October Eco-Activities: Pumpkin Playtime
Pumpkins, the quintessential symbol of fall, needn't be carved right away. As we dive into the season of pumpkin fun, we've got three exciting and eco-friendly activities to captivate kids of all ages.
These pumpkin-themed activities promise creativity, sensory exploration, and lots of family bonding, all while preserving the life of your pumpkins. The best part? They're all easy to set up and use everyday items you already have at home.
Let's embark on a journey of pumpkin play that lets you make the most of this seasonal delight! 🎃🍁🌿
ACTIVITY ONE: “MUD MASK & BUBBLE BATH”
This dual activity offers a sensory experience, creative expression, and a lesson in responsibility, making it perfect for young ones and older kids alike.
Step #1 — Gather the following items and get ready to get messy outside!
Pumpkins, no matter the size
Muddy area of yard or mix dirt & water to make your mud paint
Variety of painting tools (optional)
Two shallow bins of warm water — add dish soap to one bin
Variety of cleaning tools such as scrub brushes, rags, and sponges
Step #2 — Paint those pumpkins! Encourage your kids to dip their hands in the mud and smear it onto the pumpkins. Watch as they create unique mud patterns and designs on the pumpkins.
Step #3 — Leave the mud-coated pumpkins to dry in a warm sunny spot.
Step #4 — Whether it’s that afternoon or sometime next week, set up a bubble bath station and let your child dip their pumpkins into the soapy water and scrub them clean.
Step #5 — When finished, rinse the pumpkins with clean water and pat them dry. Now they’re ready for the next Eco-Activity!
Modification for Older Kids: For older kids, encourage them to plan their mud designs and patterns, making it a creative art project.
ACTIVITY TWO: NATURE PORTRAITS
Unleash your child's creativity by craft a one-of-a-kind, nature-inspired face on a pumpkin using a variety of materials gathered on a nature walk. It's an engaging activity that nurtures a love for the environment and results in a unique pumpkin portrait!
Step #1 — Take a nature walk with your children, exploring your surroundings and gathering various natural materials such as acorns, twigs, leaves, maple seeds, pine cones, and more. Once you've collected your treasures, return home with your findings and a medium size pumpkin.
Step #2 — Sort all the natural materials you've gathered into categories including shape, size, and texture. During this step, you can encourage your child to brainstorm what part of the face each type of material can be used for.
Step #3 — Now it’s time to create! It’s helpful if your child designs their face on a flat surface before applying to the pumpkin. For instance, they can use twigs for hair, acorns or pine cones for eyes, leaves for ears, and maple seeds for a nose. Experiment with different arrangements and designs to create a unique, nature-inspired pumpkin portrait.
Step #4 — Help your child to attach the parts to the pumpkin by using a glue stick, hot glue gun, or even twist-ties and toothpicks.
Modification for Older Kids: Encourage them to research the natural materials they've collected, learning about the various tree species, types of leaves, and the role these items play in the ecosystem.
ACTIVITY THREE: A PUMPKIN OF THANKFULNESS
Introduce a daily dose of gratitude with the Thankful Pumpkin activity. Watch as your pumpkin transforms into a symbol of gratitude, celebrating the small joys and cherished moments of everyday life throughout the season.
Step #1 — In the month of November, pick a pumpkin. This is a great opportunity to repurpose any uncarved pumpkins that might still be around from Halloween.
Step #2 — While traditionally done every day, you can adapt this activity to suit your family's schedule and needs. On your selected days, gather as a family around the pumpkin.
Step #3 — Encourage each family member to share something they are thankful for. Keep it simple and age-appropriate for small toddlers. Parents can express thanks on behalf of very young children.
Step #4 — Use a marker, pen, or even stickers to write or illustrate what you're thankful for on the pumpkin. Keep the pumpkin visible for everyone to see. Consider using a metallic marker for a designer look!
Step #5 — Watch as the pumpkin becomes a growing symbol of gratitude throughout November. It's a beautiful way to teach thankfulness and share the joys of the season with even the tiniest family members.
BONUS ACTIVITY: SUSTAINABILITY
When the time comes to say goodbye to your pumpkin, remember to sustainably dispose of it.
Instead of tossing it in the trash, consider chopping it into small pieces and adding it to your compost pile or donating it to local farms or wildlife rehabilitation centers. If you have space, you can even leave it in a back corner of your yard and watch the wildlife enjoy it in the coming days and weeks!
This way, your pumpkin's journey continues, even after its days of play are done.
Enjoy a season of pumpkin creativity that doesn't require early carving, and let your pumpkins shine in various eco-friendly activities that preserve their essence throughout the fall. 🎃🍁🌿