50 things to do before you're 11 ¾

Set your children free with our 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ activities. Let them feel the wind in their hair, smell food cooking on an open fire, track wild animals and eat a juicy apple straight from the tree

Rockpooling at the Giant's Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Father and daughter looking from a bridge through binoculars for wildlife

Start your adventures 

From climbing trees to jumping over waves, get out in the fresh air and try our 50 awesome adventures.

See the 50 things activity list

Our favourite springtime challenges

Children building den

No.4 build a den 

Build the best den ever with our tips and tricks. You can also come along to one of our special den building events to get even more hands-on.

Children having a snail race on the pavement at a National Trust site.

No.17 set up a snail race 

Got some time on your hands this spring? Why not organise a snail race? Watch how their slimy bodies leave a glittering trail. Lettuce can help to encourage competitors across the finish line.

Visitors with umbrellas in the garden at Bateman's, East Sussex.

No.6 run around in the rain 

Rain can be really fun, so put your wellies on and splash through the puddles. Look at how it falls from the sky in long silver ropes. Can you hear it tapping on the hood of your mac?

Heidi and family

Our 50 things stories 

Our staff and volunteers talk about why nature is so important to their lives.

I am the Seed that Grew the Tree is an illustrated collection of nature poems for every day of the year

Discover the new nature poetry book 

Experience the magic of nature with 'I Am the Seed That Grew the Tree', a collection of poems inspired by nature. With illustrations on every page, the book has a poem for every day of the year, from Wordsworth’s Daffodils to The Snail’s Monologue. The perfect gift for a birthday or Christmas, children and grown-ups alike will love this unique book.

See the book

Family canoeing

Doing the 50 things challenges safely 

Here are some tips for doing all of the 50 things activities safely with your friends and family.

Children playing beside Derwentwater, Cumbria

Children need nature in their lives 

Our Natural Childhood report found that more children can identify a Dalek than a magpie. It's never too late to fall in love with nature and learn about wildlife - now's the time to reconnect children with the great outdoors.

Children hunting for bugs with their mother

For families 

For more activities and great family days out check out our ideas for fun whatever the weather.

Grandparents and grandchildren by a stream

Have an adventure with your grandchildren 

Whether you're getting closer to wildlife, journeying back in time or following in the footsteps of children's authors, discover more things to do with your grandkids this year.

Continue your story

Children's gifts

Presents for children should be full of fun and joy, and our gifts for children collection has lots of ideas for toys, books and so much more.

Browse our children's gifts collection

Join as a family

Join today and your membership will help us to protect the landscapes you and your family love to explore

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