As we know autumn weather can be very unpredictable, as most seasons in the UK, which is why sometimes it’s so hard to plan for the kid’s half terms and find things to do at the weekends. If you are stuck for ideas this season, then take a look below at our favourite autumn kid’s activities.
Conker collecting
Put on your muddy wellies or boots, wrap up warm and head out to the nearest park or wooded area to go on a family walk looking for conkers. Conkers are the seed of horse chestnut trees and are usually found in spiky green shells. The conkers fall from late September onwards, which is why the start of autumn is the perfect time to find them. Once you have collected your conkers, head home and play the classic game of conkers with the family, if you have never played conkers before, then see the rules here.
Indoor fort building
Take out your blankets, throws, cushions and build the greatest fort in your living room. Create a cosy den using the cushions from your sofa, all your duvets and build until your hearts content. Make sure you leave a window for the tv, then pop on a family film, open the popcorn, sit in your newly built fort and enjoy! You might even find yourself having a family sleepover in the evening.
Pumpkin picking
Get ready for Halloween and go pumpkin picking at your local pumpkin farm. Pumpkin farms have been popping up all over the UK over the past few years and make an excellent autumnal day out with the kids. Once you've picked your pumpkins, take them home to carve for Halloween, you can even make some delicious homemade pumpkin soup.
Leaf painting
If you know it’s going to be a cold and wet day, then spend the afternoon indoors leaf painting instead. Head outside and grab a range of different fallen leaves, set out your paints and get inventive. Leaf painting is a great way to inspire your kid’s to be creative, and you can use your leaves in so many ways.
- Paint your leaf and press against your paper to make a print
- Draw around your leaf and create a silhouette
- Cut your leaf in half, stick it to your paper and then draw the other half
- Create an autumnal leaf collage which is full of colour
Slime making
Kids love making slime, and it's a great way to keep them occupied over the school holidays. Make it a fun day about learning and experimenting with different colours and glitters. Making slime is surprisingly really easy and can be made from common household ingredients. We love this BBC Good Food guide to making slime.
Bake some spooky treats
With autumn being the season of Halloween, dark nights and all things spooky, it's time to slip-on your apron and get baking with the kids. Bake up some ghostly cupcakes, toffee apples or pumpkin lollipops. Take a look at these spooky Halloween treats you can make with your kids.
Go stargazing
Autumn is the perfect time of year for stargazing as it starts to get darker earlier, and the weather hasn't dropped to freezing temperatures just yet. Make a hot chocolate in your favourite mug, wrap up warm and head to the garden for some stargazing on a clear night. Make a family night out of it looking for the big dipper and Orian's belt, if you have a chiminea then why not toast some marshmallows and make some smores?
There we have it our seven favourite autumnal kid’s activities and things to do over the half term. We’d love to hear what you get up to over the holidays – let us know in the comments.
