The National Trust invites families to dive into nature and outdoor fun with their ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ challenge. From building dens to stargazing, this guide provides exciting activities designed to spark curiosity and discovery among young adventurers.
- 50 engaging activities to enjoy outdoors
- Encourages discovery and skill-building in nature
- Suitable for all seasons and many habitats
What happened
The National Trust has created a list called ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’, designed to inspire children to explore and appreciate the outdoors. This collection includes diverse activities such as den building, rock-pooling, identifying pond creatures, and even fossil hunting. The aim is to offer families easy-to-follow, fun challenges that help children engage with nature safely and creatively.
These activities cover a range of outdoor environments including woodlands, beaches, and gardens. Tips are provided to ensure safety while tackling each challenge, from learning how to skim stones to camping and paddling in water. The initiative encourages families to plan their own adventures and complete as many activities as they can during the summer and beyond.
Why it feels good
Participating in these activities offers children a wonderful way to connect with the natural world, fostering imagination and curiosity. Engaging with outdoor elements, such as spotting butterflies or racing snails, helps develop observation skills and a sense of wonder about the environment around them.
Moreover, this approach to outdoor play promotes healthy physical activity and quality family time away from screens and indoors. The variety offered ensures that children can enjoy fresh air and outdoor fun throughout the year, making the experience rewarding and memorable regardless of the season.
What to enjoy or watch next
Families can start by picking a few activities from the list that match their local environments and interests, such as ‘getting to know a tree’, building a den, or learning to skim stones at the beach. The National Trust also offers guidance on how to enhance the experience with packing tips for camping and ideas for nature-inspired art.
To keep the inspiration going, explore National Trust sites that offer bike hires and family-friendly outdoor spaces perfect for completing some of the challenges. Whether paddling, picking the best picnic spot, or making conker champions, this series of activities promises ongoing fun and learning on family days out across the UK.