‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Have fun exploring nature and the great outdoors with our list of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’.
Family adventures on Brownsea Island
Let imaginations run wild in our natural play area and cross some of the '50 things' off your list as you explore the island and take part in our seasonal trails.
October half-term fun for families
Autumn is a magical time on Brownsea Island, with the trees changing colour and the red squirrels more active. During half term families can take part in a Mystical Woodland Quest, which is open from 28 October to 2 November from 10am to 4pm.
Discover magical tales of the oak, birch, and yew. Perfect for young adventurers and families, with storytelling, nature exploration, and fun activities. Get ready to uncover the secrets of the woods where every leaf tells a story and every branch hides a mystery. This is a free event, but normal admission fees apply, no need to book.
Bushcraft taster sessions on Friday 31 October.
Master survival skills at the birthplace of scouting. Join Joe Peartree, our expert bushcraft specialist, for a unique, hands-on experience.
Learn essential survival skills, including basic knife techniques, fire lighting, shelter construction, and identifying plants and trees.
The event is suitable for both adults and children aged 7+, please note that only valid ticket holders can take part in the Bushcraft activities.
Discover the Wylder app: Inspiring teens to connect with nature
At Brownsea Island, we believe in the transformative power of nature. That's why we're featured on the Wylder app, a fantastic tool designed to help teenagers reconnect with the great outdoors.
Wylder is a free wellbeing app that encourages users to engage with nature through daily challenges. These challenges are designed to be simple, fun, and inspiring, making it easy for teens to step outside and explore the natural world around them.
Get started with Wylder
Download the Wilder app the PIN for Brownsea is 1924. Explore the daily challenges, and start a journey towards a more mindful and nature-connected lifestyle whilst inspiring the next generation to appreciate and protect our natural world.
Natural Play Area
Located at the heart of the island, families will find our natural play area equipped with balancing beams, climbing frames and see-saws. Here you can practice soaring, scrambling and scampering - can you match the agility of our resident rare red squirrels?
Free family trails available at all times
Scouting skills activity booklet
In the spirit of Baden-Powell’s first experimental Scout camp, held on Brownsea in 1907, this trail sheet contains an activity map and skills challenges to enhance your practical, observation and tracking skills.
Perfect for Scouts and Guides and fun for all the family too. Pick up a trail sheet from the visitor centre.
Brownsea Island nature trail
Explore the wonders of the natural world with a tick list scavenger hunt, natural art or try your hand at some nature-based activities and exercises. Collect your trail booklet from the visitor centre. What will you spot?
'50 things' on Brownsea Island
There's lots of activities on the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' list to keep you busy on the island. No. 32 Float in a boat, can be crossed off your list as soon you step aboard for your ferry ride to Brownsea – a great way to begin a day’s adventure
It doesn't stop there. You've the chance to tick off welly wandering – perfect for rainy days on the island – as well as eat a picnic in the wild, make friends with a bug, cloudwatching, discover wild animal clues and find your way with a map. See the full list.
Good to know
- Baby-changing facilities are available at the Courtyard near Reception, Visitor Centre and Outdoor Centre.
- The Visitor Centre and Engine Room are open with activities and family-friendly displays on wildlife and history.
- Free all-terrain pushchairs are available to hire for the day. Booking advisable, please call 01202 492164.
- Picnic benches and benches available across the island.
- You can re-fill your water bottle at the Villano Café or at the Outdoor Centre.
- Children's options are available on the menu at the Villano Café.
- Pocket money gifts are available at the Trading Post at the Outdoor Centre.
All terrain pushchairs
Make the most of your visit by reserving a free all terrain pushchair by calling us on 01202 492164. Our pushchairs have large rubbery wheels and can cope well with Brownsea's gravel tracks and paths.
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Eating and shopping on Brownsea Island
Fuel up for your adventure at the Villano Café, where you'll find a wide variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals. Elsewhere, shop for a Brownsea Island souvenir at the Trading Post and browse our second-hand bookshop.
Accessible Brownsea
To ensure as many people as possible can enjoy the island, discover how we're making Brownsea accessible to all.
Brownsea Island Campsite
Spend a night under the stars and have a family adventure to remember at Brownsea Island's historic campsite.
‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.
