Is it that time already? Whether this is your child’s first year at school or they’re very used to half term and summer holidays, October half term is here! Whether you’re working throughout the week, taking some annual leave, or are a stay at home parent (which is absolutely a job in itself), you may well be thinking about how to add some interest and days out amongst the time away from the classroom. We’ll share our top ideas here!
Get out in nature
An obvious one, but certainly a go-to as the seasons change. Visiting local parks and woodland can offer lots of cosy autumn memories, whether you go on a leaf hunt, make some leaf creatures or collect conkers, autumn is a brilliant time to explore how the seasons are changing the world around us.
There are lots of great, free resources online with the Woodland Trust - think leaf spotter checklists, and ideas for activities like wood rubbings. You can also search up local woodlands to you which will work well with families.
Alongside more focused activities, getting out in autumn nature is a brilliant way to blow off some steam. Think kicking leaf piles, building stick dens, and climbing trees - there’s so much gross motor development to be had in exploring the great outdoors!
Brrr..the beach!
If woodland isn’t your thing, why not consider visiting the beach before it gets too chilly? Take some warming snacks (soup in a thermos maybe!), picnic blankets and wrap up warm - the fresh air and salty sea has a special way of getting energy out of the busiest little folk. Plus, with the sand likely to be on the damper side from intermittent rainfall, you’ve got the perfect base for a good sandcastle.
Try out a National Trust property
National Trust properties are a great spot to visit for families in the autumn. With rambling gardens, heaps of trees and passionate volunteers keen to share the history of their location, there’s so much to see and do. Even more brilliantly, this autumn the national trust gave away free family visit passes to visit a location of your choice - so if you managed to sign up, make sure to make use of it now!
Visit a pumpkin patch (and get decorating!)
The true magic of childhood! Pumpkin patches are growing more and more popular year on year, so taking a trip out to collect your own big orange canvas is a great way to make some memories. Many patches have maize mazes, photo opportunities and a chance to climb the haybales, so make sure to maximise the fun as much as you can!
With your pumpkins in tow, it’s time to get decorating on returning home. You might like to go all in with carving if you have slightly older children, but another great option is simply painting the front. Perhaps you could do a mixture and get everyone involved!
Outdoor messy play
Finally, outdoor messy play has its home in autumn. From conkers to pine cones and crispy autumn leaves, the natural resources available to children at this time of year really unrivalled in adding to the potential for messy play!
Go out and collect some vibrant autumn leaves, and add these to pots and pans. See if children can mash, cut, and tear them to develop their fine motor skills all while having a great time!
If you can get out and collect conkers, these make a great addition to a mud kitchen. Add them to jars and pots and encourage children to make you a ‘conker pie’. Just make sure you keep a close eye, as conkers are toxic if eaten.
Finally, another plentiful resource at this time of year is mud! Why not get the children wrapped up in something washable and let them go wild with mud? Whether it’s a mud fight or making mud pies, there’s something magical about messy play in childhood! Plus - if you use their coats and wellies for school too, you can be safe in the knowledge that their Stamptastic children’s clothes stamps will withstand the muckiest of washloads!
Make memories!
We hope these ideas give you some starting points for making cosy autumnal memories this year. Please feel free to share this with friends and family or leave a comment below.
The Stamptastic Team
