Pumpkin Carving Tips and Tricks for Families
Sep 30, 2025
Carving pumpkins is one of the highlights in October for families across the UK. From scooping out seeds to carving funny pumpkin faces, it’s a tradition that brings plenty of fun, creativity, and laughter. Of course, it also comes with its fair share of mess, tricky carving, and the challenge of making pumpkins last longer than a few days!
At Brocksbushes, we’ve got you covered. Not only can you pick your perfect pumpkin from thousands grown here in our fields, but you can also carve it right here in our Pumpkin Carving tent, where you can leave the mess to us!
Here are our top pumpkin carving tips and tricks to make your Halloween carving fun and safe!
Choosing The Right Pumpkin for Carving
The key to a great pumpkin starts with choosing the right pumpkin to carve. Look for:
- Size: A medium to large pumpkin is easier to carve.
- Stem: A strong, sturdy stem means the pumpkin is fresh.
- Flat bottom: Stops it from wobbling when displayed.
- Firm skin: Helps it last longer once carved.
At Brocksbushes, families can choose from thousands of pumpkins, with lots of varieties perfectly suited for carving.
Come and pick your carving pumpkin at Brocksbushes
Pumpkin Carving with Kids: Safety First
Pumpkin carving is a fun family activity, but safety comes first, especially with little ones involved.
- Use child-friendly carving kits instead of sharp kitchen knives.
- Let kids scoop out the insides with spoons while adults handle the cutting.
- Use marker pens or stencils to draw designs before carving.
- Always supervise children while carving.
Want a stress-free experience? Our Pumpkin Carving Tent is the perfect place for supervised, family-friendly carving, and what's even better, we'll clean up the mess for you!
Easy Pumpkin Carving Ideas for Families
Looking for inspiration? Here are some simple, fun ideas for carving:
- Classic jack-o’-lantern faces – always a favourite!
- Stars and shapes – try using cookie cutters for easy patterns.
- Painted pumpkins – instead of carving, opt for painting! Ideal for toddlers who are too young for carving.
Quick hacks to make it even easier:
- Use stencils for neat designs.
- Pop a glow stick inside instead of candles.
- Mix carving and painting for a colourful twist.
Remember: there’s no wrong way to carve a pumpkin, let your creative juices flow!
Our Tips to Make Your Pumpkin Last Longer
Keep your pumpkin looking great for longer with our top tips:
- Clean thoroughly inside to remove pulp and seeds, this will delay the pumpkin going mouldy.
- Coat cut edges with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to slow drying.
- Store in a cool, dry spot, and bring indoors if frost is forecast. Pumpkins hate the cold too!
- Not keen on carving? Try painting or decorating pumpkins instead, this will make them last twice as long!
Make Pumpkin Picking & Carving a Family Tradition at Brocksbushes
Pumpkin carving isn’t just about decorations, it’s about getting creative as a family and making memories together.
At Brocksbushes, we’ve created the perfect autumn experience, from our pumpkin patch filled with lots of photo opportunities, to our family-friendly Carving Tent. Don’t forget to snap photos and tag us on social media, we'd love to see your creations!
Join us for NEW magical Twilight Sessions to see your carved pumpkins glowing in the night under the twinkling lights.
Pick your carving pumpkin at Brocksbushes
FAQs
What is the correct way to carve a pumpkin?
Cut a lid (or bottom), scoop out the insides, trace your design, and carve carefully with the right tools.
How to make your pumpkin carving better?
Use stencils, cookie cutters, or glow sticks for creative designs. Clean well and coat edges to make it last.
Is it better to carve a pumpkin from the top or bottom?
Many prefer cutting from the bottom, as it’s easier to place over a candle or light.
Do you soak pumpkins before or after carving?
Soaking in water with a little bleach after carving can help reduce mould, but drying thoroughly is key.
Carving pumpkins is a wonderful way for families to celebrate autumn traditions, full of fun, creativity, and laughter. Whether you’re after a simple jack-o’-lantern or something more imaginative, the real magic is in making memories together.
Join us at Brocksbushes to pick the perfect pumpkin, carve it in our Carving Tent, and enjoy a day of family fun.
