Preschool Pumpkin Washing Activity

Inside: Put together a preschool pumpkin washing activity that is hands-on fun with lots of fine motor involved!

Preschoolers love to play with water. Actually, so do toddlers!

If you have a plastic bin or a sensory table that can hold water, this activity is a breeze to set up.

The hands get a good work out while they scrub the pumpkins and the warm bubbly water is soothing.

If you aren’t keen on having water indoors, take it outside!

The water table is popular at our preschool, especially when it’s full of pumpkins, warm water, and bubbles.

This particular activity was done in our pre-kindergarten classroom during their pumpkin theme and I just had to share!

Preschool Pumpkin Washing Activity

Supplies

• Pumpkins
• Dishwashing soap or bubble bath
• Sponges and/or scrub brushes and/or dish cloths
• Cups for pouring (we used pumpkin containers)
• Funnels
• Water table or large plastic bin

Set Up

Place everything into the bin and add warm water and soap.

TIP: Notice how our pre-k teachers used a black plastic bin placed inside their sensory bin. This is to help with water that might spill over the edge, and it’s easier to remove and dump out the water when done.

Benefits of Water Play

Did you know that filling bowls with water helps young children comprehend math concepts like measurement and volume?

We look at this as simple water play, but it really has important learning benefits, too.

Water play is also soothing activity for those who are anxious or upset.

Water play also encourages cooperative play.

The children are sharing space, passing materials back and forth, and creating discussions.

When finished for the day, remove the water from the bin and rinse everything off.

This Activity Goes Well With

• Pumpkin Seed Collage Art
• Pumpkin Counting Activity
• Pumpkin Painting (and then wash them!)
• Pumpkin Muffins
• Hammering Pumpkins
• Fall Coffee Shop