Free or Low-Cost Outdoor Ideas for Children #5: Conker Hunting

The Ultimate Guide to Conker Hunting with Children

After my last post about our latest walk, it’s probably no surprise to you that my next Free or Cheap Outdoor Activity Idea post is about conker hunting! Ah yes, conker season! There’s something about scouring the ground under horse chestnut trees with children, searching for those perfect, shiny conkers. It’s a mix of excitement, fresh air, and the joy of finding the conker that’s ready to be crowned the ultimate champion. If you’re planning a conker-hunting adventure, here’s everything you need to know to keep it fun and light-hearted.

The Hunt: Where to Find the Best Conkers

The best place to start is, of course, under a horse chestnut tree. These trees have big, hand-shaped leaves and spiky green balls (the conker shells) dangling from their branches. If you’ve got a local park or a wooded walk near you, chances are, there’s a tree waiting for you.

You’ll want to look for ones that have already fallen to the ground, particularly those where the shell has cracked open to reveal a big, shiny conker. Trust me, peeling open a conker yourself might sound satisfying, but just be careful – those things are sharp! If you’re really lucky, you might stumble on a fresh conker still nestled in its spiky green shell.

What to Look for in a Champion Conker

Not all conkers are created equal! Here’s what you need to keep an eye out for:

• Size: Bigger isn’t always better, but in this case, it certainly makes it easier to pierce if you’re planning on playing conkers.
• Shine: Fresh conkers will have a gorgeous, glossy shine. They’re usually dark brown and feel super smooth in your hand.
• Firmness: Give your conker a gentle squeeze—if it’s soft, it might not last long in the conker battle arena. You want something firm and solid.

Inevitably, the children will insist on keeping every single conker they find (because, obviously, each one is special). My trick is to set a rule: you can keep as many as you can carry in your pockets! Let’s be honest, if you plan to battle with them, it’s a good idea to have some backups!

Preparing Your Conkers for Battle

Once you’re home with your stash, it’s time to prep those conkers for the ultimate showdown. Now, back in the day, there were all sorts of wild tips for making your conkers invincible – baking them, soaking them in vinegar. Honestly though, what child has time for all that waiting? We usually just crack on (pardon the pun) and make them that day!

So to get going, we need to thread the conker. Grab a sturdy needle or a sharp skewer (grown-ups, not children!) and poke a hole straight through the middle. Then, thread a piece of string or a shoelace through the hole and tie a knot at one end to keep the conker in place. Voila! You’re ready for battle.

How to Play: Rules of the Game

The beauty of conkers is that it’s simple but wildly fun. Here’s a basic breakdown of how to play:

1. Two players. Each player holds their conker by the string.
2. Take turns. One person holds their conker still while the other swings theirs, trying to smash the opponent’s. If they hit it, they get another go – if they don’t, it’s time for them to hold theirs whilst the second player has a go at smashing theirs!
3. The goal? Break your opponent’s conker while keeping yours intact!

If your conker survives and smashes a few others, it gets to be called a ‘one-er,’ ‘two-er,’ and so on, based on how many wins it’s racked up. The children love this part – there’s something about giving their conker a special rank that feels very official.

Disclaimer: I accept no responsibility for any damages or injuries in your conker battles! Now, be mindful of safety here! Back in the day, we used to skewer our own conkers, and play gleefully without any worry of health and safety, and for the most part, that’s how I encourage our boys to play. However, as a responsible adult talking to another, I do recommend gloves to keep knuckles free from bruises, and safety glasses wouldn’t go amiss either to protect eyes from straying shards!

Final Thoughts

Conker hunting and playing is one of those classic autumn activities that’s educational, fun, and surprisingly competitive. Plus, it gets the children outside, and costs absolutely nothing. Whether they’re on the hunt for the perfect conker or swinging it for victory, it’s all about enjoying time together. There is nothing stopping the adults from joining in either! Yes, I know you want a go too!

So, get those wellies on, grab a bag, and head out for a conker hunt! Happy hunting!