Summer family adventures on Brownsea Island

Children climbing a tree on Brownsea Island — Tree climbing on Brownsea Island

There's lots to see and do at Brownsea Island, whatever the weather, to help you spend time together as a family. Let imaginations run wild in our natural play area and cross some of the '50 things' off your list as you explore the island and take part in our seasonal trails.

Brownsea Island crayon rubbing trail — Follow the trail and spot the new crayon rubbing plaques

Brownsea Island Dorset

Crayon Rubbing Trail

This summer, get your crayons at the ready and set sail to Brownsea for a family adventure. This free family trail helps you explore the island and provides an opportunity for you to get to know the residents that call the island home. There's also a chance to flex your muscles and try out some animal yoga poses as you find your way round.

Natural play area

Located at the heart of the island, families will find our natural play area equipped with balancing beams, climbing frames and see-saws. Here you can practice soaring, scrambling and scampering - can you match the agility of our resident rare red squirrels?

Sun shining through pine trees on Brownsea Island in Dorset

Playing your part in conservation

Did you know that in playing here you will be helping us to regenerate this area of heathland by helping turn over the soil at the same time? We plan to move the play area every 8-10 years to make the most of this valuable contribution you make to the habitats.

Free family trails

Scouting skills activity

In the spirit of Baden-Powell’s first experimental Scout camp, held on Brownsea in 1907, this trail sheet contains an activity map and skills challenges to enhance your practical, observation and tracking skills. Perfect for Scouts and Guides and fun for all the family too. Click to print at home, or pick up a trail sheet on arrival.

Child climbing a tree at Crom, County Fermanagh

Brownsea Tree Trail

Our popular tree climbing trail is back! Navigate the island and find nine trees to climb, ranging from oak to pine, all with interesting stories to tell. If you're lucky, you may even spot a squirrel scampering up one of the neighbouring trees so do keep a look out. Click to print at home, or pick up a trail sheet on arrival.

'50 things' on Brownsea Island

There's lots of activities on the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' list to keep you busy on the island. No. 32 Float in a boat, can be crossed off your list as soon you step aboard for your ferry ride to Brownsea – a great way to begin a day’s adventure. And it doesn't stop there. The challenges listed below are some of our favourites that you can do on the island – why not have a go when you next visit? As well as the option to tick off welly wandering – perfect for rainy days on the island – you can eat a picnic in the wild, make friends with a bug, go cloudwatching, discover wild animal clues and find your way with a map.

No. 1 Get to know a tree

The variety of trees on Brownsea make it the perfect place to take a closer look and explore their different shapes, patterns and textures. Lots can change through the seasons from spring buds and blossom to falling leaves in autumn. Don't forget to look up through the canopy, listen to any birds on branches or the wind rustling the leaves. Be sure to check out our tree trail to help you on your way.

No. 4 Build a den

Grab all the twigs and branches you can find and build your very own fortress or pirate hideaway in the woods. The natural play area is the perfect spot to let your imagination run wild. Let's take you back to a time when there were pirates in the harbour. Maybe you're a pirate and you've landed here and need to build a shelter to spend the night. What things might you need? Here's a challenge for you - can you make your den waterproof?

Create some wild art at Kingston Lacy in Dorset

No. 18 Create some wild art

You'll find there's so many of nature's treasures that come in all sorts of shapes and colours that can spark your imagination when it comes to wild art. What will you use, and how? It's not just the woodland that can inspire your natural masterpieces. The South Shore beach and at low tide, Pottery Pier, offers the chance to make some coastal creations too.

No. 44 Watch a bird

There's plenty of places to spot some of Brownsea's winged residents including on the lagoon, in the woodland and on the shoreline. To be a successful bird watcher, you'll need to be as quiet as a mouse while you keep a look out for our feathered friends. What will you spot? Keep an eye out on your ferry crossing to and from the island as well.

Download the '50 things' activity guide

If you want to download a PDF of the whole '50 things to do before you’re 11¾' list, then here it is.

Download the full '50 things' activity list

Looking out onto the harbour from Brownsea Island