Last Updated on October 12, 2025 by Sheryl Cooper
Inside: Grab your wooden hammers because today you are going to learn how to put together a pumpkin activity that strengthens fine motor skills!
When was the last time you handed a hammer to a preschooler? Hmm?
Now, I’m not talking about a real hammer, one that adults would use. I’m talking about wooden hammers that are the perfect size for small hands. You know those children who love to move, move, move? This is the activity for them.
They will actually stop and focus.
And stay there for quite awhile.
In fact, you might need to let them know when it’s time to move on, if necessary.
My point is that this is THE go-to activity every fall that our busy kids love, with a bonus that it also strengthens fine motor development (getting those hands ready for writing) and hand-eye coordination.
Watch the Video
How to Put Together a Fine Motor Pumpkin Activity Using Hammers
Disclaimer: This is not an original idea. It’s been tried and loved by preschoolers for years.
However, it’s always a new experience for our preschoolers. Many have never hammered anything, let alone hammering tees into pumpkins!
We also love this activity because it is very meaningful. Our preschoolers had recently gone on a field trip to a local farm, picking out pumpkins to take home. We also had our pumpkin carving Dad’s Night, where the children were able to experience cleaning out and carving pumpkins. They have explored pumpkins inside and out. Now, they get to hammer into them!
Preschool Pumpkin Counting Activity
- Circle Time
- Small Groups
- Independent Learning
What you will need first: pumpkins!
We went on a class field trip to a local farm where we learned about different kinds of pumpkins. We were able to choose one to take home.
More Supplies
Hammers – You wouldn’t think it would be hard to find toy hammers, but it was! I was thrilled to find these and they work well.
Note: In the photos you see lobster mallets. While they worked for older preschoolers, they don’t work as well for younger ones as they are too heavy.
You will also need golf tees.
And that’s it! Don’t you love activities that require just a few items?
The Process
Show your children how to use their helper (non-dominant) hand to hold the tee on top of the pumpkin.
Show them how to hold the hammer with their dominant hand.
It takes a few tries to get the coordination going, but once they do, they keep going!
If you do have a child who is having a hard time getting the hole started, you might want to hammer a few holes in the pumpkin first, and then have the child push the tee into that hole and start hammering. It gives them a little “head start”.
The other nice thing about this activity is that it can be done for multiple days. Simply pull the tees out and start again!
Looking for more fall kids activities?
- Fall Art for Toddlers
- A Collection of Fine Motor Activities for Fall
- Pine Cone Painting
- Fall Painting Activities
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Hi Sheryl,
I love love love your idea on hammering golf tees into a pumpkin however, it’s now late November and pumpkins are no longer available. What else would you suggest in order to do this task with my nine 2 year olds?
p.s. I LOVE your site!
Hi Dawn! Next time you have a nice chunk of styrofoam (like what is used in packaging), invite your 2 year olds to hammer into them. They love it! Also, they love to hammer tees into play dough. Have fun!