Five ways to enjoy your junior membership

Boy on a bug hunt at Dunwich Heath and Beach, Suffolk — Bug hunt at Dunwich Heath and Beach, Suffolk | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Whether you’re a parent, relative, carer or friend, junior membership is your ticket to exciting days out with children. From hunting for bugs to dressing up as a warrior, here’s our pick of big adventures for small explorers.

Hunt for creepy crawlies: Kids will be amazed by the wildlife that lives in their local pond, park or field. Find some frogspawn at Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire or pick up a bug hunting kit at Rufford Old Hall in Lancashire. Can they spot a hairy caterpillar? What about a sparkly dragonfly? Find more minibeast activities on our list of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ – your little ones will be wildlife experts in no time.
Go time travelling: At Castle Ward in County Down young historians can imagine what life was like 150 years ago as they step into the shoes (and clothes) of Victorian children and play old-fashioned games. Brave youngsters can turn themselves into Anglo-Saxon warriors at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk before trying their hand at archaeology and den building.

Girl dressed up in a pink Tudor costume at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire — Girl in a Tudor costume at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Have fun on rainy days: From splashing in puddles to indoor adventures, there’s lots of fun to be had with children on a wet day. Squish in the mud at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, watch the thundering waterfall at Aberdulais in South Wales or set up a snail race at Prior Park Landscape Garden in Bath. Take shelter in the Young Engineers Zone at Cragside in Northumberland. Curious young minds will have the chance to play with magnetic marbles and complex cogs and uncover their inner inventor.
Go on an adventure: Navigate a meandering maze and encourage kids to earn their explorer stripes. Try the winding labyrinth at Glendurgan Garden, Cornwall – it’s made from cherry laurel bushes and has seen 175 years of family fun. Race to find the hidden flowerpot people dotted around Mottistone Gardens on the Isle of Wight, or help little ones build a hideout in the Lion's Den at Erddig in Wales.

Children running in the woodland in summer at Gawthorpe Hall, Lancashire — There's lots to explore in the woodland at Gawthorpe Hall | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Grow your own food: Show inquisitive youngsters where the food on their plate comes from at interactive kitchen gardens. Taste freshly picked apples at Beningborough in Yorkshire or watch honey bees hard at work at Attingham Park in Shropshire. Eat vegetables straight from the ground at Ham House’s Family Picking Garden – you might even discover a new favourite. Stop by the garden centre at Mordern Hall Park and pick up your own seeds to take home.

Children in the Great Hall at Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland

How do I buy junior membership?

We have a £10 junior membership to inspire the next generation of nature and heritage lovers. Learn more about the benefits and how to join.

Choose your junior membership

Visitors exploring the festive interiors in the Entrance Hall at Castle Ward, County Down

Membership

As a member, you'll be able to discover more than 500 places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. You’ll be helping to protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever.

Children playing on the zip-line at Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire

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