Free Pumpkin Activities

Pumpkin School, Crafts, Books, and Food

Putting Pumpkins in Our Homeschool Week

We are almost two months into first grade (and preschool, and toddler/babyhood “school”). I am very much realizing I like to homeschool with the seasons, which is why I have had a hard time following a prescribed curriculum. We are currently going through Early American history for young elementary students and loving it. We are right now studying early Native American life and fall harvest foods. Last week we studied corn, and this week we are continuing on learning about pumpkins.

Pumpkin Week for Everyone

I feel like pumpkins are pretty universal. No matter what curriculum or grade you are in, you can always add more pumpkin into your fall. Right? So, I went ahead and gathered a list of food, desserts, activities, and more that are all related to the infamous Pumpkin.

Pumpkin School

Our family is currently going through the free pumpkin unit by Treehouse Schoolhouse. It has us dissecting a pumpkin, and using seeds for math and a bunch of other free activities that I highly recommend.

I also found this cute number pumpkin template for our preschooler who is learning her numbers.

Pumpkin Crafts

If you know me well, I’m not big on paper crafts that get thrown away right away. I prefer crafts and activities that I can use with items we find outside. This pumpkin leaf craft does just that. It doesn’t involve carving a pumpkin, so the pumpkin can actually last quite a bit longer.

Another activity I have always done with our little kids is pumpkin painting. Each year we go to the pumpkin patch and they can each pick out their own little pumpkin. Each kiddo can then use acrylic paints to paint their pumpkin. We have also done this with just regular markers. You can then either seal it with a varnish or let the rain take care of it (and then sometimes do it again).

Pumpkin Books

Here is a great collection of picture books on pumpkins to request at the library, or own if you want to.

• Too Many Pumpkins I adore this fiction picture book. I usually get this at the library every year, but was too late this year to get it on hold! I did find a great read aloud on it on Youtube if you need it.
• The Pumpkin Book I love everything that Gail Gibbons writes. I think you will love this nonfiction picture book on pumpkins as well.
• Pumpkin Jack This book does mention Halloween, but very briefly, so use at your family discretion. But a fun book on the lifecycle of a pumpkin.
• From Seed to Pumpkin A nonfiction book on the lifecycle of a pumpkin

Pumpkin Dinner Recipes

Nothing would make a pumpkin week of school more perfect than adding in some pumpkin recipes.

Pumpkin Chicken Soup with Coconut Cream and Sage

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Recipe with Sourdough Roux

Creamy Pumpkin and Mushroom Risotto

Pumpkin Appetizers/Snacks

Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds (Oven Roasted)

Pumpkin Protein Balls

Crunchy Pumpkin Spice Granola

Pumpkin Desserts and Bread

Aldi Pumpkin Pie Recipe-Made with Aldi Ingredients Only

Pumpkin Sourdough Bread

Decadent Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting

How to Make Easy and Delicious Chocolate Pumpkin Bread

The Best Oatmeal Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Final Thoughts on Pumpkin Week

As you are preparing your pumpkin week, remember to either feed them to your chickens or find a friend with chickens who might want your pumpkin leftovers.

If you have enjoyed this post, would love to hear from you!

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