For families

Delve into our garden shed of fun activities for the kids throughout the seasons. Explore things to do, games to play and recipes to bake. There's lots to be done outdoors in nature or indoors on a rainy day

Kids running through Basildon Park in autumn
Children in the kitchen garden watering plants

Join in with Plant Health Week 

We're celebrating Plant Health Week by giving you some tips on how to grow and nurture a plant. This challenge is no. 41 of our '50 things to do before you're 11¾'. 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. Get connected to nature when you help plants to thrive.

Help a plant to grow

Explore

Sandymouth beach at low tide

Coastal walks: beautiful and scenic routes 

Take the family out for a coastal walk and feel revitalised by the sea air and open space. From clifftop rambles to gentle strolls along the sandy dunes, we’ve got a walk to suit you.

Visitors in the garden in October at Stourhead, Wiltshire

Our top gardens for children 

Planning a day out the whole family will enjoy? Let your children's or grandchildren's imaginations run free as they explore our gardens. The kids will love connecting with nature and it's a great way to feel refreshed.

Family cycles through parkland at Nostell

Great places for a family bike ride 

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. It's no. 11 of our ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ - explore on wheels.

See how many trees you can identify with this spotter's sheet

Family activities for outdoor adventures 

Uncover 'Hidden Nature' with lots of fun activities to try on your next family adventure. Discover secret wildlife at the places we care for using our handy spotter guides or have a go at activities inspired by the colours and sounds of nature. Learn how to identify different tree leaves on a woodland walk with a new spotter sheet created by our brand licensee, children’s clothing brand, Frugi.

Play

Two little girls splashing in puddle with parents in background

No. 6 Go welly wandering 

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?

A girl plays with a conker in autumn at Stourhead, Wiltshire

No. 10 play conkers 

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 no. 10 of our '50 things to do before you’re 11¾'.

A girl picks a couple of pears from a tree in front of a brick wall at Hughenden

No. 21 forage for wild food  

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.

A boy playing in woodland at Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside, Cheshire

50 things to do before you're 11¾ 

Fancy running free in the fresh air, learning new skills and trying new things? Grab your gear and start your adventure.

Start your adventure
Discover
Codger's Fort on the estate at Wallington, Northumberland

Episode 85: Nature's tasty secrets

Our latest podcast episode explores the nature rambles you can have when you forage for food. Join Ranger Kate Martin as she meets Fred the Forager for a late summer stroll as they chat about different berries to find and top tips for picking and storing blackberries.

Bake it

Croque monsieur

Croque monsieur 

From it's buttery muffins to it's cheesy centre and warm ham, these delicious croque monsieur's are perfect for brunch or dinner.

Carrot cake seen from above, topped with frosting, sunflower seeds and walnuts

Classic carrot cake 

Tuck into a slice of this classic carrot cake, spiced with cinnamon, topped with thick creamy frosting, crushed walnuts and seeds, and a sprinkle of carrot to finish.

Make it
Rolling the sticky sheet round the crisp tube to decorate it Play Video
Video

Make a crisp tube croquet set

Reuse household objects to create this simple croquet set, and have fun when you're out and about or in your garden. You don’t need a lot of space to play, but as your skills improve you can spread your croquet ‘hoops’ out further to make the game more challenging.

Download a PDF with the instructions on how to make your own
Gently squash the mixture into all the holes in your pine cone

More how to guides 

Have you ever wanted to have a go at making a bird feeder, growing your own veg or learning how to identify certain moths? Follow one of our many how to guides and become an expert in something new in no time.

Girl reading Who's hiding in the woods? book outside

More children's books 

Take a moment to discover more stories, activity books, books about nature, animals and wildlife from our online shop. If you snuggle down at home or lay your head in the grass to read, we've got plenty of fun books for you to enjoy.

Children investigate children's products on a table.

Top toys and family games 

Spark their imagination, feed their curiosity and explore the wilderness together this summer with some of the best outdoor games for children.

Things to do

Get some inspiration for activities to do on your own or with family. You won't be short of things to do at home or in the garden this summer.

Ideas for things to do