We are going to drill a pumpkin! There is much inspiration on Pinterest for carving and decorating pumpkins this season. From yarn, to paint, hammer and nails, and drills you can find just about any tool or material. However, drilling a pumpkin is absolutely fun and then best.
Supervision: You might not be comfortable having your child handle a drill and that is fine. You know your child’s capabilities.
If you choose to do this activity with your child, supervision, teaching, and guidance is an absolute must!!!
To drill a pumpkin pumpkin here is what you need:
- A pumpkin (This one came from Ritters Fruits and Vegetables.)
- Drill and bit
- Knife for carving the top
- Candle or battery powered light of your choice to put inside the pumpkin
First, cut out the top and back of the pumpkin. The cut that goes down the back provides easy access to clean and light the pumpkin.
Thoroughly clean out the seeds and ‘guts’ of the pumpkin. This is so sensory! Get in there and get messy! (You should probably check out our post called Pumpkin Guts!)
Instruct your child on how to use the drill safely, then supervise their work at all times.
Carefully drill away!
We chose a random pattern.
This was so fun. When you were a kid do you remember opening a gift that your parents loved to play with? You will be the one who wants to use the drill.
Once drilling is complete, clean up your pumpkin. Wipe it down inside and out. I used a straw to poke through holes that were slightly clogged. A tip I learned from Pinterest is to smear the inside with vaseline to help prevent molding. The drill was easy to clean by rinsing with water and drying.
Add the lighting of your choice. This pumpkin has a medium sized pillar candle. Another option is too use battery powered candles.
Update – Here is a video showing this year’s pumpkin. 🙂
Have fun drilling pumpkins together!
