Autumn is one of the prettiest times of year, but it can be tough to make the most of it with the weather changing and all the coughs and colds that come with it.
If you’re looking for something to do with the kids to celebrate the season, we’ve found some fab activities you can do from at home or while out and about with minimal fuss!
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Pumpkin Carving
Okay, this is an obvious one - pumpkin carving is a staple of Halloween celebrations these days. Still, obvious doesn’t have to mean boring! Find inspiration by looking up pumpkin carving designs from your favourite films, books and tv programmes - or why not create one of your friends in pumpkin-form?
If pumpkins are too mainstream for you – did you know that jack o’ lanterns were originally made from turnips to scare away spirits? Try another kind of gourd for a creepy homemade Halloween decoration.
Don’t forget - if you haven’t exposed your pumpkin to the air for very long, you can use the flesh to make a delicious soup. Save the seeds, dry them out and grow your own next year or feed them to the birds. If your lantern has been outside, just remember to compost it!
Autumn Collage
Do you live near a park or forest? Whether you’re going on a walk or heading to the playground, take a spare carrier bag or bucket and get your little ones to find a variety of coloured leaves from different trees. Find acorns or conkers on the ground to make interesting patterns. Only use what is on the ground though - let’s protect our trees!
If you’re looking to go further afield than your local park, use our journey planner to get exploring by bus!
When you’re back at home, use the leaves and some PVA glue to make collages.
Did you know you can rub old hand cream on the leaf to make it last longer? If you’re feeling creative, you could crack out crayons, paint or glitter to jazz them up even more!
Pro tip - keep some kitchen roll or a tea towel around in case any of them are still damp!
Local Libraries
Lots of local libraries run free or very cheap art sessions, where children can make a new craft and play with friends. That’s just enough time for you to warm up and have a brew! You could even pick up a new story while you’re there to read when you’re home.
These events are often seasonal too - so you’ll be able to do new activities whether you’re there in time for Halloween, Bonfire Night or anything else.
Check your local council website and Twitter pages to find out what’s going on in your area, and use our journey planner to get you there with no fuss.
Crafty Bats
You’ll need to plan a bit ahead for this one, and keep any empty loo rolls once they’re finished.
Use a free printable from the internet to get your bat wings - you can also draw your own if you’re feeling particularly creative!
Paint the rolls and wings with black paint, then you can use glitter and glue to decorate them too! Stick the wings to the back of the roll, and then use white paint or googly eyes and pipe cleaners to give your bat a spooky face. If you make enough bats, you can also string them together to make a garland!
Autumnal Eye Spy
There’s no reason why being out and about means you can’t keep playing!
Have a nature-themed game, whether you’re walking home from school or sat on the bus.
A good old-fashioned game of eye spy is brilliant in the Autumn, with all the amazing colours and changes in the trees. Plus, this is a fab sensory activity for smaller children to help them name the things they can see.
There are bound to be loads of Autumnal events in your area, so leave the car behind and get out there and enjoy it! Check what’s going on in your local area to see what else you can do this Autumn, and get out and about by bus.
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