Small Pumpkin Decorating Ideas for Kids: Fun & Easy

Tyler Jul 20, 2026
16 Small Pumpkin Painting Ideas Easy to Do with Kids
16 Small Pumpkin Painting Ideas Easy to Do with Kids

Small pumpkin decorating ideas for kids can be a fun and creative way to celebrate the fall season. Many children enjoy helping their parents or caregivers decorate the home with festive pumpkins, and with a little imagination, they can create beautiful and unique designs.

16 Small Pumpkin Painting Ideas Easy to Do with Kids
16 Small Pumpkin Painting Ideas Easy to Do with Kids

From traditional designs to modern twists, there are countless ways to decorate small pumpkins with kids. One of the most popular methods is to use paint, markers, or crayons to draw on the pumpkin. This is a great way to encourage kids to express their creativity and experiment with different colors and patterns.

No Mess Pumpkin Craft Easy DIY Fall Decoration
No Mess Pumpkin Craft Easy DIY Fall Decoration

Painted Pumpkins

Traditional Designs

Torn Paper Pumpkin Wreaths
Torn Paper Pumpkin Wreaths

For a classic look, kids can paint traditional designs like jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, or bats onto their pumpkins. This is a great way to teach kids about symmetry and color theory while also creating a festive atmosphere.

Using a stencil or freehanding it, kids can create intricate designs that are both spooky and beautiful. They can also experiment with different techniques like layering, blending, or using textured brushes to add depth to their designs.

three donuts with sprinkles on them are sitting on a black table
three donuts with sprinkles on them are sitting on a black table

Modern Twists

Kids can also create modern twists on traditional designs by using bold colors, abstract patterns, or unique shapes. For example, they can paint a pumpkin with a bright orange background and add white polka dots or a geometric pattern.

Alternatively, they can create a design that incorporates their favorite animals or characters. This is a great way to encourage kids to think creatively and have fun while decorating their pumpkins.

Disney Pumpkin Painting Ideas
Disney Pumpkin Painting Ideas

Decorating Techniques

Stencils and Templates

Using stencils or templates is a great way to help kids create intricate designs without having to draw everything freehand. They can find stencils or templates online or create their own using cardboard or paper.

30 No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating Ideas
30 No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

For example, they can use a stencil to create a jack-o-lantern face with a smiling mouth and glowing eyes. They can also use a template to create a pattern of leaves or flowers to decorate their pumpkin.

Glitter and Sequins

small pumpkins with faces painted on them sitting on a wooden table in pastel colors
small pumpkins with faces painted on them sitting on a wooden table in pastel colors
strawberry painted pumpkin 🎃
strawberry painted pumpkin 🎃
a green pumpkin with googly eyes sitting on top of a counter next to an apple
a green pumpkin with googly eyes sitting on top of a counter next to an apple
Cute mini pumpkin painted like a strawberry 🍓 | Creative table decor with pumpkin painting ideas
Cute mini pumpkin painted like a strawberry 🍓 | Creative table decor with pumpkin painting ideas
Easy Pumpkin Decorating Ideas - Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls
Easy Pumpkin Decorating Ideas - Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls
Easy Painted Pumpkins: How to Paint Simple Monster Faces - Aubree Originals
Easy Painted Pumpkins: How to Paint Simple Monster Faces - Aubree Originals
How to Make the Fluffiest Sock Pumpkins Ever (No Sewing Required!)
How to Make the Fluffiest Sock Pumpkins Ever (No Sewing Required!)
two painted pumpkins sitting on top of a colorful table cloth covered in stripes and circles
two painted pumpkins sitting on top of a colorful table cloth covered in stripes and circles
Unleash Your Creativity with Toilet Paper Roll Pumpkins
Unleash Your Creativity with Toilet Paper Roll Pumpkins

Kids can also add a touch of glamour to their pumpkins by using glitter or sequins. They can sprinkle glue on the pumpkin and add glitter or sequins to create a sparkly effect.

Alternatively, they can use a glue gun to attach sequins or beads to the pumpkin. This is a great way to teach kids about texture and dimension while also adding a touch of elegance to their design.

By using these decorating techniques and ideas, kids can create beautiful and unique small pumpkin designs that are perfect for the fall season. Whether they're using paint, markers, or glitter, they're sure to have fun while decorating their pumpkins and celebrating the magic of the season.