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Autumn in Arkansas is the perfect time for pumpkin patches, crisp evenings, and a touch of spooky fun! One of our favorite family traditions is heading to Peebles Farm in Augusta to kick off the season. We make a day of it, picking out pumpkins, running through the corn maze, and enjoying all of the activities. By the time late October rolls around, it’s time to carve the perfect jack-o’-lantern.
The first step to a perfect jack-o’-lantern is picking the perfect pumpkin. Head to your favorite Arkansas Pumpkin Patch. Many have pre-picked pumpkins that you can look through, or you can trek out to the fields to pick your own. Look for pumpkins that are firm and without bruises or soft spots. A flat bottom will help your pumpkin sit steadily on your porch or table, and a sturdy stem gives it that classic look. We like to grab a mix of pumpkins and use them for decorating. They often last through Thanksgiving, and I’ve been known to go a little overboard when buying pumpkins!
Carving Jack-o’-Lanterns
Carving jack-o’-lanterns is a messy but joyful process. In our family, we carve our pumpkins just a few days before Halloween to keep them fresh. We spread out some old newspapers or trash bags and get to work with our carving tools.
Tools Needed
- Pumpkins
- Newspaper or trash bags
- Black permanent marker
- Pumpkin Carving Kit
- Spoon
- Bowl and Colander
Carving Tips
- Start by drawing a circle around the stem and cut off the top of your pumpkin. (Some people prefer to cut a hole in the bottom, but that has never worked well for us.)
- Scoop out the innards with your hands and a sturdy spoon. Save the seeds for roasting.
- Sketch your design onto your pumpkin. For smaller kids, have them draw the design on paper and then have an adult draw it onto the pumpkin so it is sized appropriately.
- Use a pumpkin carving kit—those little saws make intricate designs so much easier.
- Add a candle and enjoy!
If carving isn’t your thing, painting pumpkins is a fun and slightly less messy way to decorate. Acrylic paints work great and come in tons of colors, so you can really let your creativity flow.
- Start by cleaning your pumpkin and letting it dry. This ensures the paint will stick properly.
- Try fun designs like polka dots, chevron stripes, or even a spooky ghost face.
- For a bit of extra shine, you can use metallic paints or even glue on sequins and rhinestones.
Painting is also a great option for little ones who might not be ready for carving but still want to decorate their own pumpkin.
Roasting Pumpkin Seeds
One of my favorite parts of carving pumpkins is the pumpkin seeds! We never let them go to waste. Roasting your seeds is super easy, and they make for a tasty and healthy snack.
- Separate the seeds from the pulp and place them in a colander.
- Rinse them under cold water, then spread them on a paper towel to dry.
- Toss the seeds in olive oil and your favorite seasonings—salt, pepper, garlic powder, or even cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
- Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Saving Seeds for Next Year
Before roasting, don’t forget to save a few for planting next year!
- After you’ve saved some seeds, let them dry for about a week.
- Store them in a cool, dry place until spring. In Arkansas, you’ll want to plant your seeds around late May or early June to have pumpkins ready to pick by late September or early October.
- Plant them in a sunny spot with good drainage, and make sure to give them plenty of room to spread out!
Carving Family Traditions
From the visit to the pumpkin patch to carving jack-o’-lanterns on Halloween night, it’s all about building fun family traditions. Every year, we watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” while we carve as a family. George gets so excited as he picks out his design and digs into his pumpkin. It’s a messy but magical moment we look forward to every year.
One of our special family traditions happens on Halloween Eve. After the pumpkins are all carved, we light a candle in George’s pumpkin before he goes to bed. During the night, the Great Pumpkin “visits” and leaves candy inside! It’s a fun way to kick off Halloween. By morning, he’s up and ready to see what the Great Pumpkin left for him, and it’s just one more way we keep the magic of Halloween alive.
Love Arkansas Pumpkin
Pumpkins are the centerpiece of many fall traditions and carving them as a family brings everyone together in such a joyful way. Click the image above to print out this Love Arkansas pumpkin carving template and create a new jack-o’-lantern tradition for your family.
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