Make a lighted pumpkin Halloween decoration that will glow on Halloween night. Kids will have fun carving a jack-o-lantern that shines in the dark.
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Make this lighted pumpkin Halloween decoration as a family or classroom activity. If you plan a small group activity in a preschool or kindergarten class, you can either have one large pumpkin that accommodates several sets of hands, or one small pumpkin for each participant.
Kids will love watching the pumpkin transform into a not-too-spooky jack-o-lantern. The activity engages kids in fine motor sensory play while using math and creative skills to design the jack-o-lantern.
Lighted pumpkin craft
Before you begin, explore the outside of the pumpkin.
What color is the pumpkin? Does it feel smooth or lumpy? Is it heavy or light?
Related: 41 Kids Activities with Real Pumpkins
Read picture books to find out more about how pumpkins grow, and get ideas for carving a jack-o-lantern.
BOOKS ABOUT PUMPKINS
Make a lighted pumpkin craft
1. Remove the stem.
Place a newspaper or tray under the pumpkin to protect the table surface.
Cut out a round portion off the top of the pumpkin. Remove with the stem attached.
2. Scoop out seeds.
Scrape along the sides and bottom to loosen the pulp and seeds. Scoop out with a large spoon. Invite kids to use their hands to dig out some of the pulp and seeds (for some gooey sensory play).
Save the seeds for a math activity with kids.
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3. Cut out facial features.
You can buy a pumpkin carving kit for kids but this should still be used with adult supervision.
Kids can help draw the eyes, nose and mouth on the pumpkin with a marker.
4. Light up the pumpkin.
Place an LED tea light
Dim the lights and see how your jack-o-lantern looks! It’s a gorgeous decoration for Halloween night.
The fun starts with carving a pumpkin, and results in a glowing jack-o-lantern!
Halloween STEAM Kids (affiliate link)
HALLOWEEN CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES
