Autumn is a season of vibrant colours, falling leaves, and that comforting cool breeze that prompts us to reach for our cosy sweaters and hot cocoa. It’s also the time when conkers, the glossy brown little treasures of the horse chestnut tree, drop from the branches.
Kids and adults alike can have lots of fun collecting them and best of all there are loads of free activities you can do with conkers. So grab your basket or a bag to fill up and follow our guide to 10 things you can do with conkers.
10 Things You Can Do With Conkers
1. Go on a conker collecting adventure
One of the main things to do with conkers is collect them! Head out with all the family for an exciting conker collecting adventure. A local park or woodland area where horse chestnut trees thrive is a good place to start.
The hunt for conkers can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. It’s a get outdoors and enjoy some fresh Autumn air. The more conkers you find, the better your chances of discovering hidden gems that will put in in the lead for any future conker battles!
2. Have a conker battle
One of the most classic conker activities is the good old conker battle. Drill a hole through the centre of your conker and thread it onto a strong shoelace or piece of string.
Challenge your friends to a conker duel and see whose conker survives the longest. The rules are simple: take turns striking your opponent’s conker until one of them breaks. Who will be the winner?
3. Create Conker Jewellery
Get your creative juices flowing by making conker jewellery. Simply drill a hole through a conker. Then, thread it onto a necklace chain or cord, and voilà!
You now have a unique, eco-friendly piece of jewellery. Next, add some paint or polish to make your conker necklace even more charming.
4. Make a conker animal
Conkers have the perfect shape to craft adorable little animals. First, gather a selection of conkers, acorns, and other natural materials, and start constructing your own wildlife animal family. Then, transform conkers into hedgehogs, squirrels, or even owls or whatever you like!
Kids especially love this crafty and educational activity. Cocktail sticks are a good option for legs and arms. Plus, don’t forget to paint on a little face.
5. Conker Painting
Embrace your artistic side by using conkers as paintbrushes. Dip them into different colours of paint and create striking autumnal masterpieces. You’ll be amazed at the unique textures and patterns conkers can create, adding a touch of nature to your artwork. You can also paint on your own design to brighten up your conker.
6. Keep Spiders Away
To keep spiders away with conkers, you can place these shiny brown nuts around your home. Spiders don’t like the smell of conkers, so they tend to stay away. Just scatter them in corners, under furniture, or near windows and doors where spiders might enter.
How do conkers keep spiders away?
The conkers release a natural chemical called saponin that spiders find unpleasant. Remember to replace them as they dry out and lose their potency, which usually happens after a few months. This simple and natural method can help you keep your home spider-free without using harsh chemicals, making it a safe and eco-friendly way to deter these eight-legged creatures.
7. Conker Racing
Race your conkers down a gently sloping hill or along a smooth surface to determine the fastest conker in your collection.
Add a touch of friendly competition and watch as your conkers roll their way to victory. It’s a fun and lighthearted way to spend time outdoors with family and friends.
8. Conker Science Experiments
Have fun by experimenting with conkers in various scientific ways. Explore the buoyancy of conkers in water, discover the forces that affect their spinning when threaded on a string, or investigate how they change over time.
This can be a fantastic educational opportunity for kids where they will be learning while having fun!
9. Make a conker home decoration
Decorating your home with conkers is a fun and easy way to add a touch of nature to your space. First, collect some conkers, the shiny brown nuts from horse chestnut trees and wash them.
Then, place them in a decorative bowl or vase, or scatter them on tables and shelves for a rustic feel. You can also string conkers together to make unique garlands or hang them as ornaments. Conkers can also be used as part of a homemade Autumn wreath. This can be a lovely addition to your front door or porch.
Next, for a fragrant twist, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the conkers. They’ll not only look lovely but also bring a pleasant scent to your home. Conker decorating is simple, affordable, and a great way to celebrate the Autumn season.
10. Have a conker and spoon race
Just like the traditional egg and spoon race but with an Autumn twist. The kids will love a conker and spoon race and it’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh Autumn air.
How to do a conker and spoon race
To do a conker and spoon race, first, grab a regular spoon and a suitably shaped conker. Then, choose a starting line and gather your friends and family! This is fun for all ages.
Next, hold the spoon in one hand and place the conker on it. Now, the fun part begins! The goal is to run to the finish line without dropping the conker. Careful they can easily roll off!
Keep your eye on the conker and balance it gently as you move. Move one step at a time, not too fast. If the conker falls, you’ll need to start over.
The first person to reach the finish line with their conker still on the spoon wins!
How many conkers have you collected this Autumn? Now you have plenty of ideas for things to do with conkers?
We have loads more Autumn and Halloween fun on our website.
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