One of the best of the year is picking pumpkins! You and your family can go to a nearby pumpkin patch, pick out your favorites, and bring them home. There are plenty of fun ways you can use your pumpkins: from giving your home a festive seasonal feel to baking delicious pies.
This fall, try these seven fun family activities that involve pumpkins. Download the Western Union app to send money to your family and friends for their fall adventures. Transfers can come directly to their account, so they don’t have to wait to enjoy fall.
1. Spend a day at a pumpkin patch
Every fall, local farms with pumpkin patches will host autumnal events like hayrides, petting zoos, and more. You can also try locally made food and treats in addition to picking your own pumpkins. Find the farms near your location with the best deals and activities, see how far it’ll take to drive there, and note which pumpkin patches and farms will require you to buy tickets. Bring your friends and family to enjoy all the attractions pumpkin patches have to offer. Don’t forget to bring home some pumpkins so you can enjoy more fall activities!
2. Carve your pumpkin
Once you’ve brought your pumpkins home, a classic family activity is to carve your pumpkins for Halloween. You can make your jack-o-lanterns with a carving kit, cookie cutter shape designs, or even create your own design with a stencil. If you have children participating in the activity, make sure an adult is supervising them or carving the pumpkin for them.
3. Try a pumpkin recipe
Pumpkin pie, pumpkin stew, pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup – the recipe possibilities are endless. Choose something savory, create a meal centerpiece, or whip up some treats to indulge your sweet tooth. Try something new to cook for your family. You might find a recipe that becomes a fall staple in your household.
4. Decorate your home
Celebrate fall by decorating your home with pumpkins! Pair healthy, fresh pumpkins with scarecrows, hay, wreaths, and more to get into the fall spirit. Pumpkins also look great on their own and can serve as a centerpiece in your house. When Halloween comes around, you can decorate your porch and backyard with jack-o-lanterns, scarecrows, and other spooky décor.
5. Paint your pumpkins
For your little ones, put down the carving tools and pick up a paint brush: pumpkin painting is a safe alternative to carving. The best paint to use is acrylic paints, but you can also use latex, spray, and chalkboard paints. Make sure to spray your pumpkin with a non-toxic sealant beforehand so the paint can stick to the surface. Brainstorm a design, paint, and decorate your house with your fall art.
6. Use your pumpkin as a planter
Pumpkins also work great as a planter. Choose your plant, carve a hole in the top of the pumpkin, and scoop it out. You can trim the inner rind and cut a drainage hole in the bottom so it has a healthy environment to thrive in. Once your planter is ready, you can put your plant in and find a spot outside or indoors to place it.
7. Roast pumpkin seeds in the oven
Whatever pumpkin activities you choose to do, don’t throw out your pumpkin seeds: you can roast your pumpkin seeds in the oven for a nutritious snack. Wash and dry your seeds, season them, and then roast them in the oven at 350°F for twelve to fifteen minutes until they start to brown. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent snack option for your family, as they’re a great source of fiber, zinc, and other nutrients.
Send money with Western Union
Send money to family members and loved ones with Western Union, so they can enjoy one of the best seasons of the year. Download the Western Union app or go online to send them money. You can also visit an agent location to send money in person.
