Conkers

There’s a reason they’re a classic. They’re great to hold and, for a few weeks in September, you can’t move for spotting them. How many can your kids find?

Traditionally you drilled a hole through them, tied them to a string and took turns to whack them till they broke. This can be fun but bruises knuckles. Use them as marbles and cat toys, paint faces on them or use in Christmas decorations as an alternative.

Ps. The prickly shell is VERY annoying if it hits you on the head, but quite fun to try and get them out of.

Acorns and Cobnut People

If you’re looking for things to put faces on, acorns and cobnuts are hard to beat. Both come with head gear (caps or fancy green hats).

Acorns particularly can make great fidgets. If you can find one where the nut is trapped in it’s cup and won’t come out (normally small undergrown ones) it will entertain all winter and into the spring.

Apples and pears

Well, yes, you could just eat them.

However, if you have one you don’t think is going to taste good or are overwhelmed with numbers carving them is great fun. It’s also a great alternative to woodwork and much more gentle on the hands.

For little kids, you could opt for sharpies instead and see who they can turn theirs into.

Sycamore planes

As a child I used to hold them as high as I could and drop them to see them spin round and round round. Then a couple of years ago a child pointed out they go a lot higher if you throw them.

D’oh.

Pinecones

Another classic. See how many you can find and then work out what to make with them.

They’re great for Christmas decorations (add a conker head for extra complexity). You can also dip them in paint and see what pattern they make.

If you’re not feeling crafty, watch and see how long it takes them to open up. Then put them out in the rain and see them close again.

There are quite a few different types out there. How many different ones can you find?

Looking for your favourite…

There are so many other types of fruit, nuts and seeds at this time of year. Look around wherever you go. Who can find the best one?

Can you find one you’ve never seen before?

…and when you’ve got the best, what will you make with it?

Sticks

As the weather gets stormier there will be lots of new sticks around. If you’re in need of a new stick friend keep an eye out.

If you find a good one, it will help you hunt for all the above too.

LEAVES

Conkers are satisfying and pinecones are pretty but nothing beats leaves for full on autumn entertainment.

First off, try and catch one as it falls from the tree. It will take over your life.

Then:

• Pick the prettiest ones
• Stomp on the crunchiest
• and RACE the fastest (windy days ahoy)…

When you have a good collection at home see what you can make with them. You can stick them on glass jars to make lanterns; do a rubbing with crayons or pencils; draw round them or on them; cover them with paint and do leaf painting.

Have fun.