Carve Halloween Pumpkin: A Classic Halloween Activity for Kids
Nothing says Halloween like the chance to carve a Halloween pumpkin and create your very own Jack-O’-Lantern! This fun, hands-on activity is a Halloween tradition that kids love—especially when they get to scoop, design, and light their spooky masterpiece with help from an adult.
Perfect for families looking to enjoy a creative and memorable Halloween activity together.
Game sheet
- Number of players: From 1 child (with adult supervision)
- Ages: From 6 years old
- Materials: A pumpkin, carving tools, marker, spoon or ladle, candle
- Played: Indoors or outdoors
- Play time: About 30–45 min
How to carve a Halloween pumpkin step by step
Before starting, protect your work surface with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth, and gather all the necessary materials:
- A large, smooth pumpkin
- A sharp knife or small hand saw
- A felt-tip pen
- A large spoon or ladle
- 1–2 candles (or battery tea lights)
- Optional: gloves for safety
🧤 Adult supervision is essential—especially when using sharp tools!
Add even more laughter to your party with this hilarious mummy wrapping challenge—a spooky race to turn your teammate into a mummy!
Step-by-step guide:
- Cut the lid: Draw a circle around the top of the pumpkin and cut it out at a downward angle to create a “hat” that won’t fall inside. Cut a few ventilation holes in the lid.
- Scoop it out: Use the spoon or ladle to remove all the seeds and stringy insides. Scrape the walls clean, leaving about 2 cm of thickness.
- Sketch your design: Use the felt pen to draw eyes, nose, and a spooky mouth.
- Carve the face: Carefully cut out your design along the lines.
- Clean and light: Wipe away any pen marks, place a candle inside, and put the lid back on.
🔥 Pro tip: place your Jack-O’-Lantern outside to help it last longer and avoid attracting insects.
Safety and storage tips
- Always supervise young children. Adults should handle the cutting.
- For younger kids, consider using pumpkin decorating kits or stickers instead of carving.
- Your carved pumpkin will last about a week outdoors, especially in cooler weather.
Keep the suspense alive all party long with this classic Halloween candy jar guessing game—simple to set up and always a hit with kids!
Educational benefits of pumpkin carving
Carving a Halloween pumpkin isn’t just fun—it also helps children:
- Develop fine motor skills
- Practice creative thinking and planning
- Learn about sequencing and following instructions
- Build confidence through hands-on crafting
- Experience a seasonal tradition tied to culture and history
- Share bonding moments with family
Add even more excitement to your spooky celebrations with our printable Halloween games! Explore themed adventures like escape rooms, treasure hunts, and Halloween mystery challenges made just for kids.
