Autumn Family Trail at Summer Leys Nature Reserve

Autumn is such a magical season to get outdoors with the kids. The air feels fresher, the leaves crunch under your boots, and there’s always something new to spot. This October, you’ve got the perfect excuse to wrap up warm and head out exploring, because Summer Leys Nature Reserve is running FREE autumn family trails from 4th–31st October 2025.

It’s a chance to slow down together, enjoy nature, and make a day out of something simple — and with a little twist (our free nature scavenger hunt) you can turn it into a full adventure.

Two Trails to Choose From

When you arrive at Summer Leys, pop into the visitor centre (open Thursday–Sunday, 10am–4:30pm) and pick up a trail sheet. There are two different ones to try:

Fantastic Fungi Trail – a short loop around the car-park meadow, taking about 20 minutes. Perfect for little legs.

Autumn Birds Trail – a longer loop around the reserve (just over 2 miles) which takes around an hour. Great if you’ve got older children or a bit more time.

Both trails come with fun questions to answer as you go. When you’ve finished, head back to the visitor centre where the kids can claim a little prize for their efforts.

Good to Know Before You Go

The trails are free and there’s no need to book.

There is a car park charge (card only), unless you’re a Wildlife Trust BCN member (members can register their car in advance for free parking).

Paths are a mix of gravel and tarmac, with one grassy stretch.

The walk is buggy and wheelchair-friendly (apart from that grassy section).

Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead.

It’s a relaxed and family-friendly activity, so you can take it at your own pace.

Add Extra Fun with Our Scavenger Hunt

To make the most of your visit, download our free nature scavenger hunt before you go. It’s full of simple, family-friendly prompts like:

Find a red or yellow leaf

Spot a mushroom or toadstool

Listen for a bird call

Look for a spider web glistening in the light

Kids love ticking off the list as they walk, and it adds an extra layer of excitement to the trails. If you’re doing the shorter fungi walk, focus on spotting colourful leaves and mushrooms. On the longer bird trail, challenge the kids to tick off as many bird-related clues as they can.

You could even take photos of your finds and make a little scrapbook afterwards — a lovely way to remember your autumn adventure. Don’t forget to tag us in any photos you take on Instagram

👉 Download the Scavenger Hunt here

Why It’s Worth a Visit

It’s free (other than parking).

You can choose a short or longer walk depending on your kids’ energy levels.

It’s a great way to get everyone outdoors, moving, and curious about nature.

With the scavenger hunt added in, you’ve got ready-made fun for the whole family.

So, grab your wellies, a trail sheet, and our scavenger hunt — and enjoy a simple, wholesome autumn day out at Summer Leys.

https://www.wildlifebcn.org/events/2025-10-04-free-autumn-trails-summer-leys

The events listed in this guide are run by third-party organisers, and all details were correct at the time of publication, based on information from their official websites. However, changes or cancellations can happen at short notice. To avoid any disappointment, we recommend double-checking the event information on the official websites before making plans.