Paper Plate Pumpkin Craft For Kids Free Pdf Template

Whether you’re working with preschoolers, kindergarteners, or early elementary kiddos, this activity is easy to prep and super engaging, with just a handful of materials and a free printable template (no sign-up required!). And while the template was made for a classic orange pumpkin, I couldn’t resist adding a sage green version — because modern pumpkins deserve a moment too.

Tools & Materials

Printer Template (download at the end of the article; you don’t need to subscribe!) 9-inch paper plate Scissors White cardstock Orange paint Optional (for sage green pumpkin): white, green, and brown paint Glue Markers, crayons, or colored pencils (optional)

Super Tip: No paper plate? No problem! Just cut a 9-inch circle from cardstock and you’re good to go.

Step 1 – Print Pumpkin Template

First, scroll to the end of this tutorial and download the template that works best for you. Want to save time? Print the colored version. Looking for a longer activity or something more hands-on? Choose the coloring version and let your child decorate the pieces before cutting. Important: Print at 100% or “Actual Size.” Use the square below to make sure your printer settings are correct. It should measure 1 inch by 1 inch when printed. This ensures everything fits a standard 9-inch paper plate.

Step 2 – Paint the Plate

Before you cut anything, let’s paint the paper plate — that way it’ll be dry and ready when you need it.

For a classic pumpkin, paint the plate orange. Want a modern twist? Try sage green!

Here’s how I mixed the sage green:

1 tablespoon of white paint 3–4 drops of green 1 tiny drop of brown on the side

Start by mixing white and green. Then, using your brush, gently tap into the brown and blend — a tiny bit goes a long way. This gives you that beautiful, muted, earthy tone that’s everywhere this fall.

Step 3 – Cut Template

While your plate is drying, it’s time to cut the pumpkin face pieces from the template. There are a few different eye and mouth styles to choose from. You’ll also see optional accessories like eyebrows, a hair bow, a bow tie, and even a scarf! Note: The eyebrows are a bit tricky for little hands — feel free to skip them, help your child, or use a black marker to draw them on later.

Step 4 – Trace the Pumpkin Shape

Here’s a neat little trick: Take your pumpkin cutout and place it on the back side of the painted paper plate. Trace the top curve, then flip the cutout and trace the bottom. This helps you get that pumpkiny oval shape without overthinking it. I recommend tracing after painting — the plate is flatter and easier to work with that way. Then cut along the lines you traced.

Step 5 – Assemble and Glue

Let the fun begin! Not sure where to glue the pieces of your pumpkin? Here are some fun assembly ideas to help your child pick a favorite style! Let them explore different expressions, add a bow or scarf, or even try a sage green pumpkin for a modern twist. It’s all about making it their own!

Glue the stem to the top of the plate Then the pumpkin ridges. The eyes, mouth, and cheeks (for that extra cute factor)

Glue on the cheeks for that extra cute factor Add any extras — a bow tie under the face or a hair bow on top!

I picked the bow tie!

More Paper Plate Pumpkin Ideas

There are so many ways to make this pumpkin craft your own! Here’s a little peek at how different versions can look:

Add a hair bow to give your pumpkin a cute and playful vibe Go classic with a bow tie under the chin — perfect for a pumpkin “gentleman” Try the sage green pumpkin for a modern, farmhouse-style twist

Or you can even have a simple pumpkin with no face!

Bonus: Make a Mini Pumpkin!

Want to make a baby pumpkin too? I made a mini version using a 6-inch paper plate, and it turned out adorable. (It’s a little harder to cut, but older kids may prefer this option!) Just print the template at 70% scale and follow the same steps.

Download Template!

Click the yellow button below to download the PDF directly, or click the image to open it in a new tab and print straight from your browser. No sign-up, no fuss — click, print, and craft! Oh! Just so you know, I also have a library full of free SVG files and Printables for all my subscribers, a.k.a. Daydreamers. You can see a preview right here or get access by filling out this form.