‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ activity list

Some trees have spaces big enough to get inside. Others can be climbed. Many have vibrant summer flowers or colourful autumn leaves to catch. Get to know a tree and see what creatures they are home to.

Rolling down a really big hill is perhaps the best way ever invented to get to the bottom. It's also the most fun, so get out there and find a hill!

Whether your wilderness is your own back garden or a favourite field or hill, camping outdoors is really fun. It doesn’t matter if it’s warm and sunny or cold, or rainy.

Build a den out of sticks on a flat spot in the woods, cover it with leaves, and you've got a pirate hideout or a meeting place for spies. There are loads of National Trust places with perfect spots for den building.

Skimming stones across the surface of water looks incredibly cool, but there's definitely a knack to it. Here are tips to help you be the best stone skimmer.

When it's pouring with rain, what could be better than chucking on your wellies and waterproofs and zooming around in the puddles, soaking up all the watery fun?

When there's a bit of wind in the air it's the perfect time to enjoy one of the purest pleasures in life. So, if you haven't flown a kite before, what are you waiting for?

Spotting fish is one of the best ways to spend time on the seaside, or when you're exploring water in the countryside. We've put together some ideas to help you master the knack in no time.

Why go home for lunch when you can eat in the wild? Pack a picnic next time you go on an adventure and enjoy tucking into your sandwiches surrounded by nature. Read our top tips for planning a picnic in the wild.

First of all you should find the right conker. Next thread it with string and thirdly, you need to find at least one opponent to pit yourself against. Then you’re all set to play this classic autumnal game.

What could be better than heading out as a family and exploring the countryside on two wheels? Our woods and parklands are perfect for little legs (and older ones too) to pedal around.

There are so many ways that you can have fun with sticks, we can’t begin to list them all here. Check out our favourite things you can do.

The great thing about mud is that you can find it anywhere, and many National Trust places have lots of it just waiting to be turned into gooey creations. What will you make with mud?

What could be better on a warm day than getting into the stream and trying to block it? Just collect twigs, branches, stones and rocks to stop the flow of water.

Even when it's cold or snowing, there's still plenty to discover outdoors. Lots of outside activities are just as fun in the winter. Make sure you wrap up in your warmest clothes, and maybe take a hot drink with you, before setting off.

You can find all or most of the materials you'll need for your wild crown in your own back garden. We also run crown-making events at National Trust places.

Snails move super slowly so it's best not to give them too far to race, but that's not all you need to think about. Read our ideas for setting up the best snail race ever.

When it comes to creating wild art, the only limit is your imagination. What will you use, and how? There's so much to choose from in the natural world, but make sure you're not making your art from another creature's home.

Pooh sticks is a simple sport that's thrilling to play. Fun fact: it was invented by the famous bear of the same name in the A. A. Milne stories. Follow our tips for a top game.

Whether you're by the sea or at a stream, lake or river, paddling is one of the most fun activities you can enjoy. Have a go and see what you think.

Foraging is a delicious hobby that involves searching for and eating plants, herbs and fruit. People have been foraging since the dawn of time and it’s time for you to dip your hand into the hedgerows, trees and bushes to see what yummy treats you can discover.

Take to the woods or your back garden for a funky fungi hunt. Wild mushrooms come in all different shapes and sizes and some have silly names too. What kind of fungi will you find?

There's something magical about sunrise. Try getting up early with the birds to see the beginning of a new day.

Going barefoot is a great way to connect with nature and feel new sensations on your feet. Here are some of the best places to kick off your shoes.

Head to a wild place and listen to nature's music around you. Birds singing, trees rustling, streams bubbling - the more you listen, the more you'll hear. Try using things that you find in nature to create your very own song - in a group or by yourself.

Journey back in time and search for clues to the life of animals and plants from the past. Fossil and bone hunting is mammoth fun for all the family.

You don't need to be an expert to spot stars, satellites and planets. Just follow our top tips for a family stargazing adventure at one of the places we care for.

Climbing a huge hill might seem really tiring, but once you've reached the top think about how much fun you'll have coming back down.

Exploring caves is an exciting adventure that you can enjoy at any time of the year. Entering a cave is like visiting an entirely different world. Grab a torch and jacket (and an adult!), and find a cave to inspect.

Gather your friends for a scavenger hunt in the wild. Just like animals, you’ll need to have your wits about you as you seek out nature’s treasures for survival.

Ladybirds, spiders, caterpillars, woodlice - there are all kinds of creepy crawlies hiding at the places we look after. Can you make friends with a bug?

Floating in a boat can be as slow and dreamy or as fast and exhilarating an experience as you make it.

There's lots you can learn from looking at the clouds. Choose a comfortable spot on a summer's day, lie back and start watching.

There are different things that you can look for when on the trail of an animal or bird. Look out for footprints, feathers, fur and poo and you might find something sooner than you think.

It may look green and grim, but murky pond water is full of life. Scoop some out into a tub and check out what lives beneath the surface.

All sorts of animals need homes and most choose to build very different ones. If you're going to build one for an animal you'll have think about what they need and want from a home and why.

Rock-pooling is a great family activity, best enjoyed from late spring until early autumn. Clamber, crouch, peer and scoop on a rock-strewn beach to discover wonders of the sea.

Bringing up a butterfly at home is brilliant fun for all the family. Follow the life cycle of butterflies and moths, as well as learning about food chains and how to care for living creatures.

Crabs can look pretty crazy when they're scuttling sideways along the beach or shore. If you want to catch one, you'll need to learn more about them.

Some creatures only come out at night so this is your only chance of spotting or hearing them. We've got some tips to help you get the most out of your night time nature walk.

This is a challenge that'll take a bit of time. You definitely can't complete it in a day, or even two, as plants take time to grow, but it's definitely worth the wait.

Swimming in the sea is one of those brilliant experiences. It is so different from swimming in a pool, and you'll need to be very careful of currents and tides. Always swim with an adult and preferably on a beach with lifeguards, and you'll have an unforgettable, wild time.

Lend a helping hand to the animals and birds that live near you and be a nature hero this year.

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?

Finding your way with a map might seem really simple, but there's a bit to learn. Once you've mastered it, you'll never get lost again. Use our guide and tips to help you set out.

Whether you like to set yourself a challenge or if you're instead after a more gentle activity, clambering over rocks has many possibilities for everyone. There are all sorts of different terrains to explore and conquer.

Food cooked over a campfire always seems to taste better than normal. You can cook anything from toasted marshmallows, to fried bacon and eggs.

Keep a record of your amazing adventures in nature, capturing your memories of the animals and plants you’ve seen.

It might be the end of the day but there’s still plenty to see. Watch the sky turn orange and red as the sun sets beyond the horizon.

Double your fun by sharing your next nature adventure with a friend. Explore your secret wildlife hideouts together and make the great outdoors your new playground.