Halloween is coming up and kids and parents will be getting out the tools to carve spooky jack-o’-lanterns to illuminate and display on Halloween night. Pumpkin carving is a fun, family activity, but sometimes it can be tricky. The following are some helpful carving hints.

• Choose the right type of pumpkin. The Gladiator and Gold Metal pumpkins are perfect for carving. The Gladiator is round, and a deep orange color. It’s a good size (bigger than a basketball), and not too dense. The Gold Metal is slightly larger, 18 inches, with a large, smooth face.

• If a pumpkin seems heavy for its size, it is probably quite dense and will be difficult to carve through. Try to find a pumpkin that feels more hollow.

• Select a pumpkin with a decent-sized stem. It will make it easier to remove the top, once it is carved.

• Try not to carve your pumpkin too early. If a pumpkin is carved weeks prior to Halloween night, it may rot before you have a chance to show it off.

• To protect your pumpkin from rotting, apply Vaseline to carved areas. Also, keep it cool and out of the sun. Protect your pumpkin from frost by either covering it with a towel or bringing it inside on nights that promise frost.

• Use a sharp knife that can easily slice through the pumpkin’s skin.