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<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\nHow do I make it safe for the children?<\/strong>\u00a0If you are carving a pumpkin with your host child(ren), remember to be very careful with them around sharp tools. You can purchase kid-safe pumpkin carving tools that cut without a sharp blade. If you don\u2019t have those, let kids help with all of the tasks that don\u2019t involve a knife such as: picking the pumpkin, scooping out the insides, choosing the design and adding any other decorative touches. You can buy or print pumpkin templates online and school aged kids can use a thumbtack to mark the pattern on the pumpkin.\u00a0Here<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>you can find a free template and instructions on how to do this.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n How long do they last?<\/strong>\u00a0Carved jack-o-lanterns begin to deteriorate after just a few days outside (depending on the weather). Temperatures over 60\u02daF (15\u02daC), rain, and freezing then thawing all make them rot more quickly. So, if you want your pumpkin to be fresh on the big night, don\u2019t carve it more than a few days before Halloween and\/or keep it in a cool place. Another way to preserve the jack-o-lantern longer is to coat the cut surfaces with petroleum jelly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Check out Au Pair in America\u2019s\u00a0Halloween Fun<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0Pinterest board and\u00a0our\u00a0Fall Bucket List<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0for more fall traditions and activities to try.<\/p>\r\n