Top 5 things to do this season

Here are the top five ‘50 things’ to do during each of the seasons at Croome.  How many of them will you complete?

Autumn

Play conkers (10)

You will need a conker, some string, a worthy opponent and a grown-up to help you get the string through the conker.  There are lots of places to collect conkers at Croome.

Pick blackberries growing in the wild (21)

They are not just tasty treats they make great drawing tools too.  September is a great time to pick blackberries from the hedgerows - they're everywhere.  Get help from a grown up who knows what they are doing.

Catch a falling leaf (33)

Leaves start to fall off trees in autumn, so it's the best time of the year to try catching them.  If it's a windy day, stand so the wind blows into you - it will help bring the leaves towards you.

Explore inside a tree (22)

Look for a tree with a big hole in it, there is one in the Evergreen Shrubbery. The oldest trees have the biggest hollows, so look for big tall trees.

Hold a scary beast (30)

It might be scary at the time but think how brave you’ll feel afterwards.  Find a scary animal, perhaps a spider, a slimy slug or a big beetle and hold it carefully in your hands.

Winter

Find a geocache (49)

Bring your GPS and see if you can find all the geocaches hidden in the parkland - will you find them all?

Play in the snow (15)

You will need lots of fresh white snow, waterproof clothes and layers to keep you warm and dry.  Try making snowballs or a snowman.  Church Hill is great spot for sledging.

Make a trail with sticks (12)

Use sticks as arrows and mark a path through the woods.  You will need lots of straight sticks to lay on the ground in the shape of arrows.  Make the trail really good fun by going over logs or round a tree.

Climb a huge hill (28)

Croome has several hills, one in front of the church, one down from the Rotunda, one by the Park Seat.  See how quickly you can get up the hill.

Build a den (4)

Branches, twigs and leaves make a surprisingly cosy den.  Make your way down to out wild play area where you will find all you need to make a den.

Spring

Create some wild art (18)

Try to find materials that vary in colour and texture so you have lots of choice; a collection of leaves, twigs and seed pods are a good start.

Climb a tree (1)

Find a tree with strong branches that you can reach from the ground. Get someone to take a photo of you.

Run around in the rain (6)

Getting wet in the rain is fun if you know you can get dry again afterwards. You will need; a rainy day, some welly boots, a raincoat and a towel or change of clothes.

Fly a kite (7)

What you will need; a windy day, a wide open space (try the hill by the church) and a kite.  Find out how to make your own kite at www.50things.org.uk

Go bird watching (44)

The bird hide is an ideal place to spot our feathered friends.  A walk to the lakeside gives you a chance to see ducks, geese and swans - keep your eyes peeled and you may even spot our resident heron.

Summer

Make a daisy chain (16)

Try to find daisies with long, thick stems to use to make your chain.  They will be easier to make holes in and less likely to break.  Daisies don't mind being picked because it encourages them to grow more flowers.

Roll down a big hill (2)

What you will need; a grassy hill (we have one in front of the church) and a clear run with nothing to bump into.  Rolling down a hill can make you dizzy so don't do it too often.

Hunt for bugs (31)

You will need a bucket or a tub, a net to scoop them out of the water, a grown up to supervise you, a stick to dig in the earth.  What can you find around Croome?  Draw a picture of what you find.

Play pooh sticks (19)

With four bridges in the parkland you’re spoilt for choice to play pooh sticks with your friends.

Go on a walk barefoot (24)

You’ll never want to put your shoes back on when you feel the tickly grass between your toes.  Make sure you have a towel to clean your feet before you put your shoes back on and watch out for anything sharp in the grass.

Visit our What's On section for lots of events to help you earn your 50 Things sticker.

General advice for parents

Children matter to the National Trust, so we recommend that all of our activities are supervised by an adult. We trust that you will make your own judgement about what is safe and suitable for the age and ability of your child.

For messy activities, activities with animals or natural water sources:

Make sure any cuts or wounds are covered with waterproof plasters to avoid infection

Discourage your child from putting anything in his or her mouth

Wash your child's hands thoroughly afterwards

If you're doing activities outside:

Make sure your child wears warm, weather resistant clothing during any activities involving water or snow

Make sure your child wears suitable footwear for any activities that may involve slippery or uneven surfaces

Check weather reports before any activity and avoid trees or natural water sources in wet or windy conditions

Supervise children at all times during these activities