Looking for inspiration for activities with the children this half term? Read our list of outdoor activities to try out...

Build a bug house

Have a go at creating a bug house (or even a bug hotel!) in your garden to provide lots of safe little hideaways for wildlife. Autumn is the ideal time of year to find a wealth of natural materials in your garden, like dry grass and twigs. 

Here's a handy video showing you how to make a cosy home for your local wildlife.

Take a brisk autumn walk

Breathe in the crisp air and get active on a walk among the fallen autumn leaves. There’s something special about the countryside in autumn, as nature transitions from summer to winter. Our individual lakes pages contain details of a variety of different walks you can do, from short strolls to long hikes. Click here for a great list of different walks at Roadford. 

Siblyback, Tamar and Roadford have lovely play areas overlooking the water: an ideal place to burn off some energy!

Go nature spotting

The countryside surrounding the lakes are home to a rich variety of habitats, which in turn means all sorts of wildlife will be in the vicinity!

Pond dipping is a brilliant, educational activity, which helps to engage children with the science of life beneath the water. On land, why not visit one of the bird hides and spend a bit of quiet time seeing which birds you can spot? On the ground, count how many different minibeasts you come across, or even how many different coloured leaves you can find!

Make an autumn treasure box

Go on an adventure and collect some autumn treasures! Decorate a small cardboard or wooden box to make it personal to you. Sequins, leaves and paint are always a good idea. Look out for some lovely orange leaves, acorns, pine cones and conkers.

Go stargazing

Autumn can be one of the best times of year to stargaze. Learn about how to give it a go with this video by Countryside Warden Lucy: