Top 50 things to do in spring

Discover something new this spring with '50 things to do before you're 11¾'. Bright stars twinkling in the night sky, spotting a certain kind of bird for the first time or using nature as your creative inspiration. There's so much to do wherever you go with '50 things'. Check out our list for a few fun ideas.

Girl exploring the orchard at Ardress House, County Armagh, Northern Ireland

No. 1 Get to know a tree 

Find yourself the perfect tree and then why not scale to the top and nestle in a comfy branch to enjoy the view? If it's big enough, you can explore inside too.

Check out our tree-climbing tips
Cycling at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire

No. 11 Explore on wheels 

You'll find miles of cycling paths at places we look after and some places also offer cycle hire. Take a look at our top tips for a great bike ride and discover a fun way to exercise.

Top tips for a great family bike ride
Children having a snail race on the pavement at a National Trust site.

No. 17 Set up a snail race 

Got some time on your hands this spring? Why not organise a snail race? Watch how their slimy bodies leave a glittering trail. Lettuce can help to encourage competitors across the finish line.

Create the best back garden snail race
Making a shell and pebble mermaid on the beach at Brownsea Island, Poole harbour, Dorset

No. 18 Create some wild art 

Explore a place near you and try painting the colourful flowers that bloom. Use your paints, crayons or any other materials that you find to create your masterpiece. Have you got a glut of daffodils in your own garden? Why not find a flower press and add them to your artwork?

Discover creative ideas
Path through the woodland garden at Newark Park, Gloucestershire

No. 21 Forage for wild food 

Many spring walks and trails will lead you through patches of wild garlic, identified by its delicate white flowers and its pungent aroma. Find out more about wild food and what you can discover when you explore nature.

Find out about wild food
Visitors enjoying the starry night sky over Cragside, Northumberland

No. 27 Go stargazing 

On a clear night lie flat on your back and watch the sky start to glitter with stars. The spring night sky means you don’t need to stay out too late to see the stars, so it can be a great time for families to start sharing the magic of stargazing.

Read our stargazing top tips
Pond dipping at Dunwich Heath and Beach, Suffolk

No. 35 Discover what's in a pond 

Frogspawn is amazing. You can watch it wobble like jelly in a slow moving stream. Can you see any tiny tadpoles growing under hundreds of transparent bubbles? Maybe you'll also spot some frogs in the area.

Look closer at pond wildlife
Orange tip butterfly (male) nectaring on cuckooflower at Brockhampton Estate, Herefordshire

No. 38 Bring up a butterfly 

Help a wriggling caterpillar find its wings. Watch it emerge from its silken cocoon as a butterfly or moth before it eventually flutters over the flower heads.

Create a caterpillar haven
Boy kicking and splashing while laying in the sea

No. 42 Go swimming in the sea 

Wake up the senses by taking a refreshing dip in the sea. Feel gentle waves breaking against your back, listen to the surf and watch the sun glinting on the water. We look after lots of incredible beaches – in fact, we care for around 780 miles of coastline. Have a go at dipping your toes in the water when the sun comes out.

Check out top tips for sea swimming