Grammy on the Go
By Karen Shadrach
‘Tis the season for pumpkins! It is time to create some special decorations and treats with the grandkids to celebrate October. There is something about this month that feels like a cozy hug—the crisp air, the golden leaves, and of course, the excitement of the pumpkin season. For grandparents, it’s the perfect time to slow down and savor the simple joys of fall with your grandchild which are filled with chances to bond and be creative. There are many ways to make this pumpkin-filled month extra special with your little ones.
You can kick off your October tradition with a trip to a local pumpkin patch. Let your grandchild pick their own pumpkin-big or small, bumpy, or smooth. You can let them wander in a huge pumpkin patch or let them find their prize pumpkin from tractor carts filled with all colors of pumpkins and gourds. Popular pumpkin patches include Patterson Farm in Chesterland, along with Mapleside Farm in Brunswick. Szalay’s, located in Peninsula, has pre-picked pumpkins with an overwhelming amount to choose from, including beautiful unique ones. Don’t forget to snap a photo together surrounded by pumpkins.
Carving is classic, but it’s not always easy (or safe) for little hands. Try a kid-friendly pumpkin craft by painting your pumpkin using washable paints and let the grandkids decorate them however they like. They can try using polka dots, creating funny faces or animals, and adding glitter. An additional pumpkin decorating idea for little children is to use stickers, felt shapes, pom-poms, and googly eyes for a mess-free craft session.
Nothing brings people together like the smell of something baking. Here are a few easy (and grandkid-approved) pumpkin treats to make together:
A favorite for sure are pumpkin chocolate chip cookies! Mix 1 can pumpkin puree and 1 box spice cake mix. Spoon onto baking sheet and decorate making pumpkin faces with chocolate chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
Mini pumpkin pies can be made using a pre-made pie crust and pumpkin pie filling. Cut circles of crust to fit into muffin cups. Fill with pumpkin pie filling and bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Place a dollop of whipped cream on top before eating!
A no-bake recipe the kids love is pumpkin Rice Krispie treats. Use Rice Krispies cereal, marshmallows and butter and mix according to recipe on box. Add orange food coloring then shape into small balls. Stick a Tootsie Roll or pretzel on top to look like a stem.
Pumpkin paper plate crafts are great for toddlers and preschoolers. All you need are plain white paper plates, orange paint, tissue paper and green pipe cleaners or pieces of green construction paper made to look like green stems. First, let them paint the plates orange, then add precut jack-o’-lantern faces with cut paper shapes. On another plate, add small crumpled up pieces of tissue paper for a 3-D pumpkin. A short walk around the yard can produce enough materials to make a nature pumpkin. Glue leaves, twigs, and acorns to make nature pumpkin faces on a pre-painted plate.
Let us not forget pumpkin spice playdough! Great sensory play that smells like fall.
Mix 1 cup flour, ½ cup salt, 2 tsp cream of tartar, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1cup water 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice and some orange food coloring in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until it forms a ball, then remove and let cool. Knead until smooth. Store in an airtight container. Let your grandkids make little pumpkins, jack-o’-lanterns, or whatever their imagination produces!
After crafting and baking, wind down with a pumpkin-themed storytime. Some fall favorites include:
- Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White
- Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell
- The Little Pumpkin by Judy Carey Nevin
Add some warm cider or cocoa, and you’ve got the perfect pumpkin afternoon!
Photos by Karen Shadrach
