Creative and adorable pumpkin carving ideas that will bring the whole family together for this favorite fall activity!
Fall is by far my favorite time of year. I love the weather, the food and the fun fall activities like making caramel apples or carving a pumpkin. And if you need some easy pumpkin carving ideas, you’ve come to the right spot! This list has 25 amazing ways to carve a memorable pumpkin this fall season!
Where summer always seems to have us running in a million directions, I love that fall pulls the family in close again. The coziness and the nesting when the cool weather comes is my favorite, and there are so many fun things to do with the kids this time of year!
Pumpkin carving is a fan favorite in our house, but after a while, just doing the typical jack-o-lantern face year after year gets a little played out. I’m always on the hunt for new and clever pumpkin carving ideas that the kids can do on their pumpkins. My search this year did not disappoint!
There are a ton of unique ideas out there for all levels – simple basic designs for the littles, and more advanced templated for the bigger kids who want to be challenged a bit! It’s such a fun activity for the family that doesn’t require a lot of extra materials, which makes it fun for me, too!
Carving tips
- Picking your pumpkin. Choose a pumpkin that’s firm to touch (with no bruising or soft spots), has a sturdy stem and a flat base.
- Knife. The knife you use makes all the difference! Make sure it’s a sharp serrated knife so that it can easily cut into the hard surface. You might also want a pairing knife handy for carving out smaller designs.
- Scoop out the insides. Make sure to scoop out all the gunk and seeds. You want it to be completely clean on the inside when you’re finished. I’ve found that an ice cream scoop or large silver spoon works great.
- Make rough cuts first. Use the tip of the knife to make small holes in the pumpkin where your design will be. This allows you to trace it out first, then go back and carve it. You can avoid any major mess ups this way!
Easy ideas
These easy ideas are simple and absolutely adorable! The designs are so fun and suitable for the whole family. You can’t go wrong with any of them!
Scaredy Cat from Parents
Cat and Mouse from Better Homes and Gardens
Peek a Boo from Better Homes and Gardens
Cookie Cutter Lantern from C. Jane Create
Harry Potter from House of Paint via DIY Worthy
Funny ideas
I absolutely love these funny ideas. They are playful, interesting and unique. Family, neighbors and friends will definitely get a kick out of them!
Frog Choir from Woman’s Day
Monster Pumpkins from Better Homes and Gardens
Melon Ball Pumpkin Carving from Woman’s Day
Head of Hair Pumpkins from Good Housekeeping
Scaredy Pumpkin and Spider from Lowe’s
Unique ideas
These unique pumpkin carving ideas are definitely not your classic jack-o-lantern design! They are so creative and will absolutely help your pumpkin stand out! Which idea is your favorite? I love the Tinkerbell version!
Puppy from Parents
Space Carving Idea from Woman’s Day
Tinkerbell and Pixie Dust from Make:
Car and Camper from Better Homes and Gardens
House Pumpkin from Finding Home Farms
Ideas for kids
I’m always on the hunt for fun pumpkin carving ideas for kids. The ideas below are perfect for your littles and have them so excited to start carving!
Hoot Owl from Parents
Minnie Mouse from Theme Park Insider
Lollipop Carving Idea from Woman’s Day
Black Cat and Bat from Better Homes and Gardens
Candy Pumpkin from Martha Stewart
Stencils
These pumpkin carving stencils help make life a little easier! They are super convenient and the patterns are so fun. We love to print out a couple to have on hand every year.
Leaf Lantern Stencils from Good Housekeeping
Carved Village from Better Homes and Gardens
Pumpkins on Fire from Country Living
Cupcake Jack O Lantern from Lindsay Ann Bakes
Paw Print Stencil from Better Homes and Gardens
How fun are all of these ideas?!? I love the diversity and that there’s something for everyone. Let me know what some of your favorites are – I’d love to hear!
These are all so cute! I want to try every one! Thanks for sharing!
xo Michael
Thank you so much! Have fun! 🙂
These are so cute!
Thank you! 🙂
I need all the ideas i can get in this area, so thank you!
Same here! Hope you have fun using some of these carving ideas! 🙂
These are excellent ideas! Can’t wait for Halloween!
Thanks! Such a fun time of year! 🙂
Love this ideas! Especially love the cupcake pumpkin carving stencil. 🙂
Such a great hack!
Great ideas!!
Thanks Darrin! 🙂