50 things activities to try at home

Even though we're all at home, there are plenty of ways to have a go at the '50 things to do before you're 11 ¾'. Your garden can be a great place to look for wildlife or create some wild art, and you can always bring the fun indoors and build a living room den or watch for birds flying past your window. Here are some of our favourite activities for you to try at home - we'd love to hear how you get on!

A young boy on a scavenger hunt
East Riddlesden Hall   West Yorkshire

No 30. Go on a scavenger hunt

There are lots of ways to enjoy a scavenger hunt in your home, garden or on your daily walk. You could limit yourself to one room, a set time or challenge yourself to the whole house. Why not create a picture with what you find or set a challenge for your family?

Download your scavenger hunt checklist
A homemade bug hotel
East Riddlesden Hall   West Yorkshire

No 36. Make a home for wildlife

Build a wildlife hotel with what you can find around your home. It can be as big as a pallet or as small as a plant pot. We need to take care of insects, as they pollinate plants, clear debris and are a good food source for lots of birds and mammals. This hotel will give them somewhere special to live!

Find some inspiration here
A girl in a den built out of sticks
East Riddlesden Hall   West Yorkshire

No 4. Build a den

Get creative with den building indoors or in your garden. You'll be surprised how many great building materials you can find in the house or shed! From dining chairs and bed sheets to coffee tables and cushions, you can make a snuggly hideaway - the perfect place for stories, games and snack time.

Download some top den tips here
A butterfly in the gardens
East Riddlesden Hall   West Yorkshire

No 43. Help a wild animal

Lots of organisations need help recording the species you see at home. This might be because species are declining due to habitat loss, moving to new areas due to climate change, or are a spreading invasive species. Can you help with these surveys? Remember to read the rules and identification guides first.

See how you can help here
A boy looking at bugs
East Riddlesden Hall   West Yorkshire

No 31. Make friends with a bug

There are lots of good hidey holes for marvellous mini beasts in your garden. Logs or stones are great for centipedes, ants and beetles. You might spot woodlice, slugs and earwigs under plantpots. If you don't have a garden, could you draw or paint some of your favourite creepy crawlies? You could even invent a new one!

Find out how to find mini beasts here
A wren singing in the trees
East Riddlesden Hall   West Yorkshire

No 44. Watch a bird

Open the window and close your eyes, can you hear any birds singing. What do they sound like? Can you sing along? If you’ve got a feeder or bird table, put out some bird seed or food scraps and see who turns up for a garden feast.

Click here for some tips on keeping a nature diary