Parts of a Pumpkin

Pumpkins are more than just festive fall decorations—they’re packed with fun learning opportunities too! If you’re exploring the parts of a pumpkin with your little ones this season, you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re carving a jack-o’-lantern or diving into a preschool pumpkin theme, this activity offers a perfect blend of science, hands-on exploration, and early literacy.

Preschoolers are naturally curious, and there’s something magical about slicing open a pumpkin and discovering what’s inside. From the bumpy orange skin to the slimy seeds, each part is a chance to spark conversation, build vocabulary, and practice labeling skills.

In this post, you’ll find an easy-to-use printable, tips for using a real pumpkin, and creative extension ideas to keep the learning going. Let’s jump in and get a little messy!

Exploring Pumpkins with Kids

Before diving into the worksheet, give your preschooler the chance to explore a real pumpkin up close. This hands-on experience builds curiosity and helps them connect new vocabulary to real-world objects.

Start by asking simple, open-ended questions to guide their discovery:

• What does the outside of it feel like? (Is it bumpy, smooth, hard?)
• Can you find the stem? What does it look like?
• What do you think is inside?
• How does it smell when we open it up?
• What do the seeds feel like? Are they slippery or sticky?

Let your child scoop out the pulp, count the seeds, and describe what they notice. This sensory-rich activity sets the stage for meaningful learning during the worksheet.

Parts of a Pumpkin

This simple worksheet is a great way to help young learners identify and label the different parts of a pumpkin. Designed with preschoolers in mind, it features clear illustrations and easy-to-read labels that reinforce early science concepts and vocabulary.

Kids can cut and paste the labels onto the correct parts or trace the words for extra writing practice. Whether you use it after exploring a real pumpkin or as a stand-alone activity, it’s a hands-on way to bring your fall lessons to life!

What You’ll Need

• Printable “Parts of a Pumpkin” worksheet
• Crayons or markers
• Child-safe scissors
• Glue stick or glue
• Real pumpkin (optional, for hands-on exploration)
• Tray or mat (to contain the mess, if using a real one)
• Pencil (optional, for tracing labels)

These supplies keep things simple and preschool-friendly, whether you’re using this as a quick table activity or part of a full pumpkin-themed lesson.

What You’ll Do

Introduce the Parts of a Pumpkin
Start by showing your child a real pumpkin if you have one. Point out and name each part—stem, skin (rind), flesh, seeds, and pulp. Let them touch and explore the inside to make real-world connections.

Color the Pumpkin
Invite your child to color the image on the worksheet. Talk about the colors they might see on a real pumpkin—orange skin, white or yellowish seeds, and green stem.

Cut and Paste the Labels
Help your child cut out the labels at the bottom of the page. Then, glue each label onto the matching part of the picture.

Optional: Trace the Words
For extra handwriting practice, encourage your child to trace each word before or after gluing.

This activity blends science, fine motor skills, and early literacy into one fun fall lesson!

Extend with These Engaging Ideas

Want to take your exploration even further? These simple extension activities turn a single worksheet into a full preschool pumpkin theme experience—with science, art, and literacy woven in!

Science Fun

• Try a sink or float experiment with mini pumpkins. Have kids guess, then test and record results.
• Use a ruler or measuring tape to compare the height, width, and weight of different pumpkins.
• Shine a flashlight on your pumpkin to create shadow shapes and observe how light moves.

Life Cycle Activities

• Sequence the stages of a pumpkin’s life—from seed to sprout to vine to fruit—using printable cards or drawings.
• Save some seeds from your pumpkin and plant them in a cup of soil. Track their growth in a simple science journal.

Creative Art Projects

• Make a paper plate pumpkin with orange paint and some green curling ribbon.
• Use orange play dough to build pumpkins and add parts with natural materials like twigs and seeds.
• Try open-ended crafts like stamping with real pumpkins or painting with pumpkin guts!

These hands-on ideas support deeper learning while keeping things fun and age-appropriate for preschoolers.

Use With Other Resources

This pumpkin parts activity pairs perfectly with other fall-themed lessons and printables on the blog. For a well-rounded preschool unit, try adding these resources to your planning:

• Preschool Pumpkin Theme Activities: A full collection of crafts, sensory bins, science ideas, and book suggestions to build your week around.
• Life Cycle of a Pumpkin Printable: Teach kids how pumpkins grow from seed to harvest with engaging visuals and sequencing practice.
• Pumpkin Printables for Preschoolers: Reinforce early math, literacy, and fine motor skills with themed worksheets and activities.

Mix and match these resources for a fun, flexible, and educational fall learning experience!

Exploring the parts of a pumpkin is a fun and meaningful way to blend science, literacy, and hands-on learning during the fall season. Whether you’re carving pumpkins, digging into gooey pulp, or labeling a printable worksheet, your preschooler is building important skills while having a blast.

Don’t forget to check out the other pumpkin activities linked above to keep the learning going all week long. And if you found this activity helpful, be sure to share it with a friend or pin it for later. Happy fall and happy learning!