Halloween is just around the corner and I’m excited! I love Halloween. I love the decorations, the costumes, all of it. I’m particularly fond of pumpkin carving and can’t wait until I can introduce that tradition to my daughter. But, she’s 3, so it’s safe to say that I won’t be handing over the carving knife just yet. So, what can you do with the younger members of the family that will still let them join in the pumpkin fun?

For the past two years I’ve let me daughter “carve” a pumpkin with paint. The process is pretty simple. First, you tape off a pattern onto the pumpkin. Masking tape or painters tape both work well. Just make sure the pumpkin has already warmed to room temperature. I’ve had the best luck by taping off a large section, drawing onto the tap, and using an exacto knife to cut away the excess, leaving the pattern behind.

Once you’ve completed the taping, it’s time to bring in baby! Give your baby a few colors of paint and encourage them to have the time of their lives on the pumpkin! I recommend choosing just 2 or 3 colors to avoid having all of the paint colors mix into brown, and you may want to consider using a containment device such at the high chair, just to make sure your little Picasso doesn’t paint your hallway as well.

We’ve gone this route the past two years and my daughter loves it. But if paint isn’t your thing, here are a few more ideas that let the littles get in on the Halloween fun.

• Mr./Mrs. Potato Head pieces can be popped through the skin of a pumpkin to make hilarious, baby friendly jack-o-lanterns
• There are numerous stickers kits that would be a lot of fun
• Cut out a variety of shapes from tissue paper and use modge podge to glue them on
• If you’re feeling adventurous, how about a glitter pumpkin!

Whatever you do, have fun! There are so many ways for every member of the family to participate in the Halloween festivities, no matter the age!

Kate Cunha lives in the Pacific NW with her husband and their 3 year old daughter. She was a dirt loving, tree climbing kid who grew into a terrible gardener who loves nature.