Pumpkin carving has been an autumn favourite for centuries, but where did this spooky tradition actually begin? Here’s a quick history rundown and some tips to make Halloween memorable with your family.

The Halloween pumpkin: a reinvented tradition

We all recognise the jack-o’-lantern - a lantern carved from pumpkins. But did you know it originally wasn’t pumpkins? Back in 19th-century Ireland and Britain, people carved Swedes and turnips. The tradition travelled to the US with Celtic immigrants, where pumpkins eventually stole the spotlight. The name 'jack-o’-lantern' comes from eerie lights flickering over peat bogs.

If you’re sticking to pumpkins, the Jack-O'-Lantern variety is the favourite. But if you want different ideas for a jack-o'-lantern, try carving a turnip, beetroot or even a pepper or butternut squash.

DIY Jack-O'-Lantern: a moment of parent-child collaboration

From tradition to modern family fun…

Parental supervision is important throughout, as you’ll need sharp knives. Follow these steps for the perfect jack-o’-lantern:

1. Pick the right pumpkin and carving time. Fresh pumpkins work best; plus, these last about three days. So, wait until just before Halloween. Look for one with a long, sturdy stem.

2. Cut a neat circle at the top to form the lid. An adult should handle this step.

3. Use an ice cream scoop (or anything similar) to clean out the insides. Kids love this part!

4. Have your little ones sketch out the design with a paper template or directly on the pumpkin with a pencil.

5. Carve out the design. This is where an adult steps in again. Though there are carving tools for kids, older children can help with adult supervision.

As well as the classic scary face, you can try out other unusual Halloween pumpkin ideas. Consider something cute, like a mouse or a cat. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, your child’s favourite cartoon character.

Beyond the hollow: explore the senses with your pumpkin

From manual activity to sensory experience…

Pumpkins also offer the chance for some unique Halloween-themed sensory play:

· Buy a few varieties and allow your little one to use all of their sense to explore their differences.

· Paint your pumpkin before carving for some colourful, messy play.

· Pop the pumpkin ‘guts’ in a zip-lock bag and let your little one enjoy squishing them before you cook them into a tasty treat.

· Don’t fancy eating your pumpkin flesh and seeds? Turn it into fun slime.

Stage your masterpiece: Halloween decoration ideas

From sensory experience to decoration…

Once you've carved your jack-o’-lantern, it’s ready to become the star of your Halloween decorations. Sure, you can pop it on the doorstep to welcome trick-or-treaters, but you can also level it up. Toss in some hay bales and homemade spiders for a spooky, autumn vibe.

Feeling festive indoors instead? Pair your pumpkin with fake cobwebs, ghostly ceiling hangings, and maybe a witch’s broomstick in the corner.

And don’t forget about the kids! Think fluffy hoodies with ears for an easy animal costume or a swishy coat doubling as a superhero cape. Accessories seal the deal: sparkly shoes for a princess or a black outfit for a mini vampire.

In the end, it’s all about those family moments. Why not make pumpkin carving a yearly tradition? Snap a photo each year to see how your carving skills progress!