AS THE nights draw in and a mosaic of colour appears across Wales, National Trust Cymru has a whole host of events and activities planned to keep your little explorers entertained.

From ghoulish tricks to nature’s treats, get ready to enjoy heaps of family fun this October half term.

Wherever you’re spending your October half term, there are plenty of activities to choose from up North.

Here are just five of them ...

Bodnant Garden, Conwy

With 80 acres of dazzling autumn colour, Bodnant Garden is the perfect place to let your little explorers run wild this half term.

Jump across stepping-stones to play pooh sticks in the Dell, build a den or visit the willow worm at the Far End, and explore the little Play Park with zig-zag walkways, a mini suspension bridge, and rope walks.

Chirk Castle, Wrexham

As autumn sweeps across the landscape, step into nature and discover Chirk Castle’s historic estate with its veteran trees and quiet bird hides - it’s the ideal spot to tick off some ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 and 3/4’ activities.

If that’s not enough, let off steam as you explore the two play areas, or discover more about the creatures who make the parkland their home on a self-led nature trail.

Erddig, Wrexham

Make family memories together as you try your hand at campfire cooking, enjoy some spooky storytelling, or follow the self-led Welsh folklore trail around the garden.

If your little explorers still have energy to spare, then fly on the rope swing, climb over obstacles and balance across beams in Wolf’s Den, Erddig’s natural play area.

Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor

Visit the dramatic Penrhyn Castle where you’ll find lots to keep the whole family entertained. Explore the Victorian Kitchens where the contents of the cupboards will reveal more about the castle’s worldwide connections, and on 30-31 October, visit the Dung Tower and listen to some Stinky Stories. Outside, explore the extensive garden and estate and discover more about its historic trees on a self-led family trail.

Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey

Whether it's kicking through leaves, learning about nature, or searching for Red Squirrels, there are plenty of family activities happening at Plas Newydd this half term. Venture into the garden and explore autumn colour with a nature bingo guide, join one of the daily Red Squirrel walks, or hunt for willow animals on the hibernation trail.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your wellies, wrap up warm and enjoy everything the season has to offer. What’s more, every visit to one of these special places helps the National Trust Cymru care for them for future generations to enjoy.

You no longer need to book to visit many of these places, however opening times vary, so head to the National Trust Cymru website to plan your visit.