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

Visitors in the rock garden at Sizergh, Cumbria
A family playing outside at Osterley Park and House, London

October half term activities 

Autumn is the perfect time to get outside with the family and create unforgettable moments. And with all kinds of things to do, from woodland adventure days to wildlife watching, it’ll be impossible for the kids to get bored this October half term.

Plan your fun half term
Dixie Egerickx (Mary Lennox) on set at Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire

Explore The Secret Garden film locations 

Since it was published in 1910, Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel The Secret Garden has bewitched generations of children and adults alike. Now a star-studded film adaptation is set to breathe new life into the tale, coming to cinemas and on Sky Cinema October 23. Discover how places in our care proved the perfect settings for this retelling of the evergreen children’s classic.

Go behind the scenes of the film

Explore

Children playing in autumn leaves that have dropped to the ground underneath a tree in the parkland

Best autumn walks 

Plan your next family autumn walk and see the striking colours that the season brings. You could print off one of our activity sheets to take along with you – which wildlife will you spot on the way?

Boy looking through the window of the Bear Hut at Killerton, Devon

Find secret gardens we care for 

Have your own spellbinding experience when you discover our gardens within gardens. Run around and find hidden statues, mini houses and secret glades.

Visitors walking in the woodland at Blickling, Norfolk

Haunted forests and spooky woods 

Discover spine-chilling stories at many spooky woods we care for. There are plenty haunted forests to explore, and some have famous ghosts – like members of the Boleyn family or notorious outlaws from hundreds of years ago. Who will you encounter?

Autumn adventures 2

Autumn adventures 

Fancy having an autumn adventure? We're bringing you a three-part adventure series to inspire you with activities throughout the season. This second downloadable activity pack includes ideas on how to notice autumn nature, how to build homes for wildlife and how to have the best nature treasure hunt.

Play

Child planting seeds in a pot

No. 41 help a plant grow 

Why not try creating your own secret garden? 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. It's also one of our '50 things to do before you’re 11¾' challenges.

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 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

Bake it

Sliced chocolate brownies, some on a plate and some on a baking tray next to a hot drink

Chocolate brownies 

We know Halloween may be a little different this year, so get ready to bake some tasty trick or treat goodies that you can make at home, including these gooey brownies. Why not add gummy worms or marshmallows to the mix for a spooky surprise.

National Trust Vegetable Tagine

Vegetable tagine 

For a hearty and healthy family meal that'll warm everyone's tums, this autumnal dish is perfect as a filling lunch or satisfying dinner.

Make it
Children learning about gardening and growing your own vegetables on a visit to Trerice, Cornwall

More how to guides 

Have you ever wanted to have a go at crafting masterpieces, 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.

Wood bird box attached to a tree trunk with a Great Tit about to enter the box

For the love of nature 

Let your little ones encourage nature into your garden. Explore our unique selection of bird feeders, food, nesting boxes and more, including our new range in collaboration with leading wildlife specialists CJ Wildlife.

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 season 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