With another six weeks of blissful freedom ahead, the summer holidays are a giant, fun-sized adventure for children of all ages. But for parents, filling the long days of summer can sometimes be a challenge.
If you need some help keeping your little rascals amused then look no further than the National Trust. At Trust places this summer, children big and small will be encouraged to release their inner ‘wild’ side by trying to complete 25 of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’.
From Monday 22 July to Sunday 1 September, simply sign up for free at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50things and download the brand new ‘wild-time challenge pack’, crammed with a six week adventure planner, activity sheet and plenty of top tips to help boost kids’ outdoor experiences this summer.
Plus, if families log each adventure they complete online, not only will they collect exciting rewards along the way, but if you tick off 25, you will also receive a free National Trust family visit pass and be in with a chance to win the top prize of directing and starring in your very own nature film *.
Here’s a taster of what you can do. There are lots more great hints and tips to help you and your family to enjoy the great outdoors at all of the Trust’s special places at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50things
The Argory
- Skim a stone – adjacent to Blackwater River, The Argory is the perfect location for stone skimming.
- Hunt for bugs – surrounded by woodlands and gardens, there won’t be a shortage of bugs to discover under rocks and near the river!
- Canoe down a river – there are access points for the Black Water Canoe trail at The Argory and Bond’s Bridge.
Florence Court
- Discover what’s in a pond – there’s a huge population of all kinds of life beneath the water and mud.
- Go on a really long bike ride – explore the forest for hours with the fantastic bike trails at Florence Court.
- Run around in the rain – with plenty of wind and rain it’s best to enjoy it by having fun and running around!
Mount Stewart
- Catch a falling leaf – discover a whole world of trees and plants in the spectacular gardens
- Make a mud pie – with plenty of rain and our own lake to help make the best squelchy mud for pies.
- Create some wild art – take some inspiration from our topiaries and formal gardens and create something of your own.
Castle Ward
- Explore inside a tree – discover the inside of some of the oldest trees at Castle Ward and have fun playing hide and seek.
- Track wild animals – learn to recognise animal prints and tracks, and follow them if you can!
- Find your way with a map and compass – there are over 21 miles of trails for you to navigate through.
Downhill and Hezlett House
- Make a trail with sticks – how many sticks can you find and how long will you be able to make your trail?
- Fly a kite – the cliff top estate is the perfect open space for some windy kite flying.
- Go bird watching – with fantastic coastal views and a bird hide there are lots of birds to look out for.
Rowallane Garden
- Roll down a really big hill – the gentle, rolling hill at the front of the house is perfect for some dizzying family fun.
- Climb a tree – just the place to work on your tree climbing skills in the secret world at Rowallane.
- Make a grass trumpet – call to each other with your trumpets and see who can do it the loudest.
Spending time outdoors is good for your heart and it’s good for your soul and the National Trust has a fantastic range of green spaces – perfect for your ‘50 things’ adventure.
*Terms and conditions apply. Available at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50things