Instead of playing it safe with a plain, simply sliced watermelon, try getting creative with one of these 16 fun and artistic carving ideas. Not only will it provide a unique spin on a classic summer stable, but will be a refreshing treat everyone can enjoy!
Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Watermelon Turtle
Whether it’s a luau on the beach or neighborhood pool party, you can make a splash with this cute sea creature. Make the turtle look like it’s surfing by filling the middle with ocean colored fruit like blueberries, red grapes and kiwi.
Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Watermelon Owl
Heads will spin for this easy-to-make watermelon creation! Oreos (mini and regular) are perfect for creating the wide-eyed owl eyes. Fill the back with your favorite fruits or fruit salad for a tasty twist on a summer staple.
Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Watermelon Keg
Watermelon isn’t just for kids! Turn your child’s favorite fruit into a refreshing summer treat for all ages! Fill a hollowed-out watermelon with your favorite punch, juice, or alcoholic beverage (only for the adults, of course). You can purchase the spigot at any hardware store or online.
Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Watermelon Car
Go for a ride in this cute watermelon convertible. Fill the car with a variety of fruit or get creative by adding small dolls or action figures. Adding stripes and a number can transform the convertible into a sporty racecar perfect for a boy’s birthday party!
Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Watermelon Shark
Everyone will run for the shore when you serve this tasty watermelon shark! Get creative and fill the mouth with Swedish Fish and other sea creature gummies. For the eyes, try olives, blueberries, black M&Ms or even black jellybeans to capture the shark’s deadly stare.
Don’t let this design scare you, our interns tried their hand at creating this scary melon and rated it as a fairly simple design to create.
You only need half a watermelon to create this super easy turtle! Simply cut the melon in half, add a head, feet and tail and voilà, you have an up-side-down turtle! Easy (and almost as tasty) as pie!
Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Watermelon Sailboat
Set sail with this simple watermelon carving. Add an action figure or small doll to help steer the ship and decorate the plate with Swedish Fish and other sea creature gummies to make this realistic and tasty summer treat!
Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Watermelon Hedgehog
Toothpicks make this hedgehog or porcupine easy to create and even easier to eat! Add blueberries for the eyes and nose and watch this cute critter quickly scurry from the table to the plates of your guests!
Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Watermelon Minion
You can create one of Gru’s little minions from “Despicable Me 2.” While this watermelon requires more supplies and skill than the other designs, be encouraged that the end result is guaranteed to be a hit with the kids and their parents too.
Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Watermelon Flowering Garden
You don’t need a green thumb to create this flowering garden! While this design may look difficult, by using any variety and quantity of fruits, you can grow a beautiful flower field at any skill level.
Don’t be afraid of this goofy monster! With a banana nose and kiwi eyes, this watermelon has a lot of creative potential. Give the creature Twizzler hair or candy corn teeth to add a fun or scary twist.
Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Watermelon Rabbit
This cute rabbit requires a little more skill to create but is perfect for a picnic or potluck. Fill the bunny with melon or cantaloupe balls, blueberries and strawberries for a colorful, festive and delicious fruit salad.
A watermelon frog is another fast and easy design that will have your friends turning green with envy. Simply carve and hollow out a mouth and create the eyes and tongue from the leftover pieces. This effortless design is a great option if your kids want to help out in the kitchen.
Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Watermelon Football Helmet
Whether it’s a snack before pee wee football practice, or a treat at a Saturday tailgate, this festive helmet will surely be a hit with football fans. Get creative and specialize the side of the helmet with your favorite team’s logo or a player’s number.
Learn how to make the football helmet
Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Watermelon Fish
Sure to be a splash at your next picnic, this watermelon fish is one of the easier designs to create. Simply hollow out the side and fill it with a variety of fruits to create a tasty summer treat.
Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Watermelon Beach Basket
Put a twist on the classic watermelon basket to create this fun, summer beach bucket! Fill your pail with brown sugar, Swedish Fish, and fruit shaped starfish, crabs and shells for a decorative summer-time treat!