Pumpkins + kids = Fun

Today's post really isn't about cooking or cookbooks, but will Halloween/Fall Harvest time upon us, I thought it would be fun to discuss what fun pumpkins can be.

Kids can do wonders with pumpkins if they are given the chance. When fall finally arrives, let them see what they can do with pumpkins and pumpkin images.

Small pumpkins are so cute. They sit over in the produce section looking like holiday decorations. They look more like gourds than a form of squash/gourd.

Buy a few of these tiny pumpkins and bring them home to your kids. They are too small for carving but each one of those pumpkins can have a unique face. Using non-toxic paint, allow the kids to decorate those pumpkins.

Besides paint, kids can use squiggly eyes, pipe cleaners, glue, construction paper, and other accessories to turn those pumpkins into great table centerpieces or household decorations for fall. Using non-toxic pain allows you to skin the pumpkins and cut them up later to be used in food dishes.

These tiny pumpkins resist bruising and dents. Use them for outdoor fall games instead of the bigger pumpkins. Try a pumpkin toss or pumpkin bowling. Be sure to conduct any pumpkin games on grass or other soft surfaces to avoid damage to your pumpkins.

Pumpkin activities don’t have to involve the actual pumpkin fruit, but its image. Create pumpkins using orange and green felt. Use them to decorate hallways or homemade costumes for Halloween. At school, kids can give each classmate a pumpkin invitation for a seasonal or Halloween party. Or what my son's class is doing making a pumpkin and then trying to disguise it. We are going to work on this a little later.

Kids love to cook. For older kids that have been taught how to use the oven and microwave, hold a pumpkin cook-off. Give each kid a can of pumpkin or fresh pureed pumpkin and see what they create with it. As the official taste tester (or maybe let someone else taste test), you will choose the winning dish and reward the prizes.

Kids are more into community service these days. One activity can involve giving away pumpkin art to neighbors and friends. Pumpkins can be lacquered to be used in centerpieces, wreaths, as candleholders, and paperweights.

Empty milk jugs can be cut and painted orange to resemble carved pumpkins. With a little sand and votive candles, pumpkin luminaries can be placed throughout the neighborhood on October 31^st for costumed trick-or-treaters or as walkway lights at a fall festival.

Pumpkins aren’t just for adults to carve and enjoy. Kids want to have their shot at the orange ball, too. Given half a chance, kids can create food dishes, decorations, community projects, and carved creations that can be enjoyed by everyone during the fall season.

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