12 No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating Ideas
By: Highlights Editorial![Two black-painted pumpkins, one with a cat design and one with a bat.](http://parents.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/public/styles/3_2_x_large_630x420_/public/2022-07/Parenting0016_007.jpg?itok=-KAJ4hc_)
Pumpkin carving is a fall tradition that really gets the kids in the spirit of Halloween. But are you worried about the dangers of your little one carving a pumpkin? Check out this roundup of creative no-carve decorative pumpkin ideas that will keep Halloween fun and spooky and safe!
Reminder: The small materials to decorate a pumpkin, such as googly eyes, can be a choking hazard for small children, so close adult supervision is a must.
1. Paint-Drip Pumpkins
![Uncarved pumpkin with black and white paint streaks.](http://parents.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/public/styles/large/public/2022-07/Parenting0016_001.jpg?itok=30AXECAI)
Even if your little one is not yet ready for jack-o'-lanterns, you can still add a little pizazz to the pumpkins on your doorstep by painting them using this easy, low-mess, squeeze bottle method.
2. Candy Corn Pumpkins
![Uncarved pumpkins painted in candy corn colors.](http://parents.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/public/styles/large/public/2022-07/Parenting0016_002.jpg?itok=evs5vCLm)
You only need two colors of paint to create these whimsical candy-corn pumpkins!
3. Kitty Pumpkins
![Stacked pumpkins painted black and white with cat designs.](http://parents.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/public/styles/large/public/2022-07/Parenting0016_003.jpg?itok=dLIhAxM7)
Use paint, markers, and construction paper to create this adorable black cat!
4. Melted Crayon Pumpkins
![A pumpkin painted white, with melted crayon dripped over the top.](http://parents.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/public/styles/large/public/2022-07/Parenting0016_004.jpg?itok=8Xsd7EOh)
Upcycle those broken crayon pieces into beautiful melted-crayon pumpkins!
5. Googly Eye Pumpkins
![Big and small googly eyes glued all over a pumpkin.](http://parents.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/public/styles/large/public/2022-07/Parenting0016_005.jpg?itok=siu0d2Ah)
Create a super-silly pumpkin by covering it in googly eyes.
6. Painted Pumpkins
![Striped, zigzag and polka dot painted pumpkins.](http://parents.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/public/styles/large/public/2022-07/Parenting0016_006.jpg?itok=nqUYL3Kp)
Let your kids’ imaginations run wild for their own abstract painted pumpkins.
7. Spooky Bats and Cats
![Two black-painted pumpkins, one with a cat design and one with a bat.](http://parents.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/public/styles/large/public/2022-07/Parenting0016_007.jpg?itok=2wLh9dfc)
Download free printable stencils, then paint and create these spooky-cute cat and bat pumpkins.
8. Glitter Pumpkins
![A glitter-covered pumpkin.](http://parents.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/public/styles/large/public/2022-07/Parenting0016_008.jpg?itok=Lf_D21KM)
This glitter pumpkin is perfect for toddlers. (Be careful: It might get a little messy!)
9. Washi Tape Pumpkins
![Pumpkins covered with washi tape.](http://parents.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/public/styles/large/public/2022-07/Parenting0016_009.jpg?itok=_8VeFxsz)
Add pops of color and pattern with decorative washi tape.
10. Wax Resist Pumpkins
![A pumpkin painted black except where wax was applied in the shape of a classic jack-o-lantern face.](http://parents.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/public/styles/large/public/2022-07/Parenting0016_010.jpg?itok=J3Den7Oa)
A spooky twist on the classic “wax-resist” technique!
11. Nuts and Bolts Pumpkin
![Nuts, screws and bolts arranged to make a pumpkin face.](http://parents.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/public/styles/large/public/2022-07/Parenting0016_011.jpg?itok=pxKutD0B)
For those kids interested in building and mechanics, try making this simple "nuts and bolts" pumpkin.
12. Caterpillar Pumpkin
![Green-painted mini pumpkins lined up to look like a caterpillar.](http://parents.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/public/styles/large/public/2022-07/Parenting0016_012.jpg?itok=jn12Hie0)
Pick up a couple too many pumpkins at the patch this year? Have kids paint them into a pumpkin-caterpillar chain!
Get kids ready for spooky season with this Halloween long-sleeve shirt. The glow-in-the-dark ink lets kids shine for trick-or-treating or any Halloween festivities.