Carve out some fun this Halloween with these gourd-geous pumpkin carving ideas for all ages.

Pumpkin carving is one of fall’s most beloved traditions, but not every little hand is ready for sharp tools—and that’s okay! Whether your family prefers painting, gluing, or carving, we’ve rounded up a mix of creative pumpkin projects that are safe, simple, and spooktacularly fun.

1. No-Carve Cuties

Skip the mess (and the knives) with easy, no-carve pumpkins perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
 Try these ideas:

  • Sticker Pumpkins: Let little ones cover their pumpkin in Halloween stickers or colorful dot stickers for a cheerful look.
    Painted Faces: Use washable paint to make silly, happy, or spooky faces—googly eyes add extra charm!
  • Animal Pumpkins: Transform pumpkins into favorite animals with felt ears, pipe-cleaner whiskers, and pom-pom noses.

Pro Tip: Smaller “pie pumpkins” are easier for kids to hold and decorate.

2. Glow-in-the-Dark Magic

Older kids will love lighting up the night! Paint designs using glow-in-the-dark or neon paints, then outline shapes with glow sticks or LED tea lights.
 Ideas to try:

  • Paint a friendly ghost, cat, or bat silhouette.
  • Spell out “BOO” or your family’s last name in glow paint.
  • Add glitter for a little extra sparkle under porch lights.

3. Classic Carvings 🎃

Once kids are ready to carve (with supervision, of course), go for the classics.
 Family favorites include:

  • Smiling Jack-o’-Lanterns: The timeless triangle eyes and toothy grin never go out of style.
  • Goofy Monsters: Experiment with different shapes for eyes and mouths for a playful twist.
  • Spooky Scenes: Use cookie cutters to press simple shapes (like stars or bats) into the pumpkin before carving—perfect for younger helpers.

Safety Tip: Use kid-friendly carving tools and always have an adult handle the cutting. My advice would be to buy a Halloween carving kit—the tools really are so much easier and safer than using a giant kitchen knife and they usually come with a book of ideas you can tear out and copy onto the pumpkin.

4. Painted Personalities

Who says pumpkins have to be orange?

  • Turn one into a favorite character—think superheroes, princesses, or even Minions.
  • Create a “monster family” by painting different expressions on a few small pumpkins.
  • For older kids, try stenciling patterns or painting the pumpkin a solid color and adding metallic accents for a more modern look.

5. Nature-Inspired Pumpkins

Take a walk and gather leaves, acorns, and twigs for a nature-themed masterpiece.
 Glue pressed leaves around the pumpkin to make a fall “crown,” or use twigs and moss to create whimsical woodland creatures. It’s an eco-friendly option that doubles as a great outdoor family activity!

6. Storybook Pumpkins

Bring a favorite book to life by decorating a pumpkin as a beloved character—think The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Pete the Cat, or Harry Potter. Many schools and libraries even host “literary pumpkin” contests, making this a fun way to mix reading with creativity.

7. Pumpkin Family Display

Make a whole “pumpkin family” that represents yours! Use various pumpkin sizes for parents, kids, and even pets. Add hats, scarves, or glasses for personality.

Final Tip: Whether you carve or craft, the key is to make it fun and let kids lead the creativity. Every pumpkin—no matter how perfectly polished or adorably lopsided—is a masterpiece when made with family.