Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Half term fun and autumn adventures for your wild ones
You’ve survived the summer holidays, but half term is fast approaching, and you need some inspiration for keeping the kids busy?
Check out Butterfly Conservation's top wild-inspired activities for the whole family this October half term and beyond.
1. Carve out some time for fun
With Halloween on the horizon, now’s the time to grab a pumpkin and get creative. Head over to Butterfly Conservation's butterfly and moth pages for inspiration, choose your favourite image, draw the outline or print it out, then trace it onto your pumpkin. Now you’re ready to get carving! What will you choose? A cool caterpillar? A brilliant butterfly? Or maybe a magical moth? Tag Butterfly Conservation in your wild creations on their social media channels – they’re @savebutterflies on Instagram, X and Facebook.
2. Bake it 'til you make it
If the weather’s not great, what’s better than a cosy bit of baking? Whether you scoff them yourselves, gift them to friends or even hold your own bake sale, the whole family can get involved in this tasty butterfly-inspired bake. Grab your butterfly cake recipe at Bake for Butterflies | Butterfly Conservation.
3. Put the craft into witchcraft
Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party and need a fun activity for the kids or you’re just looking to fill a few hours with some crafty fun, try making a Death’s-head Hawk-moth mask [https://butterfly-conservation.org/discover-and-learn/activities-and-resources/make-a-moth-mask]. All you need is a printer, a lollipop stick or some string, and some colouring pens (although you can get as creative as you like with the decorations). Looking for more craft inspiration? Butterfly Conservation has lots of fun ideas at Resources & Activities | Butterfly Conservation.
4. Let the competitive spirit soar
Bring out the family’s competitive spirit with Butterfly Conservation's print at home games. Can your little ones match the egg to the butterfly or moth? Or perhaps they want to get arty and make their own Top Moths cards? These free, fun games are great for playing on autumnal picnics, inside on a rainy day, or even on the train if you’re travelling for a half term getaway. Visit Resources & Activities | Butterfly Conservation.
5. Make a potion that attracts butterflies and moths
Although there aren’t many butterflies and moths flying at this time of year, there are some which brave the chillier weather. Help them stock up on energy by creating a gruesome (to us) concoction of rotting fruit which is full of much-needed sugars to get them through the winter. Simply chop up pieces of old fruit like bananas, berries, melons and plums – you can even put them in the freezer first and defrost to help soften them up – and leave them out in a pile to see what comes to visit. For more ideas on what you can do in your garden to help butterflies and moths at this time of year, visit Do Nothing for Nature | Butterfly Conservation.