A carved or decorated pumpkin is called a jack-o-lantern. If you are carving your pumpkin, I recommend that you wait until no more than a week before Halloween, so it will be fresh for the big day. If you are doing this with your host kids, be very careful with the sharp objects.
When you remove the insides of the pumpkin there will be lots of seeds. Did you know you can roast those for a healthy snack? Here’s a recipe for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.
If you want to avoid the mess and sharp objects, check out the second video for some non-carving jack-o-lanterns.
If you want your pumpkin art to last forever, you may purchase artificial pumpkins at craft stores like Michaels and AC Moore. Those can be carved and painted, just like the real thing.
Find more Halloween activities and recipes on the APIA Halloween Fun Pinterest board.
Photo: Jeff Cramer
Here is a video explaining how to carve a pumpkin (as well as some non-carving alternatives.) A pumpkin carved like this is called a jack-o-lantern. I recommend that you wait until just a few days before Halloween to carve your pumpkin, so it will be fresh for the big day.
Swords, knives, and other costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. WALK and don’t run from house to house.
Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks wherever possible.
Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
Here is a video explaining how to carve a pumpkin (as well as some non-carving alternatives.) If you got a pumpkin at our pumpkin patch cluster meeting, I don’t recommend carving it yet. It would be better to wait until next weekend (10/26-27) if you want it to stay fresh for Halloween.
