitter, stickers, and other fun craft supplies. Each family member can paint their own pumpkin however they like – polka dots, stripes, or even silly faces! This is a great way to express creativity while keeping the pumpkins intact for longer-lasting decorations.
6. Pumpkin Coloring Tablecloth
If you have a large table or wall space this craft is perfect! Grab a pumpkin themed coloring tablecloth to color or paint. You can spread it out on the table or even hang it on the wall as a banner or mural for all to creatively decorate and enjoy!
7. Pumpkin Garland
Create a pumpkin garland that you can hang in your living room or across your mantel. Use orange construction paper or felt to cut out small pumpkin shapes. Let your kids decorate them with crayons, markers, or glitter, and then string them together using twine or ribbon. It’s a festive and easy way to bring the fall spirit indoors!
8. Pumpkin Playdough
Make your own pumpkin-scented playdough using a simple recipe: flour, salt, water, cream of tartar, and a few drops of orange food coloring and pumpkin spice. Once it’s ready, let your kids mold the dough into mini pumpkins, add googly eyes, or use playdough tools to create patterns. It’s sensory fun and a craft rolled into one!
9. Mini Pumpkin Planters
For a craft that doubles as a fall decoration, hollow out mini pumpkins and use them as planters for small succulents or flowers. The kids will enjoy scooping out the seeds and watching their plant grow over time. These mini pumpkin planters are cute enough to display indoors or give as a gift!
10. Pumpkin Stamps
Cut a small potato or apple in half, carve a pumpkin shape into the flat side, and dip it into orange paint. Now you have an easy pumpkin stamp! Your kids can stamp their pumpkins onto paper, tote bags, or even a shirt for a fun, DIY fall project. Add details like stems and faces once the paint dries!