What’s on in October

Here's our selection of events, things to do and days out for kids of all ages...

Walk, walk, walk

International Walk to School Month

www.walktoschool.org.uk/

I bet the thought of doing an hour of exercise every day makes you groan! But it’s actually really easy to incorporate into your daily life. The theme for Walk to School Month this year is 'Count me in' and it’s all about showing you just how easy it is to reach your recommended daily allowance of exercise when walking to school is included. Why not walk to school with your friends? It will be far more fun.

Get on your bike

5-9 October

The Royal Parks’ Bike Week

www.royalparks.org.uk/events/event.cfm?id=1759

It may be Walk to School Month, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use your bike. Cycling is a great way to get about and it’s healthy for you and the environment. The Royal Parks’ Bike Week, in London, aims to encourage everyone to take an interest in cycling for both fitness and fun. Dr Bikes will be there to offer free bike checks and the Met Police will provide free security marking. Events take place from 4-7pm each day.

Create a forest

11 October 2009

Seed Gathering Sunday

www.treecouncil.org.uk/?q=node/36

It takes years to grow an established forest, but it has to start somewhere, which is why the Tree Council has designated the second Sunday in October as a special seed-gathering day. Collect seeds from trees in your garden or local park and see if you can start a new forest!

Go barking mad

Until 1 November

Kew Gardens

www.kew.org

Well not literally… But you can learn all about the bark on trees when you pick up a ‘bark essentials’ leaflet at Kew. It’s a self-guided trail that shows you how bark protects trees and how it is used in medicine and textiles.

Find art in waste

Until April 2010

Love London Recycled

www.recycledsculptureshow.co.uk/Site/Home.html

Ever wondered if you could make something out of old milk cartons or tin cans? At the London Wetland Centre, the Recycled Sculpture Show has done just that. Showcasing some inventive sculptures, all with an ecological theme, artists have utilised salvaged, reclaimed and recycled materials. Look out for the frogs made from recycled CDs!

Have a fungi time!

23 October

Fungus foray

Farnham

www.forestresearch.gov.uk

It might not sound very nice, but what better way to celebrate the mushroom season than to have a guided fungi tour through an ancient forest? Alice Holt Forest in Farnham – famous for its beautiful oak trees – is where you will find its resident fungal enthusiast, who is running an informative foray through the woods. See the forest’s beautiful autumnal colours and discover interesting facts about the amazing fungi that live there.

Half-term eco treats!

Head for the trees

24-31 October

Kew Gardens

www.kew.org

At Kew Gardens, there’s a new tree-themed play zone in Climbers and Creepers. Funded by ecofriendly Triple Velvet (toilet tissue), this exciting new area features tree-houses, climbing frames and ladders, all made from FSC wood. During the week, kids can also take part in seasonal arts and craft activities, while learning the importance of trees!

The good, the bad and the ugly

24 October-1 November

Get Squashed in the Gardens

www.tattonpark.org.uk/Attractions/WhatsOn/eventslistings.htm

Calling all pumpkin, marrow and squash growers, this is the event for you. Along with fantastic displays of end-of-season produce at Tatton Park: squashes, marrows, pumpkins, gourds and other tasty home-grown produce, there is, of course, the heaviest pumpkin competition (weigh-in on 30 October, 12-3pm). If your pumpkins aren’t up to scratch, you can always try the ugly vegetable line up!

Make a feast for the birds

25-26 October

Feed the Birds Day

www.rspb.org.uk/feedthebirds/

Birds are great natural predators to have in the garden – eating up all of those nasty plant-eating pests. But as winter approaches, birds need to build up their energy reserves for the winter months, when natural food is in shorter supply. Why not go along to one of the many events happening this weekend and also put out a good supply of bird cake, black sunflower seeds and peanuts for the birds.

Go to a ball

30-31 October

Little Monsters Ball

Eden Project

www.edenproject.com/visiting-eden/whats-on/little-monsters-ball.php

Get your glad rags on and take your family out for an evening of fang-tastic fun, with spooky activities, a groovy disco and tasty treats (without the tricks!) at the Eden Project. Famed for its giant greenhouses, full of all sorts of plants, the Eden Project opens up its haunted biomes for you to wander around in, but beware… who knows what diabolical creatures lurk inside!

Advance booking is essential to avoid disappointment.

Hunt for treasure

31 October

Halloween Treasure Hunt, Hampshire

www.sustainability-centre.org/html/kids_events.html

If you can’t make it to the ball, why not go on an eco-themed Halloween treasure hunt? With natural materials, Halloween hats, spider’s webs, ghoulish dainties and a little horror, hunt to find hidden Halloween favourites.