Carving pumpkins is a favorite, ongoing tradition of Halloween. From little pumpkins to big, just about any pumpkin can be carved. But what happens when you’re interested in changing your pumpkin decorating routine? Take the no-carve approach, especially for home with younger crafters in them.
This roundup has a plenty of ideas to point you down the path of offering a pumpkin decorating option for everyone in your family this year.
Baby Groot Pumpkin
This is a great kid-friendly craft that doesn’t require much. You will most likely need to help with the tape since it will be hard for the kiddos to cut. This pumpkin is great for Marvel lovers.
Get the tutorial at As the Bunny Hops.
Bat Pumpkin
Here’s another Halloween-themed pumpkin to try out. If your kids love bats, then they can easily recreate this pumpkin design.
Get the tutorial at Fun Money Mom.
Bewitching Pumpkins
Do you want to make a pumpkin snowman? Your kids will love concocting these bewitching pumpkins made with mini pumpkins.
Get the tutorial at Create Craft Love.
Blacklight Pumpkin
Want to make a unique pumpkin that will still glow? Try using glow puffy paint to make a blacklight pumpkin. You can use different colors and add designs or a face to it. The puffy paint gives them a dimensional look, which will make them really “pop” and come to life.
Get the tutorial at Color Made Happy.
Chalkboard Pumpkin
Your little one will love creating a new face for their pumpkin every day. You can even use them to count down how many days until Halloween.
Get the tutorial at Instructables Living.
DIY Autumn Decoupage Pumpkin
Save your pumpkin decorating for November with this fun autumn craft where you glue on some colorful leaves.
Get the tutorial at Damask Love.
DIY Pun-Kins
If you are one of the lucky ones whose kids have their own plans, pour yourself a glass of wine and get to DIYing! The possibilities for puns are endless, so go crazy.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Emoji Pumpkins
These emoji pumpkins are as expressive as they are plentiful. With so many emojis to choose from, your kids can customize them towards their favorite ones.
Get the tutorial at Cutefetti.
Forky Pumpkin
This Toy Story 4 favorite is sure to get a laugh out of your kids. From “trash!” to pumpkin, the design is not only simple, but also iconic.
Get the tutorial at The Farm Girl Gabs.
Glitter Pumpkins
Does your child love all things sparkly? Spray pumpkins with glitter this year instead of carving. They will last for weeks and you can keep them up throughout the holidays.
Get the tutorial at Instructables Living.
Glow in the Dark Pumpkins
Light up the night with these easy, painted glow-in-the-dark pumpkins that all ages will enjoy! Your porch will be the talk of the town with these on your front steps.
Get the tutorial at SoCraftastic.
Melted Crayon Pumpkin
A super easy craft to execute and a great way to get rid of all those broken crayons laying around your house.
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
Mickey Mouse Pumpkin
Make your pumpkin into everyone’s favorite mouse, Mickey Mouse. Your little Disney lover will think this pumpkin is so cool and you won’t have to carve out the complicated face.
Get the tutorial at Mom Foodie.
Mummy Pumpkins
You can add a spooky decoration to your front porch with these mummy pumpkins. Kids will love to wrap their pumpkins with gauze.
Get the tutorial at Kid Activities Blog.
Painted Pumpkin Donuts
Start your day off with this fun doughnut craft. Your kids will love the treat of painting in the morning and would be made even better served alongside actual doughnuts!
Get the tutorial at Be the Best Nanny.
Patchwork Pumpkins
All you need for your patchwork is brightly colored tissue paper and Modge Podge to create these pumpkins. Your little ones will love them!
Get the tutorial at The Nerd’s Wife.
Pokemon Pumpkins
This pumpkin project is great for the Pokemon lovers in your house. They can either create a Pokeball or Pikachu pumpkin. The supplies you need are paint, tape, cardboard, cardstock and a glue gun.
Get the tutorial at The Resourceful Mama.
Pumpkin Fairy House
This is an innovative way to bring the otherworldly to your front yard. What kids would deem magical, this pumpkin fairy house is festive, fun and, quite honestly, really pretty. Customizable to your liking, it is a testament to your children’s (and your family’s) personality.
Get the tutorial at Weave in Wonder.
Unicorn Pumpkin
Make a magical pumpkin with this darling unicorn design. We love the details of the rosy pink cheeks!
Get the tutorial at Crafty Morning.
Woodland Creature No-Carve Pumpkin
The easiest (and arguably cutest) of the bunch, this no-carve raccoon is a craft that is perfect for making with preschoolers.
Get the tutorial at Simple As That.
This post was originally published in 2016 and is updated regularly.
