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.

Children climbing a tree in the grounds of Mottisfont, Hampshire.
Family canoeing in summer

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
Build a den

Our 50 things app has now closed 

We're working on some exciting 50 things developments, so check back soon for more information. To continue with your adventures, pick up a scrapbook at a property near you.

Our favourite summertime challenges

Girl and parents playing in the mud pie kitchen in the gardens at East Riddlesden Hall, West Yorkshire

Make a mud pie 

The great thing about mud is that you can find it anywhere, and some of our places have huge quantities of it just waiting to be made into mud pies.

Kayaking in the sea off Middle Beach, Studland, Dorset

Canoe down a river 

There are lots of options for kayaking and canoeing at our places across the UK. In some places, you can hire the boats and all the kit you'll need or join a group. In other places, you can take off on your own adventure. Here's our guide to top spots and what they offer.

Children planting seeds in flower pots, Mottisfont, Hampshire.

Plant it, grow it, eat it 

This is a challenge that'll take a bit of time. You definitely can't complete it in a day, or even two, as fruit and veg take time to grow, but it's definitely worth the wait. Follow our tips for success and you'll have green fingers in no time.

Heidi and family

Our 50 things stories 

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

Feeding the ducks at Fountain Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Find a 50 things to do before you're 11 ¾ event 

Share the magic of nature with the kids and help them tick off some of the 50 things activities by coming along to one of the many events at our places. Find out what’s going on near you.

50 things events

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.

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

Become a member