"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." - L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
October—it's the time of year when the trees show off their beautiful colors, the air cools off, harvest festivals, hay rides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches are everywhere, and apples are ripe for the picking. And for some, it is also a spooky time of year come Halloween. Whether you are into the spooky part of the season or not, let's celebrate by taking these spooky elements and meshing them with nature. This October, try one (or all) of these five spooky nature adventures. Photo by Monique Vargas
Since the nights are growing longer and it gets darker earlier, take the opportunity to go on a night hike and search for bats. You may not see them, but you will likely be able to hear them. Aren’t sure what a bat sounds like? Google can provide you with a few examples of what to listen for while out exploring. To make it extra fun, dress up as bats with your little ones for the occasion.
Children love mixing ingredients together and making different concoctions, so get into the spirit of the spooky season and make a potion with nature items you collect while enjoying the fall weather. All you need is nature goodies like leaves, sticks and dirt, a bucket, and some water. Let it sit overnight and see if anything happens. Do the fall leaves change the color of the water? Do they make the water smell different? No need to conjure your inner witches and warlocks for this, as the activity is fun for all without it, but by all means go for it if it makes you happy.
Spider webs are everywhere and are usually really easy to find, even in your own backyard. While out on your nature adventure, count how many you can find. Take some time to try and draw one in your nature journal. See if you can find the spider, too. Tip: if you bring along a light misting spray bottle, you can mist the webs gently to see them more clearly and you will get the added benefit of seeing the beautiful droplets form on the webs. You can also add in a craft element to round this fun adventure out. Here are some ideas from the Artful Parent.
Okay, this one isn’t spooky, but it is still a ton of fun. Go for a walk and enjoy the fall colors. If you want to collect leaves, consider making a picture or mosaic with the leaves on the ground. Name the colors, identify the trees, enjoy the cooler weather, take the leaves home and make fall leaf art (Check some of these leaf crafts out), and so much more.
If your kiddos are anything like mine, they want to wear their Halloween costumes all month (or year) long. Why not let them? Take them for a trail hike dressed in their costumes. Let them explore nature as superheroes, princesses, animals, their favorite characters, and whatever else they love. Walk through your favorite park or just walk around the block. People also love children in costumes and your kiddos are bound to enjoy the attention. The point is the dressing up and enjoying the outdoors. Feel free to dress up too. You know you want to. Check out these DIY nature-inspired costume ideas.
Additional reading: Fall into Some Good Books Fall Hiking Ideas to Get You Out the Door
Share your spooky hike adventures with us!
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