Crafty Nest website shares a fun & simple way to carve a playful (not scary) pumpkin.
If you want to prolong the life of the pumpkin after you have carved it, smear a Vaseline around the inside or spray a 50/50 solution of water and bleach.
My favorite way to light up a pumpkin is to use a glow stick because it is safe when left unattended.
Click here to read the tutorial of how to create this project: