Five Free Things To Do With Your Family This Weekend

MAKE Leaf it Art
The leaves have well and truly started to fall this week. Ease your way into autumn with some season-appropriate crafts. Crown your kids leaf king and queens with this red and yellow crown or try this super-simple sun catcher. Alternatively, use your leaves as the focal points for some little people. Be inspired by the fruit hanging on branches and make this pretty apple yarn garland or use a windfall to create a cute bird feeder. Corn on the cob is also in season: use fresh husks to make a cheery sun or dry them to make traditional dollies

EVENT Come In
Open House London is perfect nosy parker fodder, as buildings usually shut to the general public throw open their doors and let the rabble in – some with architect-led tours. From interesting private homes to blockbuster places such as 10 Downing Street or the BT Tower, you’ll find somewhere fascinating to explore. There’s a list of buildings new to the event here, or visit old favourites the Gherkin, The Freemasons Hall, or the Lloyds Building. Alternatively, get out on the streets on a walking tour – there’s a great selection here. As always, there’s a comprehensive collection of family friendly places, craft sessions and events this year – find out more here. Free.

EVENT and DO On The Surface
The World Stone Skimming Championships takes place on Easdale Island, Argyll this Sunday. Up to 350 entrants compete to bounce their flat rocks across the surface of the water. There are categories for all age groups, plus teams (there’s a small fee to enter). If you can’t make the event, why not set up your own competition? Get some top tips for successful skimming from world champion Paul Crabtree here and find out more about the science behind the skill here

FORAGE and COOK Treasure Chests
The Romans loved chestnuts; it was their love of the glossy, brown treasures that led to our country’s vast swathes of Sweet Chestnut Trees. You’ll find spiky cases studding forest floors now – break them open with your feet to reveal the goodness inside. Find more about them here. Roast them simple on an open fire or try new recipes. This Pumpkin With Chestnuts and Onions is brimming with the flavours of autumn while the traditional Japanese dish of Kuri Gohan is homely and comforting. Finish things off with a rich slice of Chestnut and Chocolate Cake

EVENT Dial 999
Fire, police, and ambulance-crazy kids will go nee naw over Glasgow Riverside Museum’s incredibly popular Blue Light Festival. Meet emergency services teams, get up close with vehicles both old and new, and enjoy the fairground rides, bungee trampolines, and face painting. There are demos of car cutting and chip pan fires (cheery), and children can dress up in junior fire fighter uniforms. It’s free, and on all weekend.