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When it comes to counting and learning games, you can buy plenty of options for your kids but with just a few supplies, you can make your own budget-friendly counting activities at home. DIY learning games are just as fun (sometimes more!) and give you the freedom to theme them to the season or your toddler’s favorite characters.
As a former educator and now a mom of three, I know how important it is to keep early learning rooted in play. At this age, kids learn best when they’re engaged, moving their hands, and having fun. That’s why I love creating activities like this. It keeps my toddlers excited, entertained, and learning without feeling like “school.”
And remember, if your toddler isn’t in the mood for numbers that day, that’s okay! Let them just practice with the clothespins. It’s still fantastic fine motor work. The goal is not perfection but exposure, practice, and fun.
Why I Love This Activity
- Budget-friendly: You only need a few simple supplies you probably already have.
- Seasonal & customizable: Pumpkins for fall, apples for back-to-school, hearts for Valentine’s Day, shamrocks for St. Patrick’s, or even their favorite cartoon characters.
- Educational: Reinforces number recognition, counting, and one-to-one correspondence.
- Fine motor skills: Using clothespins strengthens little fingers and preps them for writing later on.
- Easy storage: I swear by these $4 clear zipper pouches for all of our DIY and store-bought activities. They keep the pieces together and make it easy for my kids to grab them independently.
What You Need
- Orange construction paper (or cardstock) for pumpkins
- Clothespins
- Sharpie or marker
- Laminator (optional, but helps it last all season)
- Clear zipper pencil pouch (for storage)
How to Make Pumpkin Counting Cards
- Cut out pumpkins – From your orange paper, cut 10 pumpkin shapes. Skip the stems for now (they’ll attach with the clothespins later). I was able to fit 4 pumpkins per sheet.
- Add dots – On each pumpkin, draw dots to represent numbers 1 through 10.
- Prep the clothespins – Write the numbers 1 through 10 on the ends of your clothespins. These will be clipped to the pumpkins as answers.
- Laminate (optional) – If you want your pumpkins to last more than one season, laminate them. Pro tip: Use a swipe of glue stick to hold the paper in place inside the laminating sheet so it doesn’t shift around.
- Cut them out – Once laminated, cut your pumpkins out and they’re ready to go.
- Play & learn – Have your toddler count the dots on each pumpkin, then match it to the correct numbered clothespin. The clothespin clips perfectly to the top of the pumpkin, right where the stem would be.
Extension Ideas
- Apples or leaves – Swap the pumpkins for red apples or colorful fall leaves.
- Letters – Instead of dots and numbers, write uppercase letters on pumpkins and lowercase letters on clothespins for a matching game.
- Colors – Make a rainbow set with clothespins clipped to the matching colored pumpkin.
- Self-correcting sets – Draw a tiny matching symbol on the back of the pumpkin and clothespin so your toddler can check their own work.
Fall Learning Made Simple
This activity has been a huge hit in our house. My preschooler loves the independence of clipping the right number to each pumpkin, and my toddler enjoys just playing with the clothespins. Best of all, it’s simple, cheap, and keeps little hands busy while sneaking in learning.
If you’re looking for more fun, check out:
- 13 Halloween Activities for Toddlers
- Fun with Magnatiles
- Activities for 2- and 4-Year-Olds (tons of educational ones here)
And remember, mama, learning doesn’t always have to look like sitting down with flashcards. You’re doing an amazing job by keeping it playful, light, and fun.
xx,
Ciara
