Family adventures on Brownsea Island

Family in the woods at Mottistone Gardens, Isle of Wight climbing over fallen tree with bluebells flowering. — A family playing in spring woodlands, Brownsea Island, Dorset. | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

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.

Brownsea Island is closed for the season

We will reopen on Saturday 14 March 2026.

Easter adventure trail

Celebrate Easter with an exciting woodland adventure on Brownsea Island. Explore our fun, interactive trail to discover the amazing lives of birds. The Easter trail takes place between 28 March to 12 April 2026, from 10am to 5pm, the trail sheets are £3.50 each and includes, bunny ears and a dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg. *Suitable for people with milk, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut allergies

Try on a giant bird head and measure your wingspan, feed the hungry caterpillar and join in a fun bug and spoon race. There is something for the whole family to enjoy. Once you complete the trail, head back to Reception to pick up your tasty chocolate reward.

There will be a clay modelling workshop in the visitor centre over the Easter weekend, children can get creative using natural items found in the nearby woodlands.

May half term

Poo-tastic Activity Trail – 23 - 31 May

Join us on a unique and quirky trail dedicated to animal droppings. In the wild, animals see poo as something valuable, it can be used, reused, recycled, and even played with. Have fun with various activities as you learn some poomazing facts. Play cow pat frisbee, roll balls like a dung beetle, and try to identify the poopetrator. It’s an adventure that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. The trail is free and no booking is required. Normal admission fees apply.

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.

Child swinging along wooden bars with her hands in the natural play are on Brownsea Island. — Child enjoying the natural play area on Brownsea Island, Dorset. | © National Trust Images/ Annapurna Mellor

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 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.

A group of families with hire pushchairs with children. — Hire an all-terrain pushchair from Brownsea Island Reception, Dorset. | © National Trust/ Lynne Burningham

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.