4 Montessori Inspired Pumpkin Activities

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Is your kid too young for pumpkin carving? The last thing you need in 2021 is a trip to ER. Luckily, there are other pumpkin-related activities your toddler can enjoy. We tried all these activities two years in a row. The first year, Emma was 1.5 years. And this year, Emma is a little over 2.5 years. Your preschooler could also enjoy some of these activities.

1. Visiting a pumpkin patch

Nothing is more adorable than a picture of your baby or a toddler sitting next to a round bright orange pumpkin. But going to a pumpkin patch is not only an excellent opportunity for taking pictures. The trip itself can turn into an educational experience. Your child can learn more about how pumpkins are grown and see the actual pumpkin fields. The older your child is, the more information you can give him. For this reason, choose small farms with the main focus on pumpkins and farm life rather than big farms with other attractions such as a bouncy castle. 

If you live in the Bay Area, I highly recommend visiting Blue House Farm in San Gregorio. This charming farm provides you with everything you need to find your perfect pumpkin. You can borrow a wagon and load your kids and pumpkins in there. Pulling the wagon is especially appealing to toddlers. This year was our second time visiting the farm, and it didn’t disappoint. After getting a few pumpkins, we got to pick a basket of fresh strawberries right from the field. There is no doubt your little one will have a blast there.

2. Washing pumpkins

When you think about pumpkin activities, you might not picture washing pumpkins as one of them. Most toddlers are attracted to this simple activity and will stay with it for a long time. Emma spent almost an hour washing and drying all the pumpkins we brought from the pumpkin patch this year.

You can set up this activity outdoors and indoors without worrying that the water will end up everywhere. 

You’ll need:

  • brush

  • baking tray, or a water table

  • pumpkin

  • towel for drying

If you do this activity indoors, the secret is to fill the tray with just a little water. That way, you’ll avoid having water all over the floors. And you won’t end up with a soaked pumpkin.  

Before handing the brush to your toddler, show her how to use it. Scrub the pumpkin in a circular motion. 

When done, invite them to dry the pumpkin.  

 3. Pumpkin painting

Have you ever tried to paint a pumpkin? This activity can be fun not only for your toddler but for you too. You could even make it a new family tradition.

You’ll need:  

  • no-spill paint cups

  • brushes

  • paint

  • pumpkin

Notes: We like these no-spill paint cups that live up to their name. They’ll allow you to do this activity inside while keeping your floors clean. Having washable paint also helps.

4. Roasting Pumpkin seeds 

Make a healthy snack with your toddler using the seeds of the pumpkin.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups pumpkin seeds

  • 2 teaspoons butter, melted (or olive oil)

  • 1 pinch salt

  • Optional: other seasonings (garlic, paprika)

Instructions:

  • First, cut out the top of the pumpkin.

  • Show your toddler how to take out the seeds.

  • Have your toddler wash the seeds in a colander. Help them remove any pulp from the seeds.

  • Next, invite your child to transfer the seeds on a baking sheet or a cutting board. Let them dry overnight. If you can’t wait, dry the seeds in between towels.

  • Have your toddler mix the seeds in a bowl with melted butter (or olive oil). Let them add salt and other seasonings you’re using.

  • Transfer the seeds to a prepared baking sheet in one layer.

  • Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes until golden brown, stirring every 5 minutes.

  • Enjoy!

Other pumpkin-related ideas:

  • Making pumpkin muffins

  • Pumpkin grading (grade your pumpkins from the smallest to the largest and vice versa) 

  • Language lessons: use the pumpkin to learn (practice) new vocabularies such as:

    • small - medium - large

    • smooth - rough

  • Carrying pumpkin - toddlers (especially around 18 months) are interested in carrying heavy objects. Allow your toddler to pick up and carry a heavy pumpkin if he is interested in that. Don’t worry that he would get hurt. He will carry only as much as his body is capable of carrying.

  • Reading books about pumpkins (to deepen their interest in the topic)

What pumpkin activities does your child enjoy?

Activities, Montessori Toddler, Montessori PreschoolerLucie LordActivities, Montessori Toddler, Fall Activities, Pumpkin ActivitiesComment