Family activities
The Elite Rangers - experts in having fun outdoors
50 Things to do before you're 11 3/4
Stuck for something to do? Why not get involved with our new campaign and discover your adventurous side. We've compiled a list of 50 of the best things to do outside, from stone skimming to den building.
Our Elite Rangers show you some of their top tricks to get you started.
Walks for little legs
Download a short walk, suitable for the whole family
Little feet can tire easily. We've picked out some of our best walks for families with toddlers and small kids. So you can wave bye-bye to shoulder rides and piggy backs.
Saddle up
You can hire bikes at Clumber Park and Erddig
What could be better than heading out as a family and exploring the countryside from two wheels? Our estates are perfect for little legs (and older ones too) to pedal around.
Treasure hunting
Searching for the hidden cache
© Derek Wilbraham
Add an element of adventure to your next family walk. There are hidden boxes all over many of our countryside estates, and clues for you to follow. All you need is a GPS device or smartphone, and you can join in the hi-tech outdoor fun.
Great playgrounds
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Belton House, Lincs
Slide from the treetops at Belton House. Definitely not for the faint-hearted.
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Gibside, Tyne and Wear
Build dens, cross log bridges, crawl through tunnels, climb walls and tackle low rope challenges...
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Wimpole Home Farm, Cambs
The playground is perfect to climb, slide and scramble and there's mini tractors for the tots.
Nature clubs
If you've got a junior explorer or a ranger in the making, why not find out if there's a junior wildlife club near you. Loads of our places run regular sessions with our rangers to get grubby and much closer to wildlife.
Rainy day fun
We don't believe that rain should ever stop play. We've put together your essential guide to having fun as a family come rain or shine.
Spot a red squirrel at:
- Wallington, Northumberland
- The Isle of Wight
- Formby, Merseyside
- Mount Stewart, Co Down
- Brownsea Island, Dorset
And we've recently given red squirrels a new home in the woods at Plas Newydd on Anglesey.
Get back to nature: Crom Estate
Hire a boat and take to the water at Crom
You can hire a boat to splash about in a magical maze of water and islands at the Crom Estate in Co Fermanagh. Bring your binoculars because there are plenty of rare animals to spot here, including pine martens and red squirrels. You can bring your bikes and follow the Kingfisher Trail cycle path, or even camp overnight.
Get back to nature: Wicken Fen
Konik ponies graze the fen, keeping it just right for other wildlife
© National Trust
Grab your wellies - Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire can be wet. But that's what makes this lush, green fenland so important for wildlife. It's a haven for birds, plants and insects. Stroll the boardwalk - fine for buggies - and keep a low profile in the hides while you watch the birds.
Get back to nature: the Farne Islands
Atlantic grey seals are one of the Farne Islands' star turns
Hold onto your hats: it's a blowy yet exhilarating boat trip over to these Northumbrian islands. And you'll need your hats when you arrive. The birds here are pretty friendly, but the terns are partial to dive bombing in late spring when they're nesting. Apart from puffins and other seabirds, Atlantic grey seals are the star attractions here. Watch for them lounging on rocks or bobbing at sea.