At Church Childcare Center, we believe learning should be joyful, hands-on, and filled with wonder. Fall is one of our favorite times of year to explore nature, celebrate creativity, and engage children’s senses in meaningful ways!
As the leaves turn golden and the air cools, the world becomes a classroom full of opportunities to learn and grow. Pumpkins, in particular, offer endless ways to teach, play, and discover together. Whether you’re spending time in the classroom or at home, these pumpkin-themed activities are simple, fun, and developmentally enriching for young children.
Pumpkin Sensory Play
Young children learn best through touch—and what’s more fun than getting messy with pumpkin goo?
For toddlers: Scoop out pumpkin seeds and let little hands explore the textures of the pulp, seeds, and shell. Talk about how it feels—slimy, smooth, bumpy!
For preschoolers: Sort the seeds into cups or muffin tins for counting practice. Add water for a fun sensory bin twist.
Pro Tip: Roast the seeds afterward for a tasty family snack!
Pumpkin Craft Corner
Simple crafts help children strengthen fine motor skills and express creativity. Try one of these ideas:
Paper Plate Pumpkins: Paint or color a paper plate orange, add cut-out eyes and smiles, and glue on a green stem.
Pumpkin Stamps: Cut a small pumpkin in half, dip it in orange paint, and stamp it on paper for cute prints.
Nature Collage Pumpkins: Go on a short walk to collect leaves and sticks, then glue them onto paper pumpkins for a nature-inspired masterpiece.
Encourage your child to share their art and talk about what they see in the shapes and colors around them—orange pumpkins, red leaves, brown acorns, and the beauty of the fall palette.
Pumpkin-Themed Learning
Pumpkins make a great theme for early literacy, math, and science exploration!
Reading: Choose books like Five Little Pumpkins or Pumpkin Circle and read together. Let your child predict what happens next or describe the pictures.
Math: Line up mini pumpkins from smallest to largest or count how many fit in a basket.
Science: Open a pumpkin and look at what’s inside—talk about seeds, growth, and how God helps plants grow from tiny beginnings into something wonderful.
Pumpkin Patch Family Field Trip
Nothing says fall like a trip to the pumpkin patch! Visiting local farms allows children to connect with nature, practice patience, and learn where their food comes from. Encourage children to pick out pumpkins of different shapes and sizes, then talk about how no two are exactly alike—just like people!
Bringing It All Together
Whether it’s scooping seeds, painting pumpkins, or reading a fall story before bed, these little moments of joy and discovery help children grow in confidence, curiosity, and appreciation.
This October, take time to slow down, get your hands messy, and learn through play. Fall is a season full of wonder, and with pumpkins as your guide, learning becomes a celebration!
At Church Childcare Center, we make every season a learning adventure. Our teachers provide safe, nurturing, and faith-filled environments where curiosity and creativity thrive.
Schedule a tour below to see how we combine play, learning, and love to help every child grow!
www.churchchild.com/schedule-a-tour
