Autumn Nature Fun for Kids (Mid-Term Ideas)

October is overflowing with small adventures—crisp air, turning leaves, busy birds, and hedgerows dotted with berries. If you’re planning mid-term family time, try these simple, low-cost activities that work in gardens, parks, balconies, and schoolyards. They’re hands-on, screen-light, and designed for Irish autumn weather.

1) Leaf & Light Walk (+ easy leaf rubbings)

You’ll need: paper, crayons/pencils, a hardback book or clipboard.
Do it: collect a few fallen leaves (no picking needed). Place a leaf under the paper and gently rub over it to reveal the veins. Notice three colours, three textures and three sounds on your walk.
Try this: compare oak vs. hazel vs. sycamore leaves; press a favourite in a book for a week.

2) Pinecone Bird Feeder (no nets)

You’ll need: pinecones, string, peanut butter or sunflower-seed butter, wild bird seed.
Do it: tie string to cone; spread a thin layer of nut-butter, roll in seed, chill briefly, then hang near cover.
Notes: avoid loose mesh/net bags; wash hands after; swap peanut butter for another binder if there are nut allergies.

3) October Scavenger Hunt

Set a 10-minute timer and see what you can spot: robin, feather, conker, sycamore “helicopter,” oak leaf, red berries (hawthorn/rowan), lichen, spider web, fungi (observe only), ivy in flower with visiting insects, puddle reflections and more.
Download the printable checklist: October Scavenger Hunt (A4)

4) Start a Mini Meadow Tray

You’ll need: a tray/window box with drainage, peat-free compost, native wildflower seed.
Do it: fill, firm, scatter lightly, press in (don’t bury), water. Keep in light and don’t fertilise. Label it and watch seedlings appear in spring.

5) Build a Little Habitat Stack

You’ll need: a few sticks, leaves, and a small log/brick.
Do it: stack in a quiet corner to create shelter for insects and amphibians. Leave 10–20% of your garden a bit “untidy” for wildlife.

6) Watch & Feed the Birds

Top up a feeder and a shallow dish of water. Goldfinches love niger seed, robins go for mealworms/suet, and tits enjoy peanuts (in mesh feeders) and fat balls (no nets). Clean feeders weekly and place near cover.

7) Samhain Storytime (outdoors)

Wrap up warm, bring a torch, and share a story about autumn traditions or local folklore. Notice how the garden sounds different at dusk.

Small-Space & Rain-Day Options

• Leaf rubbings and journal sketching at the kitchen table

• Window feeder and bird watch from indoors

• Mini meadow tray or bulb planting in pots

• Puddle-watching and cloud-spotting between showers

Simple safety reminders

Look, don’t touch mushrooms; don’t eat berries; wash hands after outdoor play; keep dogs on leads where wildlife is present.

Keep exploring

• Nature journals & kid-friendly books

• Native wildflower seed packets for spring colour

• Bird-care essentials and window feeders

Have fun out there—small adventures, big memories.