Nothing can get your family in the Halloween spirit like carving a pumpkin together. Don't just grab any knife, though. To help keep it a fun and safe pumpkin-carving experience, we’ve put together this list of pumpkin carving tips for kids.
Kid-Friendly Pumpkin Carving: Tips, Tools, and Advice
3 min readWhy you can trust SafeWise
products considered
250+
research hours in 25+ in-home tests
10k+
years of combined experience
176+
homes and people protected
10M+
For over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to write unbiased, human reviews (not robots). Learn more.
Alina writes for MSN, MTV, and CBSNews, blending safety expertise with her passion for simplifying technology. Alina was also trained as a first responder and worked as a volunteer firefighter.
Keep your little owlets safe with our weekly newsletter
Sign up to get the latest family safety tips and reviews on products like kids' smartwatches and car seats.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
1. Pick a pumpkin that’s good for carving
A safe pumpkin-carving experience starts with choosing the perfect pumpkin. Here's how to land the right one:
- Look for a pumpkin with smooth, less bumpy skin. A smooth pumpkin is easier for kids to draw on and safer for you to carve.
- Avoid pumpkins that feel heavy for their size. This can indicate thick walls that could be difficult to carve through.
- Skip any pumpkins with soft spots, which can indicate rotting.
- Inspect the pumpkin for any nicks or cuts that may make it vulnerable to infection.
- Pick a pumpkin with a flat, front surface for carving—that will yield the best results.
2. Take precautions when carving pumpkins
Best pumpkin carving kit
According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, Halloween often results in serious hand injuries—requiring three to four months for rehabilitation. To help avoid a trip to the ER, take these precautions when carving pumpkins.
- Don’t rush.
- Use small, controlled motions.
- Choose a location that is well lit and a work surface that’s sturdy.
- Keep your hands and carving tools dry.
- For added safety, leave the pumpkin top on so you don’t put your hand inside the pumpkin and risk cutting it.
Never let a young child carve a pumpkin. If you allow your older child to create a jack-o’-lantern, supply them with an age-appropriate pumpkin carving tool kit and supervise them closely.
3. Choose an easy pumpkin carving design
Best pumpkin stencils
To help keep younger children interested, choose an easy pumpkin carving design that won’t take long to finish. Consider downloading a few pumpkin templates ahead of time, and let your child pick the one they like best.
Another safe pumpkin carving idea is to let your child choose a cookie cutter (or three) to gently indent onto the pumpkin. This makes an easy pattern for them to trace with a carving tool.
4. Keep your kid occupied
While you’re carving, keep your child busy (and out of harm’s way) by letting them decorate a small pumpkin all their own. From covering the pumpkin in glitter paint or adorning it in rhinestones to transforming it into their favorite character, there’s a wealth of kid-friendly ways to decorate a pumpkin.
5. Clean up quickly
Pumpkin carving is fun, but it’s also messy—especially when kids are involved. Slippery pumpkin flesh or seeds may end up on the floor and cause a fall. To help minimize this risk, lay down newspaper or a disposable drop cloth under your work area, and pick it up as soon as you’re done carving.
6. Skip the candles
Best jack-o-lantern lights
Burning candles are a potential fire hazard, and they can be especially dangerous to kids. This year, try illuminating your pumpkin with an LED tea light instead of a candle. Some flameless candles even flicker and look like melted wax.
We hope these tips help your family carve pumpkins safely. For more Halloween safety tips and pumpkin design inspiration, check out our spooktacular Halloween Pinterest board.
Related articles on SafeWise
Disclaimer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
Compare the best kid safety products
Product | Best for | Price | Specs | Standout feature | Learn more |
| Best kids GPS tracker | $44.99/mo.* | Two-way calling and listen-in function | GPS tracking with transit alerts + location history | View on AngelSense | |
| Best kids phone | $49.00/mo. | Unlimited talk and text | Built-in parental controls | View on Bark | |
| Best kids smartwatch | $179.99 (sale price) | No internet, video calling, 25 contacts | SOS button, 96+ hour battery | View on Angel Watch | |
| Best parental control app | $99.00/yr | Requires iOS 11 or Android 5 and up | Monitors 24 social networks | View on Bark | |
| Best booster seat | $199.99 | For kids up to 120 lbs. | 3 layers of side-impact protection | View on Amazon | |
| Best kids bike helmet | $24.96 | 47–57 cm. head circumference | Easy-to-adjust tri-glide strap sliders | View on Amazon |
Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
*For annual plan, paid yearly.
Recent Articles
The Best Home Security Systems of 2025
Looking for the best home security systems of 2025? Our expert test and rank SimpliSafe...
Vivint Customer Service: Reviews and Contact Info
We've summarized the latest reviews, contact info, and FAQs about Vivint customer service. Here's what...
SimpliSafe vs. ADT
We compare ADT's and SimpliSafe's pricing, contracts, equipment, and customer service to help you decide...
Best Car Seats of 2025
With so many types of car seats on the market, how do you choose? We...
