Fall Cabin Stay Activities: Pumpkin Carving

While you may have decided a trip to the Smokies and a stay with Bear Camp Cabin Rentals is a perfect idea for the kids’ Fall Break, you may be struggling to come up with activities to keep them from being glued to the TV.  With so many pumpkin patches and farms within a short drive from any of our cabin locations,  why not add pumpkin carving to the list?  Sure to be a hit and you can even add in some educational information while your kids channel their creative side.

Every October, carved pumpkins peer out from porches and doorsteps in the United States and other parts of the world.Gourd-like orange fruits inscribed with ghoulish faces and illuminated by candles are a sure sign of the Halloween season. The practice of decorating “jack-o’-lanterns”—the name comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack—originated in Ireland, where large turnips and potatoes served as an early canvas. Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, home of the pumpkin, and it became an integral part of Halloween festivities. (**historical fun fact from history.com**)

Also get creative, it doesn’t have to just be the traditional face, make a cat, a sugar skull, or if you’re feeling bold etch out that Death Star you’ve always been afraid to try.  There is an art to pumpkin carving and lots of free templates can be found online if you’re just starting out!