Hannah Martin

FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Metal Detector Adventures with Kids
- March 29, 2023
If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to encourage your kids to get outside and explore (while also playing up the potential for finding hidden treasure), then you need to try metal detecting! A metal detector is a great tool for inspiring outdoor adventures and keeping your family busy and active in nature. It’s a fun hobby that’s full of excitement and could even be lucrative! Today, Hannah Martin, UK mom, and co-host of the YouTube show Hobie’s Nature Club is here with tips for using a metal detector with kids and how to create fun metal detector adventures for your children.

Metal detectors make great gifts for outdoorsy kids

Do you ever struggle to decide on what presents to get your kids for birthdays or Christmas? We had that exact dilemma this year with our son this past year. We love to play together, so open-ended toys that get us outside and keep us all active are best. This year we decided to get something that would not only encourage us to get outside, but provide us with an adventure as a family! That’s not an easy expectation, but we did it with the purchase of a metal detector.

Our metal detector has provided us with endless hours of exploration and adventure. We’ve used it for so many different things and in a variety of ways. This article will inform you about adventures you can have and activities you can do outdoors with a metal detector. These activities don’t just focus on finding lost treasures, but instead can be an educational and valuable experience for you and your family.

What to consider when purchasing a metal detector for kids

Like so many things these days, there is a wide array of choices online for various different models of metal detectors. I recommend you start by setting a budget on what you’d like to spend and then go online and read the reviews of metal detectors in your price range. Metal detectors can range in price from $30 to $1000. Metal detectors for kids are usually more affordable than the larger ones designed for adults, with all the bells and whistles.

In addition to price, you’ll also want to consider the weight of the metal detector. If your child will be using the metal detector, you’ll want it to be light enough for them to hold by themselves, but advanced and big enough for them to continue using into their teenage years. Due to us living by the coast and the second-largest harbor in the world, we also thought it would be good to have a waterproof model.

Other options that are available in metal detectors that affect the price are headphones, carrying case, shovels/trowels, touch-screens, extra batteries.

Best metal detectors for kids

Here are a few metal detectors we found online with very good reviews (and the one we ended up purchasing). Since we’re in the UK, I’ve included links to both Amazon UK shop and US options, as well.

Best budget-friendly metal detectors
- TOPQSC metal detector for kids (UK)
- Sun Joe waterproof metal detector (US)
Mid-range metal detectors
- Ginour Midweight metal detector (UK)
- PANCKY Waterproof metal detector (US)
High-end metal detectors
- Nokta Makro Simplex (UK)
- Garrett ACE (US)
Where to use your metal detector?

There are an array of rules and regulations in regard to metal detecting, both in the UK and (from research) the US. Navigating complex laws and rules can be daunting and frustrating, but having to leave behind a great find would be even worse. Take the time before you explore to find out what legal jurisdiction an area falls under and what permissions you need to discover and recover items. I would hate for you to have your possessions ceased and for you to end up with a criminal record!

UK rules about metal detecting

Even though in the UK we have designated areas of public access, this does not mean that you have permission to metal detect or keep what you find. If you are unsure, the best thing to do is to ask permission from the land owner or council/state. In the UK, you need permission to detect on beaches, footpaths, or council-owned land. Any finds discovered will normally be the property of the landowner, so to avoid disputes, it is advisable to get permission and agreement in writing first regarding the ownership of any finds subsequently discovered. (www.finds.org)

US rules about metal detecting

In the US, laws vary from state to state, but all 50 allow metal detecting in some form on public property. Some Parks and Recreation departments maintain a list of sites that allow metal detecting without a permit. These spots include popular beaches, fields, and forested areas but exclude all protected archaeological sites. Pre-approved places are usually limited by additional criteria, such as parking lots, picnic areas, and trail surfaces only. Any detecting that happens outside these neatly drawn lines may require a permit. Ask the nearest park office about detecting possibilities and obtaining a permit. (www.seriousdetecting.com)

Tips for responsible use of a metal detector

No matter where you’re using your metal detector, it is crucial that you are both responsible and respectful. You should keep to the area’s code of conduct in regard to trespassing, anti-social behavior, and respecting nature. Here are some tips for using your metal detector responsibly:
1. Educate yourself before you dig. Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
2. Seek permission from the property owner if you’ll be using your metal detector on private property. Decide in advance (and get it in writing) about who gets to keep any valuable finds.
3. Pack out what you pack in, and properly dispose of any trash you find.
4. Leave all gates, structures, and personal property as they were before.
5. Dig only where it’s legal and allowed by the rules and regulations in your area.
6. Never dig in a way that harms vegetation, wildlife, or changes natural features.
7. Report any significant historical artifacts to local authorities.
8. Don’t leave behind a minefield of holes. Unfilled holes are unsightly, dangerous to people and livestock, and are detrimental to the continued use of detectors.
What else do you need to go metal detecting?

Like any other outdoor activity, you need to be prepared for your metal-detecting adventure with your kids. You’ll need to first consider the weather and ensure you are dressed appropriately. If it’s cold and rainy (like it is for us here in the UK), I recommend dressing the kids in waterproof jackets, pants, and shoes. Be sure to bring along a hat and gloves, as there is a fair bit of standing still when searching for treasure.

If you want to dig up your finds, you will need a good spade for digging. You’ll also need a bag to hold, carry and store your treasures (because they’ll be very dirty). And, as always, bring water and lots of snacks!

How to use a metal detector

Using a metal detector is easy, but your technique is key and could make all the difference between a successful outing and a bust. There is a difference between the type of detector you have and the type of soil you are detecting.

To use a metal detector:
- Adjust the stem of the metal detector so that the transmitter coil and receiver coil hover just above the ground when you hold the device.
- Move the machine slowly back and forth, from side to side while walking at a slow pace.
- When you hear an alarm or tone from the detector, stop and take a closer look at the area. You may have found something metal!
- If you raise the search coils during a sweep this could produce false readings. You should be able to adjust the settings on your detector to help weed out unwanted metals, like aluminum cans or foil (unless you want to find those!).
- Continue sweeping in smaller paths and then a circular motion to isolate the area after a target ID is revealed by a beep.
Things to keep in mind when using a metal detector with kids

Using a metal detector to find treasure sounds super exciting! But, be aware that you will initially dig into loads of trash and need help getting good finds with your backyard searches. But don’t worry or get discouraged. Through trial and error (and with a lot of patience), you will certainly get better at the game. Here are some useful tips for metal-detecting with kids:
1. Be aware that you will probably discover a lot more trash than treasure (bring a trashbag and use this as a way to talk about cleaning up after yourselves outside)
2. Get familiar with your metal detector and its settings. There are usually options for finding different types of metal and adjusting the sensitivity that will help aid in your discovery of real treasure (as opposed to trash).
3. Use headphones to keep the beeping noise to a minimum for those around you. Headphones can make you more sensitive to the signal and drown out background noise.
4. Try going metal detecting right after it rains. The wet ground has a stronger conductivity than dry ground, which enhances target and depth sensing. However, be prepared for lots of mud!
5. Bring extra batteries! You never know when you’ll lose your charge and you wouldn’t want your adventure to end due to dead batteries.
Kids’ activities using a metal detector

Backyard treasure hunt

If you aren’t keen to seek permission or worried about access, there are some fun activities you can do in your own backyard or garden that don’t involve digging up public property or other people’s land. One option is to create your own treasure map for your kids to find hidden tresure in your own backyard. You can make the map as simple or elaborate as you want. Be sure to use an X to mark the spot and bury your own metallic treasure (or put non-metal treasure in a metallic box). You could grid your map and give different coordinates for different buried treasures. For a bit more fun, you could all create your map together with ragged edges and teabag stains to make it look authentic!

Metal detector orienteering

There is also the opportunity to teach map reading skills to kids when you use a metal detector. For example, you could print out a map of a local park where you’d like to try metal detecting. Use the map to identify places that might uncover some real treasure. Bring the map with you on your adventure and teach your children about orientating their map and using the key to identify landmarks. Let them choose a spot they would like to go to and use the map to navigate there.

Benefits of metal detecting for kids

Not only is metal detecting a good form of outdoor exercise (without even realizing it), but it’s also educational. As you find treasures, you can research your findings to learn more about the past and your discoveries. Our best metal-detecting discovery was a handful of shells from a World War II Meteor plane. This adventure was not only finding the treasure but learning about where the shells came from and why they were there. This lead to some really fascinating conversations about our area and its history.

Using a metal detector with kids also gets you outside into nature, usually in places that are undisturbed. Metal detecting promotes self-confidence as children get to make decisions themselves and make their own discoveries. It develops resilience and patience, as you are not always successful in finding things but may want to keep trying. It teaches children to respect the environment, and how you should leave the area as you found it; no litter, no holes left uncovered. Nature is all around you, which invokes interest, questioning, and great conversations.

We think metal detecting is a great outdoor activity that the whole family can enjoy. We really hope you feel inspired to give it a go! Get out there and find some treasure near where you live. If you do, please remember to share your experiences with @runwildmychild on Instagram, as we would love to see your finds!

Have your kids ever tried using a metal detector?

About the author

Hannah Martin has worked as a PE Teacher in the UK for 15 years. She has always loved being active outdoors. However, she discovered a new passion for nature and appreciating the environment when she had her son Hobie (now 5 years old). Hannah and Hobie’s vision is to inspire parents to spend time doing fun, creative, nature activities outdoors with their children; no matter where they live and whatever the weather. They believe spending time together outdoors as a family will encourage future generations to love and care for the world, wildlife, and environment.

Find more from Hannah (and Hobie) in the following locations:
Instagram: @hobies_nature_club
Website: hobiesnatureclub.co.uk
YouTube channel: Hobie’s Nature Club
RWMC Posts: Hannah Martin
CRAFTS, HOLIDAYS, RECIPES
Easter Nature Crafts for Kids
- March 29, 2022
Spring is officially here! And what a better way to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and warmer temperatures that spring brings than by getting outside and collecting some nature treasures! What you do with your nature treasures is up to you, but we have some fun ideas! Today, Hannah Martin, UK mom and co-host of the YouTube show Hobie’s Nature Club is here with some fun and creative spring and Easter nature crafts for kids.

Incorporating nature into Easter crafts

I’m not sure what’s happening with the weather where you are, but here in the UK, we have seen blue skies and sunshine for the first time in what feels like forever! Flowers are in bloom; birds are busy making nests, which means only one thing… it is Spring and very nearly Easter. We love this time of year. There are so many activities to do outside with kids and everyone actually wants to be outside again.

We also love decorating our house at Easter. We love the nature-inspired reminders of new life through eggs and chicks, bunny rabbits, lambs (…but don’t forget the chocolate!). This year we decided to go all out with our Easter decorating in our favorite way – with nature! We decided to make a few fun Easter-themed nature crafts from materials we could find in nature. Not only does this mean we got to spend time outdoors in nature together, but we also got to have fun, get messy (and crafty) in the spirit of the holiday all in one go.

Easter nature crafts for kids

Below I’ve included a few ideas for some nature crafts to do with your kids. Each of these projects will be great for the upcoming holiday. Spread them out over the next couple weeks, as you won’t be able to do them all in one day. They are simple and fun for kids (and adults) of all ages. Most of the crafts use things found in nature, but obviously, you will need some other crafting bits, too. So, let’s get on with the fun part! Here are some entertaining ideas to brighten up your home and Easter table, with a few bonus yummy Easter treats mixed in, too!

Easter bunny nature picture card

This Easter craft activity is the simplest by far, but it’s so much fun! With this activity, you get to combine two favorite things – exploring outside and making a card for a family member or school friend. All you need is to do to collect your materials is to go outside and explore your garden or local park and find the following:
- 2 bunny ear-shaped leaves
- 1 bunny face-shaped leaf
- Twigs for whiskers
- Something pink for a bunny’s nose or you could paint a stone.
- Something white for bunny’s teeth, we used petals.
- Goggly eyes
- Lots of PVA glue
We learned from previous craft activities that when you are trying to stick shiny, waxy leaves onto paper you need lots of PVA glue! And you need patience because you need to wait a while for it to become tacky (you can speed up the process by using a hairdryer if needs be).

Cover your paper and the leaves in glue and then place the leaves onto the paper where you want them. You’ll need to hold onto the paper, we had to rub the leaves and weigh them down with a lid. Draw your mouth and stick on the teeth and nose and eyes. Then apply more glue for the sticks…we loved our end result, he makes us smile!

Nature-inspired Easter egg hunt

Everybody loves Easter egg hunts, right? Well, our version of an outdoor Easter egg hunt also incorporates nature. Instead of finding eggs, your kids will find fun things in nature that they can use to decorate a cardboard egg. This activity is great for big groups and kids of all ages. Small children can also get involved, which is great if you have toddlers and little ones. It will make a perfect Easter day activity as it can incorporate hiding chocolate eggs, too.

Here’s what you will need for your nature-inspired egg hunt:
- PVA glue
- Cardboard
- White paper
- Scissors
- Treasure hunt clues
- Collecting pot/bowl/bag
We started by cutting out an egg shape from the cardboard and white paper and then stuck them together. I then gave the children nature challenges such as going outside and finding:
- 10 stones
- 3 different things that are red
- 2 different shaped leaves etc
- 2 different colored flower petals
- evergreen needles
- 3 super tiny sticks
Every other turn, have the children run and find a chocolate egg! When you have completed the hunt you then use the nature treasures to decorate your eggs…and of course, eat the chocolate ones!

Egg-tastic mini herb garden

You will need:
- Egg box/carton
- Eggshells
- Herb Seeds (parsley, basil, chives, and watercress)
- Soil
- Scissors
Crack eggs with one large piece of shell and one small. Place the large piece in the egg box, fill it with soil. Next, insert the seeds following the instructions on each of the seed packets. Water the soil and leave your egg card herb garden in a bright, warm place for the seeds to germinate. If you want to transfer the plants into your garden later, you can easily place the whole thing (eggshell and all) directly in!

Pinecone spring chick

This fun craft is one that you can let your kids run with to make their own! There are no hard and fast rules – you can get as creative as you want! First, you will need to go on an adventure to a local woodland with evergreen and pine trees so that you can find some pinecones for this project. Next, you’ll need to gather the following craft supplies from your stash:
- Yellow paint mixed with PVA glue
- Orange foam or tissue paper for beak and feet
- Yellow feathers
- Goggly eyes
Let your child paint the pinecone with the yellow paint/glue mixture and then stick the feathers all over it. This is a fun (and messy) project, so we recommend doing this outside and using a washable paint (just in case). Next, cut a triangle from the orange foam or tissue paper as the beak and stick it onto the pinecone, along with the googly eyes. Ta da! You now have an adorable little pinecone chick!

Easter tree decorations

Since becoming a parent, I’ve started to enjoy festive decorations more for all our holidays. Holiday decorations are such a fun and easy way to get kids excited about the next holiday and show off their amazing creativity. They’re usually fun and colorful and bring me so much joy looking at them and remembering the memories of making the decorations together. And for Easter, there’s nothing better than a small blossoming branch as a centerpiece for your dining table. If you want to make your own Easter tree, here’s how!

You will need:
- Lots of eggs (white shell best, although they’re hard to find in the UK)
- Needle
- Cotton
- Paint
- Natural items
- Double-sided tape
- String/twine/raffia to hang the egg
The first step is to remove the inside of the egg from the shell by egg blowing! Have you ever done this? I remember egg blowing as a child (although I can’t remember why we were doing it), but this is obviously a fun memorable child activity. However, I will say that it is a lot harder than I remember!

To start, you have to carefully use a needle to make a hole at both ends of the egg. Rotating the needle is more effective for not cracking the egg. You want both holes to be small, but one should be big enough that the inside of the egg can pass through.

Next, in order to blow the “guts” of the egg out, you need to seal your mouth over the smaller hole and blow gently. It’s a good idea for the adult to start as after a few drops it gets easier. Once you hit the yolk you might have to take over again as it takes quite a lot of puff to break it down through the hole.

I have to be honest, I thought we were then going to thread the cotton through the egg to be able to hang it but every attempt resulted in a cracked egg! We ended up using double-sided tape and attaching the string or raffia to the egg and then painting over it. You can give it a try (hopefully you’ll have better luck than us) or just start with this little trick.

Next, let your kids paint the eggs, add stickers or glitter, or go into the garden and collect nature things to stick on them. While your little ones are searching for their nature decorations, you can find a pretty branch to cut and place in a vase with soil and top with small stones or wood chips. Once your eggs are dry, hang them from your Easter tree/branch and use this as a centerpiece for your Easter table or tabletop decoration!

Rocky-road chocolate bunnies

Now, this is our not-so-nature-loving activity! But, it is great for a rainy April shower kind of day. Plus, these are very yummy treats that your kids will love! The great thing is there is no need to measure or weigh. Just chuck all the ingredients in a bowl and mix.
- 2 large bars of milk chocolate
- 1 bag or bar of Malteser chocolate
- Mini marshmallows
- Mini chocolate eggs
- Rice krispies/corn flakes or crushed biscuits/cookies
- Optional healthy things like raisins, cherries, dried cranberries, or apricots
- M&Ms
- Sweetie laces for whiskers
- Silicon mold
Break your chocolate up and place it in a glass bowl. Heat gently and slowly in a double boiler over a pan of boiling water. Make sure to stir regularly with a wooden spoon. While the chocolate is melting, lay out your bunny features in the mold (rice crispies for eyes, m & m for nose, cut up sweetie laces for whiskers).

Once the chocolate has melted (be patient, this may take a while – don’t rush it), remove from heat and add your crispy bits, crushed mini eggs, marshmallows, and anything else you fancy and spoon into molds. This does need to be done quite quickly as the chocolate will start to solidify. We’ve had this cute silicone mold for years and never used it so this was a first for us! We were so excited to finally put it to good use.

Place mold into the fridge for 1-2 hours to solidify. Once the chocolate is solid, push your bunnies out of mold and EAT! Mmmmm!

Making this candy treat was so much fun! We had a blast and ended up with a LOT of candy. We’ll be giving these yummy treats as gifts to the family for Easter.

Spring crafts for kids

We hope you enjoy being creative with these spring and Easter nature crafts for kids. We hope this has inspired you to get outside and look for fun and useful nature treasures to use in your crafting projects. Spring is such a fun time of year to get outside and see nature coming to life around you. Now, go outside and play!

Are you incorporating nature into your spring decorations this year?

About the author

Hannah Martin has worked as a PE Teacher in the UK for 15 years. She has always loved being active outdoors. However, she discovered a new passion for nature and appreciating the environment when she had her son Hobie (now 5 years old). Hannah and Hobie’s vision is to inspire parents to spend time doing fun, creative, nature activities outdoors with their children; no matter where they live and whatever the weather. They believe spending time together outdoors as a family will encourage future generations to love and care for the world, wildlife, and environment.

Find more from Hannah (and Hobie) in the following locations:
Instagram: @hobies_nature_club
Website: hobiesnatureclub.co.uk
YouTube channel: Hobie’s Nature Club
RWMC Posts: Hannah Martin
CRAFTS, FALL, GOOD FOR NATURE, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Conker Crafts for Kids
- November 2, 2021
Have you ever found a conker? Conkers are the nuts from the horse chestnut tree (not to be confused with the chestnuts that you can eat). Also called buckeyes, conkers are ripe and ready for fun in the fall. Today, UK mom, teacher, and YouTube host Hannah Martin shares her family’s favorite conker crafts for kids. She’ll tell you where to find conkers, when to look for them and how to use them for fun fall crafts that you can do with your little ones. Let’s get crafty!

Conker season

It’s that time of year where we lose the warmth of summer and the long evenings. But, nature has a lovely way of reminding us of the beauty of the next season. Autumn appears and shows off her loveliness, with colours changing every day on a woodland walk, cool crispy air, fewer pesky bugs, and so many treasures falling from trees.

Our favorite fall nature treasure by far the round, brown shiny balls called conkers! (In the US, you may call these “buckeyes” or “horse chestnuts.”) Conkers are not only good for the fun traditional game of “conkers” but are great for fall-themed crafts and activities with your children. Once you think of one idea, if you are like us, you will get carried away in creating an array of conker animals, insects, reptiles and spooky decorations for your house or garden!

Finding conkers

One of the best things about using conkers for crafts is that it’s basically a whole day’s activity! Before you can start crafting, you have to get outdoors to discover and collect the conkers. Finding them is definitely a big part of the fun! And Autumn is by far the best season for woodland walks and exploring. There is so much to entertain little minds; colorful leaves, piles of crispy brown leaves to stamp in, fruits, nut,s and seeds from trees.

Horse Chestnut trees

Your first mission is to find the right tree. Horse Chestnuts trees are easy to spot in the autumn, as they are one of the first trees to change colors. Horse Chestnut tree leaves turn brown slightly before all the other trees around them, which is a great way to get kids paying attention and observing the colors. This is especially the case if there has been a wet spring. Horse Chestnut trees are usually pretty big, growing up to 25m tall and in their own space. They’re frequently planted along roadsides. The Horse Chestnut leaves have five or more lobes whose midribs come from one point.

When and where to find conkers

In the UK, conker season starts in August and continues through September and October. However, the climate and weather in any particular area can have an effect on the conkers and when they’re ready.

The best place to spot conkers is looking at the ground for their green, spiky capsule close to Horse Chestnut trees. Conkers are ready when fall from the tree. This is when they’re harden and ripen in the middle. But if you leave them on the ground for too long, conkers can become weak and soggy.

On our conker quest this year, we discovered that we were quite late to the party. By the time we went out, lots of the Horse Chestnut trees in our area had already dropped their conkers and had been found and collected by someone else. We had a very dry, windy summer, so we think they dropped their nuts earlier than usual.

*Note: Don’t get confused by a Horse Chestnut and a Sweet Chestnut. Sweet Chestnuts are the nut that once cooked you can eat (a la “chestnuts roasting on an open fire”), they have a much softer, pricklier shell than conkers. Conkers are not edible. Both come in green shells, but conker cases have short, stumpy spikes all over.

Make collecting conkers fun

Finding and collecting conkers on it’s own is a really fun outdoor activity for kids and families. We always like to spice things up a bit, so sometimes we’ll make concker collecting a competition! Who can collect the most conkers in a set amount of time, or who can find the biggest or smallest conker. While collecting, we also start imagining what we will make each one into. It’s so interesting seeing all the different shapes and sizes that you collect.

Conker craft supplies and safety

When you do crafts with children, it’s important that the child gets to be hands-on for the majority of the activity. This means you should choose tools that are safe, or just ensure you give clear, simple instructions for safe use.

When working with conkers, the hardest part of the crafting activity is usually making a hole in the conker. We find a child’s hand drill the easiest and safest way. Howver, you can also use a palm drill or just a skewer. Be advised that this requires strength and risk awareness, particularly thinking about hands in the right place and eyes if leaning over.

Conker crafts for kids

Conker crafts are fun for the whole family and really easy to make! You can turn conkers into so many different things; your only limit is your imagination! Today, we’re sharing a few of our favorite conker crafts for kids. All of these conker crafts have been tried and approved by my 5 year old! And the good news is, you don’t need much in the way of supplies other than what you can find in nature! So, let’s get outside, find some conkers and start getting crafty!

Conker spider

For our first conker craft, we are going to make a creepy conker spider! This is a really simple craft activity (and quite ironic, as old wives tales say that spiders hate conkers). These crafts make cute decorations for the corner of your house — and who know, maybe they will scare the spiders away!

Conker spider supplies:
- 2 conkers
- 1 cocktail stick/toothpick
- hot glue
- 1-2 pipe cleaners
- wire cutter
- goggly eyes
Conker spider instructions:
1. Use your drill or skewer to make a hole in the head of the spider and the body. Cut the cocktail stick in half and put it into the hole on body. Squirt with some hot glue and attach another (smaller) conker as the head.
2. Make 4 holes on either side of the spider’s body. Decide how long you want his legs to be, and cut pipe cleaners to size. Squirt glue into the hole one at a time and insert the pipe cleaner legs. (Use parental supervision/help, as the glue is hot!)
3. Stick on your googly eyes and decorate your spider as you wish.
Conker spider web

Every spider needs a web so we decided to create our little conker spiders a home.

Conker spider web supplies:
- 1 large conker
- 8 sticks (you could use wooden skewers, whittled sticks or bamboo)
- white string; twine
- glue
Conker spider web instructions:
1. Make 8 holes the size of your sticks, equally spaced out around the perimeter of the conker.
2. If the sticks are slightly smaller than the hole, fill the hole with hot glue.
3. Tie one end of the string to the bottom (near the conker) of one upright stick.
4. Take the string and wrap it around the next stick once and on the second turn pull it tight and cross over the first wrap so the string stays in place.
5. Continue doing the same in a circular motion. When you get back to the first stick move up slightly and continue to wrap around each stick twice.
6. When you get to the outside end of the sticks on the one you started, tie off the string leaving a length to hang.
It’s that simple, but looks very effective, especially when you attach your conker spider and hang it from a tree or ceiling!

Conker bat craft

Conker bat supplies:
- 1 conker
- black cardstock paper
- half a pipe cleaner
- googly eyes
- string
Conker bat instructions:
1. Make two holes on either side of your conker for the bat’s wings.
2. Make two smaller holes on the bottom of the face of the conker for bat teeth.
3. Make a hole all the way through your conker and using string or wire insert a length and tie a knot at the bottom. This is to hang your bat.
4. Cut your wings out of the black cardstock paper making sure one end is narrow enough to fit in the holes. Gently create a crease long ways and fold in half widthways to make it look like a batwing.
5. Squirt glue into the holes and insert one end of the wing.
6. Cut your pipe cleaners for the size teeth you want, squirt glue into the holes, and insert pipe cleaners.
7. Add your googly eyes and using paint pens or permanent markers add any decorations.
We have our bat hanging from the web on a tree in the garden.

Making conker animals

As soon as you get started making conker crafts, I guarantee that your children will start coming up with their own imaginative ideas! My son wanted to carry on the “creepy” theme and do his own monster. That lead to us making conker pumpkins.

Next, we moved on to other animals. He has been studying the jungle at school, so his next idea was for the monkey, which I love. We just added some beads to his hands to give him some weight to hang.

We made porcupines with toothpicks. We made snails with playdough. We still had a lot of conkers leftover, so we made snakes! For the snake, you will need quite a lot of conkers. We used wire to thread them onto so that it would bend. We now use this snake as an arithmetic bead string when adding and subtracting up to 10.

Pro tip: If you want to paint the conkers, just add PVA glue to the paint mixture.

Conker tic-tac-toe

Our last conker craft idea was to create a game of noughts and crosses (or tic-tac-toe). All you need is a solid base (we used a sliced stump of an old tree) and 4 sticks. Mark up to 5 conkers with a “O” and 5 with an “X.” We used acrylic paint pens for this. Place two sticks parallel and two stick perpendicular and your tic tac toe board is all set up and ready to play!

We love having this fun and easy game board at our disposal. It’s great for keeping outside and being able to access at any time with the family. We pull it out anytime we’re outside and have some time to play. BUT! Beware of squirrels stealing your conkers!

Conker crafts for the win

There are so many fun ways to use conkers. They’re fun to collect, fun to play with, and a lot of fun to use in crafts. So, next time you are out on a family, autumn woodland walk, don’t forget to keep looking down for conker treasures and enjoy making your conker crafts and creations together.

Have you created any other conker crafts?
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About the author

Hannah Martin has worked as a PE Teacher in the UK for 15 years. She has always loved being active outdoors. However, she discovered a new passion for nature and appreciating the environment when she had her son Hobie (now 5 years old). Hannah and Hobie’s vision is to inspire parents to spend time doing fun, creative, nature activities outdoors with their children; no matter where they live and whatever the weather. They believe spending time together outdoors as a family will encourage future generations to love and care for the world, wildlife, and environment.

Find more from Hannah (and Hobie) in the following locations:
Instagram: @hobies_nature_club
Website: hobiesnatureclub.co.uk
YouTube channel: Hobie’s Nature Club
RWMC Posts: Hannah Martin