This morning I was trying to think of something fun for my toddler to do, to “shift,” from the normal, “Play with trains after nap,” routine. I wanted to do something “Fall” related, and I thought finger painting a pumpkin should be it! I mean seriously, I’m an adult, and even I want to do some pumpkin painting. Who wouldn’t?
Pumpkin Painting Fun For Kids
Washable Paints for Sure!
If you’re looking for a quick and EASY Fall, toddler activity, look no more! All you have to do is throw an old sheet down, put some WASHABLE (Trust me… use washable) finger paint on paper plates, and let your little guy or gal go to town!
I couldn’t believe how much he liked doing it. I think it was a combination of having fun with finger painting, being outside, and painting on something other than a sheet of paper at the kitchen table.
Did I mention you should use WASHABLE finger paint? š
He loved switching colors as he was painting, and ABSOLUTLEY loved not having to stay inside the lines on something. (Just having to stay on the sheet!)
Now you can use different sizes of pumpkins, but I wanted a pretty big one, so it would keep him entertained longer.
Think about it… they want to cover every little space on the pumpkin, and if you get a small one, this activity would be over in no time!
I do love how he held up his hands at the end and kind of looked at me with an
“Ooops Mommy, I have dirty hands,” look on his face. He’s definitely my kid and hates getting dirty.
Now seriously, don’t just take my word for it. Doesn’t this smile scream, “I had fun!?” š
During pumpkin season, you’ll also love making this Halloween mix that kids of all ages will love, and if you’re feeling adventurous, this Halloween pumpkin patch dessert should be next!
If you decide to carve your pumpkin later, don’t forget to save the seeds to make this pumpkin seed recipe!
Or, if a Halloween craft is more your style, your kiddo will love this Ghost Craft idea for Kids!
Roshni says
Aww!! He definitely had a lot of fun!! Do show us the finished piece displayed in your front porch in a later post!
Jessica says
That’s a great idea! I will for sure!
Adelien says
I can see that he looks very satisfied with his sophisticated master arts D). What a cute handsome boy.
Jessica says
š Thank you so much!
Miranda Bee says
This looks like so much fun! Certainly easier than trying to carve a pumpkin with a toddler!! I think we’ll steal your idea! š
Jessica says
Much easier! You go right ahead! Have so much fun!! Thanks for stopping by! XO!
Jill @ Called To Be A Mom says
I love how his expressions are! They made me laugh! We need to finish painting our pumpkins. My son keeps asking for them to be done! I need to get at them. Tomorrow morning it will be! Thanks for the inspiration!
Missy Homemaker says
Oh my goodness, that third photo is priceless! We painted pumpkins for the first time last year, and then it rained. Needless to say, our front steps were purple, black and green! lol
This is a great idea. We might have to do this again this year.
Misty says
OMG, your little guy looks so adorable! He looks like he was having a blast with that activity. I am going to grab some pumpkins so my kids can do this craft. I doubt my son will like it as much as my daughter, he is kinda a clean freak. Her, not so much.
Jessica says
Aw thank you! He was for sure! Haha… my son is the same way! Hates getting dirty, or having “sticky” fingers! That’s hilarious that your daughter doesn’t mind! Is your daughter older or younger? I’m curious to see if she’s younger. I was a neat freak with my first son, but tend to be more lenient now that my second is here.
Zan says
Nice idea. I had this same idea this morning to do with my toddler, but I decided to do just regular painting on paper. I cannot wait to read more of your posts!
Jessica says
You’re kidding!? Great minds think alike! š Thank you for stopping by!
Tammy Doiel says
What a great idea! I think we’re getting pumpkins on Friday–we’ll have to do that before we carve them. I love that one picture in the middle where he’s so excited!
Jessica says
I didn’t think about still being able to carve the pumpkin! That’s a great idea! That way it can be 2 activities in one! Brilliant! Have so much fun Friday!
Emma @ P is for Preschooler says
Love these photos! The look on his face is priceless! My 4-year-old painted her pumpkin with her hands this year too. She had fun, so all was well! š
Jessica says
Thank you! Haha! I know it… he kills me. I think I’m going to have my hands full! Awww… wasn’t it a great activity! So glad to hear someone else did it too! It was so fun! Thanks for stopping by! XO!
Carli says
Cutest. Kid. Ever. And I think mine are pretty dang cute! I love his expressions! Thank you for sharing! Pinning!
Jessica says
Aww thank you! You’re so sweet! He totally had fun doing it! XO!
Stephanie @ From the Burbs to the Boonies says
You’re right! Who wouldn’t want to do some pumpkin painting! I love the photos, it looks like he had a total blast. How fun.
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom says
What great pictures! You know my kids are 6 and 10 and I think painting the pumpkins would be just as satisfying (And a lot easier!) than carving them. I wonder if they’ll go for it??
Jessica says
Thank you! I completely agree! I would think so! With older kids, they could stencil and actually “Paint” something, rather than sporadically slapping their hands on it like mine did. Haha! Thanks for stopping by! XO!
Cindy Danieley says
I am going to try this activity with the girls on Thursday or Friday. Looking forward to making a mess! Thanks, Jessica!
Jessica says
Yaaay! I can’t wait to see how yours turn out! Keep me posted! XO!