At Kiddie Academy®, we encourage parents to lean into activities that inspire curiosity, creativity and critical thinking while creating an opportunity for the whole family to spend quality time together.
This season, we’ve rounded up five fun-filled, pumpkin-themed activities complete with various opportunities for learning, bonding and immersive entertainment.
Creative collages
Take carving up a notch by cutting shapes out of a pumpkin and turning them into stamps. To start, cut out a variety of shapes and put them on popsicle sticks. Then, pour paint onto the paper and help your child choose, dip and stamp their shape. Repeat, choosing new shapes and paint colors and discussing how each looks and feels.
This isn’t just about making a pretty picture. It’s about allowing your child’s imagination to soar and helping them explore their curious side. Not only does this activity encourage creativity, but it also allows your child to explore new textures and tools.
Pumpkin racing
Invite your child to take their pumpkin on an adventure! Give your child a spoon and a small pumpkin, challenging them to roll their pumpkin to the finish line. Because pumpkins are not often perfectly round, this challenge will spur them to think critically and encourage hand-eye coordination. Watching them strategize will be just as rewarding as when they cross the finish line.
For older children, you can take this activity a step further by blindfolding them and doing the same activity, this time calling out directions. This engaging task can strengthen trust, direction following and spatial awareness!
Sink or float
With a few tools and a helping hand from your little one, pumpkins can turn into an enriching science experiment. To start, all you'll need is a water-filled container big enough to float—or sink—a pumpkin. Consider gathering other fall themed items like leaves, apples and gourds to enrich this experience. Ask your children to predict if they think each object will float or sink, and find out the results together.
Pumpkin volcano
Another entertaining task is to have your little one help create a pumpkin volcano. Place a small, cleaned-out pumpkin into a large plastic container. Add two to three tablespoons of baking soda inside the pumpkin. For a more colorful experience, consider adding food coloring. Drop some vinegar in to initiate an “eruption” and observe the reaction. Ask your children what they think will happen and then have them explain what they see.
Pumpkin baking
Roasted pumpkin seeds are not only a healthy snack for the whole family to enjoy, they’re also a delicious way to teach your children about all the edible parts of a pumpkin. This baking activity can teach your children measurements, time-management and patience (and the treat after is an added bonus).
- Start by scooping the seeds out of your pumpkin and soaking them to quickly remove all the pulp. Use this time to talk about how the inside of the pumpkin feels using words like cold, stringy, wet and smooth.
- Dry the seeds to make sure they get extra crispy while cooking.
- Have your children add the seasoning of their choice like honey, brown sugar, cinnamon or maple syrup for a sweet treat. Tajin, chili powder, garlic salt or ranch dressing mix can also be used to create a more savory snack. Toss the seeds with the seasoning and butter or oil as well.
- Arrange the seeds flat on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Store in a sealed container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
With fall in full swing and pumpkins being the centerpiece of the season, families can use these hands-on activities to enrich their time together. From crafts and games that enhance coordination and critical thinking to engaging science experiments and delicious baking projects, there are countless ways for parents and children to explore the wonders of fall together.
