Pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! Pumpkins are such a staple of fall, and now that you have acquired a few to decorate your home, you might be wondering what else to do with them. Well, we have some ideas.

Photo: Happy Kitchen Rocks

Cook with Them

There are so many ways to cook with Pumpkins. Roasting the seeds, making stews and soups, and of course, the classic, pumpkin pie. If you are looking for a unique way to serve up those delicious pumpkin dishes, consider cleaning out your pumpkins and using them as bowls!

Photo: Spa Gregories

Beauty Products

Pumpkins are packed with Vitamin A, beta-carotenes, fiber, potassium, and magnesium making them a great ingredient in body scrubs, lotions, hair treatments, facemasks and more. Most of these products are easy to make, as they don’t require many ingredients and are easy to use.

Pumpkin Bowling

This fun and simple game is a great way to get outdoors in the fall. Using empty 2-liter bottles, toilet paper rolls, or half-filled water bottles, set them up like bowling pins on a flat surface. Using pie pumpkins, cut the stems to be flush with the pumpkin and let them roll! See who can knock over the most pins, and have fun.

Photo: Laurenconrad.com

Decorate Indoors

Getting a variety of pumpkin sizes and colors can help add some depth to your fall table scape or indoor décor. Using them with straw bales or gourds will create a festive fall theme.

Photo: P. Allen Smith

Planters

Using pumpkins as containers for your fall flowers, is another option. Clean out the insides of the pumpkin, fill halfway with soil, plant your favorite flowers, and enjoy your creative container for indoor or outdoor use. 

Photo: National Audubon Society

Bird Feeders

Birds love pumpkins too. Covering a foam ball in peanut butter, and then coating it in pumpkin seeds will give your feathered friends a nice back yard feast. Or hallow out the insides, fill with seeds, and hang in your yard for a unique bird feeder.

Photo: Steve Spangler Science

Science Experiments

Using hydrogen peroxide, yeast, dish soap and water you can create an amazing oozing pumpkin. This experiment is fun to watch, but may get a bit messy so be prepared. Check out the directions here. 

Pumpkin Crafts

Melt crayons over your pumpkin, roll it in paint, stick it with multi-colored push pins, decoupage it with leaves or cover it in eyeballs. The possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting with pumpkins. Keep it fun, and you’ll love the results.

Smash Them

Smashing Pumpkins isn’t just the name of a band, it is also a great way to get rid of those pumpkins at the end of the season. Get creative by using a catapult, sling shot, or just an old-fashioned hammer. Don’t be alarmed if you find it extremely satisfying.

Carve it

We know this is the most obvious suggestion, but why don’t you try something new this year. Experiment with designs and techniques you’ve never tried before. Take those unused pumpkins and have some fun. You may just discover a talent you never knew you had.