‘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.
Natural autumn adventures on Brownsea Island
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Brownsea Island. As the trees take on rich seasonal colours, it's one of the best times to spot the island's much-loved red squirrels as they become more active foraging for food to store for the winter.
Enjoy a family woodland walk, let off steam in the natural play area and make the most of the beautiful autumnal days before the island closes for the season on 1 Aug. During the October half-term holiday, young explorers can follow the Enid Blyton Forest of Secrets Trail, uncovering clues and discovering the island's hidden stories along the way.
There's even more to enjoy with our programme of guided walks:
- Free daily Red Squirrel Walks from 13 September to 23 October
- Wild Wetland Bird Walks on 26 September and 24 October
Whether you're looking for a family day out, a chance to connect with nature, or simply a peaceful autumn escape, Brownsea Island offers plenty to discover this season.
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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 as you step aboard for your ferry ride over to Brownsea , a great way to begin a day’s adventure
It doesn't stop there. You might be able to tick off welly wandering, perfect for rainy days on the island or 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 areas and benches can be found 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 and in Reception.
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’.
Summer of Play
Make the most of the school holidays with the National Trust Summer of Play. We're welcoming families of every shape and size to slow down, reconnect and enjoy time together outside. Held in historic gardens across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Summer of Play offers games, activities and trails to keep young and old entertained.
