Creativity with pumpkins

If your child loves to paint, why not let them get creative with pumpkins? It offers the perfect base for painting and you can create fun designs. From cats to dogs, witches to princesses, the choices are endless. You could even use glow-in-thedark paint to help the pumpkins stand out on Halloween. It’s a fun way to keep them busy during half term and it’s a lot easier for kids than carving, even if it is still messy fun. Just ensure you protect your table before they get stuck in!

We all love hot chocolate at this time of year, especially our kids. So why not scoop out the inside of the pumpkin and puree it? You can easily do this in the microwave for 20 minutes or in a steamer (This should be undertaken by an adult). Use the pumpkin puree to create the perfect hot chocolate, just add the usual ingredients such as cocoa powder, milk and whipped cream. It will be their go-to favourite during October. You can also add it to your latte.

A great way to mix outdoor, garden fun with your pumpkin is to create a planter. This is another easy fun activity and is an ideal way to make use of your pumpkins for longer. Just cut off the top of the pumpkin and clean it out. It’s a great base and you can then add an array of flowers. It’s very autumnal and the kids will love putting it on display and taking care of the flowers.

You don’t need to go to the bowling alley to have some fun – just head into the garden. For a an entertaining family activity just find a good space and place some pins (plastic bottles or cans will do) and create a lane. You can then each take it in turns to roll your pumpkins and see if you can get a strike. You will be surprised how long the pumpkins will last and it’s a free game the kids will love.