As the half-term holiday approaches, and Halloween lurks just around the corner, it's a great time to venture outdoors with your family and explore the wonders of nature. Kent Wildlife Trust invites you to embark on spooky yet nature-friendly adventures that will create lasting memories. Here, we recommend a variety of fun activities that blend the magic of Halloween with the beauty of nature and the great outdoors.
Halloween crafts
Create Skeleton leaves
What could be more Halloween than skeletons? Delve into the fascinating world of leaves by creating intricate leaf skeletons. Start your day off with a nice walk in nature collecting a variety of freshly fallen autumnal leaves. Once back home, follow the guide below to expose the leaf skeletons. Be prepared to be patient – this will take some time! However, the rewards are worth it. This activity not only showcases the beauty of nature's design but also teaches children about the structure of plants, encouraging a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Get your guide for creating leaf skeletons here
Build pinecone creatures
Unleash your family's creativity by crafting pinecone creatures. Gather pinecones of various sizes and let your imagination run wild as you transform them into autumnal animals or spooky beings. Use twigs, acorns, and leaves to add intricate details. This hands-on activity not only nurtures artistic skills but also fosters an appreciation for the diverse forms that nature takes, turning a simple pinecone into a canvas for imaginative storytelling.
Download your pinecone creatures guide here
Go bat spotting!
Embrace the mystery of the night by going bat watching. Choose a dusk hour and visit a local park or nature reserve where bats are known to dwell – check out Bat Kent Group for where best to find bats in Kent. Armed with binoculars, observe these fascinating creatures as they flutter gracefully in the twilight sky, hunting for insects. Educate your children about the vital role bats play in pest control and pollination, highlighting the importance of conserving their habitats for a healthy ecosystem. Kent is home to 14 out of the 18 resident UK bat species, so is a great place to spot them.
Learn more about bats by exploring our mammals pages of the website
Build a bat box
Caught the bug for bats? Why not encourage them into your garden by building your own bat box? Bat boxes provide safe roosting spaces for bats, especially in areas where natural roosts are scarce. Follow the guide below to create your own bat box and install it in your garden or a nearby green space, ensuring it is elevated and protected from direct sunlight. By providing a suitable habitat, you not only support local bat populations but also create a hands-on learning experience for your children about wildlife conservation.
Download your guide for building your own bat box here
Stargazing
As the nights draw in and the skies grow darker, why not make the most of this opportunity with a mesmerizing stargazing session. Find a dark spot away from city lights, lay back, and gaze at the night sky. Use a telescope or simply your naked eyes to explore the moon, planets, and constellations. Encourage questions and share myths and stories related to the stars, fostering a sense of wonder about the vast universe. Lying on your back, you’ll be staring at the same night sky people have been watching for thousands of years and will do for thousands of years to come. It’s a perfect time to reflect on how the natural world once was, how it is today and what it may be in years to come.