Paper Pumpkin Craft

Paper Pumpkin Craft uses simple strips of construction paper to create a festive fall decoration kids will love making.

This easy project gives children a fun way to practice cutting and gluing skills while creating a pumpkin that works beautifully from Halloween through Thanksgiving.

There are two decorated pumpkins sitting on my family’s dinner table right now!

Find even more fall family fun, educational ideas and recipes!

We’re gearing up for Thanksgiving in our house. And you know what that means… it means a Thanksgiving craft. 

Oh sure, it’s a pumpkin, you say. And yes, it’s perfect for fall. And yes, it’s perfect for a light-hearted Halloween decoration. But we enjoy fall pumpkins right through Thanksgiving.

Don’t miss out our other fun family-friendly kids crafts!

Table of Contents

• Recommended Pumpkin Books
• Supplies for Paper Pumpkin
• Directions for DIY Pumpkin with Paper
• Fun Fall Printables
• Pumpkin Activities for Kids

Why You’ll Love This Paper Pumpkin Craft

• Fine motor practice: Cutting paper strips and applying glue gives little hands plenty of practice.
• Simple supplies: You only need construction paper, a toilet paper tube, scissors and glue.
• Creative expression: Kids can choose the shape of their stem and create their own pumpkin.
• Fall decorating: The finished pumpkins make cheerful seasonal decorations.
• Hands-on learning: Measuring and cutting the strips adds simple early math practice.
• Open-ended fun: Children can make pumpkins in different sizes and shapes.

This easy paper pumpkin gives kids a creative way to celebrate the fall season.

Creative Ways to Play

Once the paper pumpkin is finished, try these simple ways to extend the fall fun.

• Pumpkin Patch: Create several paper pumpkins and arrange them together as a pretend pumpkin patch.
• Pumpkin Counting: Count the pumpkins you make or count the strips used for each pumpkin.
• Fall Pretend Play: Add the pumpkins to a fall-themed pretend play scene.
• Stem Shapes: Cut different stem shapes and compare how each one changes the look of the pumpkin.

These ideas encourage creativity, counting, pretend play and hands-on exploration.

Activities to Pair with Paper Pumpkin Craft

Here are activities that pair perfectly with the Paper Pumpkin Craft — fun ways to explore pumpkins, fall and Thanksgiving through creative play and learning.

Related Pumpkin Activities

• Pumpkin Books: Read pumpkin-themed picture books together.
• Pumpkin Activities: Explore more pumpkin-themed activities for kids.
• Fall Crafts: Try additional fall crafts using simple materials.

Creative Extensions

• Pumpkin Drawing: Have kids draw their own pumpkins and add faces or decorations.
• Pumpkin Color Mixing: Explore different shades of orange through art.
• Pumpkin Pretend Play: Create a pretend pumpkin patch with the finished crafts.

This added layer of creativity keeps kids engaged while encouraging exploration and problem-solving.

Fine Motor and Learning Activities

• Cutting Practice: Cut the construction paper into strips.
• Measuring: Use a ruler to measure strips at least 1 inch wide.
• Counting: Count approximately 12 strips for each pumpkin.
• Shape Exploration: Compare different shapes and sizes of pumpkin stems.

Gross Motor Activities

• Pumpkin Patch Walk: Pretend to walk through a pumpkin patch.
• Pumpkin Pick-Up: Pretend to pick pumpkins and carry them to a basket.
• Pumpkin Movement: Move like a pumpkin rolling, bouncing or growing.

Play and Display Activities

• Pumpkin Patch Display: Arrange several finished pumpkins together.
• Fall Table Decor: Use the pumpkins as seasonal decorations.
• Pretend Pumpkin Stand: Set up a pretend stand and sell the paper pumpkins.

These activities extend the Paper Pumpkin Craft while supporting creativity, motor development and early learning.

Paper Pumpkin Craft

This Paper Pumpkin Craft gives kids a simple way to turn construction paper into a cheerful fall decoration while practicing important cutting, measuring and gluing skills.

Supplies for Paper Pumpkin

• 2 sheets of orange and 1 green construction paper
• empty toilet paper tube
• scissors
• glue 

Directions for DIY Pumpkin with Paper

Step 1: Use a ruler or folds in the paper to measure strips at least 1 inch wide.

Measure them along the shorter side length of the construction paper.

You will want approximately 12 strips for each pumpkin. 

Step 2: Cut your strips of paper. 

Step 3: Cut a stem of any size or shape from the green construction paper.

You will want the base of the stem to not exceed 2 inches so that it fits into the top of the tube. 

Step 4: Lay the toilet paper roll on the orange paper and measure where to cut so that you cover/wrap the tube. 

Step 5:  Cut the orange paper and use glue to apply it to the outside of the roll. 

Step 6: For each strip of paper, apply glue to the very ends and press inside each end of the paper roll.

Repeat this process adding strips around the entire tube.

Step 7: Apply glue to one side of the bottom of the stem and press it into the top of the roll. 

Fun Fall Printables!

These fall printables are the perfect way to enjoy the season’s wonders with a touch of creativity.

• Pumpkin Pie ABC Fine Motor Mats
• Apple Roll and Color Math Games
• Fall Color Graphing Activities
• Apple Preschool Activities
• Fall Leaves Roll and Color Math Games
• Fall Yoga Poses Cards
• Pumpkin Roll and Color Math Games

Let the fall adventures begin with these delightful and printable activities for kids!

Pumpkin Activities for Kids

Explore fun and creative Pumpkin Crafts for Kids this fall!

• Pumpkin Bowling
• Beaded Pumpkin Craft
• Pumpkin Spice Playdough
• “Your Little Pumpkin” Handprint Card
• Pumpkin Suncatcher

Find even more Fall Family Fun and Thanksgiving-Inspired Activities on Mommy Evolution.