Autumn Activities: Connect with Nature This Half Term
At Ribble Rivers Trust, we believe that helping people connect with nature is one of the best ways to protect it. When young people explore the outdoors, they develop curiosity, confidence, and care for the world around them- a connection that lasts a lifetime. This October half term, take the chance to slow down, get outside, and discover the magic of this transformational season with our autumn activities!
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, autumn is the perfect time to explore. Whether it’s a muddy adventure or some creative crafts, spending time outdoors helps young people understand how nature supports us all. Plus, time spent in green spaces has been proven to boost mental health and reduce stress.
Here are some fun, nature-filled activities to try with your family this half-term. Just remember to explore safely: wear suitable footwear, keep an eye on riverbanks, and leave wildlife undisturbed so others can enjoy it too.
Autumn activities for creative kids
Leaf Animal Pictures: if spotting wildlife proves tricky, make your own! Collect leaves that remind you of animals, like a hedgehog’s spines, a squirrel’s tail, or a fox’s snout. Then, arrange them into your own forest friends. Top tip: acorns, conkers, and twigs make perfect eyes, noses, and whiskers.
Leaf Printing: bring autumn colours to life with leaf printing. Collect flat, freshly fallen leaves, paint the bumpy (veined) side with orange, yellow, or red paint, then press it onto paper. Peel it back to reveal a beautiful print! You can use these to make greeting cards or seasonal artwork.
Leaf and Bark Rubbings: discover the textures of autumn with this classic outdoor craft. Place a sheet of paper over a leaf or piece of tree bark and gently rub with the side of a crayon. The patterns and details that appear are fascinating and each one tells a story about the tree it came from.
Autumn activities for young explorers
Fungi Fun: Autumn is fungi season! As nature’s best recyclers, fungi play an essential role in breaking down dead material and returning nutrients to the soil. They come in an extraordinary range of shapes, sizes, and colours, making them perfect for a woodland treasure hunt. When you’re out spotting, remember the golden rules: No Picking, No Kicking, and No Licking! Fungi are fascinating but fragile, and many species are protected- so enjoy them with your eyes (and camera) only.
Go Bonkers for Conkers: It wouldn’t be autumn without a pocket full of shiny conkers! You’ll find them scattered beneath horse chestnut trees, often still nestled inside their spiky green cases. When collecting, pick round, hard conkers without cracks. For a classic game of conkers, harden them by baking or varnishing before threading them with string. Or, for a creative twist, paint them orange and turn them into mini pumpkins!
Search for footprints: now that the weather is a little wetter, there are muddy puddles everywhere. Can you spot any footprints in the mud? Of course, every animal is different, but the size, shape, and even the number of toes can help you decide which creature has been treading the path before you. If you’re not sure, use your imagination, a mysterious footprint adds an element of excitement to any adventure!
Go on a Minibeast Hunt: Get up close and personal with some of nature’s tiniest creatures. Unlike bees and butterflies, which thrive in summer, many autumn minibeasts prefer damp, shady spots. Gently lift logs or stones to find woodlice, millipedes, and beetles- just be sure to put everything back as you found it! After rainfall, see who can spot the most slugs or snails.
Look for Spider Webs: Autumn is peak season for spiders. As they reach full size and begin to seek out mates, their webs become easier to spot, especially on misty, dewy mornings. Did you know that not all spider webs are cobwebs? Cobwebs are tangled and irregular webs, other webs include orb webs (spirals), sheet webs (flat and horizontal), funnel webs (tunnel shaped) and lace (woolly). Each one is a masterpiece of natural engineering!
Why It Matters
Encouraging young people to explore nature builds a lifelong love for the outdoors. It helps them understand how rivers, trees, insects, and wildlife are all connected, and why it’s so important to protect them. Whether it’s spotting fungi, collecting conkers, or crafting with leaves, these small adventures create big memories and stronger bonds with the natural world.
So wrap up warm, pull on your wellies, and celebrate nature this half term!
Thank you to the Taylor family for providing the inspiration for these autumn activities!
Rivers are at the heart of our local landscapes. Whether you’re casting a line, exploring a riverside trail, or simply basking in the beauty of nature, you can help protect these special places now, and for generations to come.
By becoming a Ribble Rivers Trust supporter for just £3 a month, you’ll be funding real, on-the-ground action.
Ready to make a difference? Learn more here: ribbletrust.org.uk/become-a-supporter
