This year, I’ve decided that we’re really going to have a good go at the 50 Things to do Before You’re 11 3/4s challenge by the National Trust. We’ve dabbled in the past, and managed to get a few things completed in the Autumn, but I’ve decided, this year, to make a feature of it on my blog. I just think it’s real ‘back to basics’ childhood fun, which helps 21st century kids to reconnect with Nature and gets them away from screens and technology for an hour or two (or longer) each week. Let’s face it, kids don’t play outdoors like they used to. It’s the era of the helicopter parent (guilty!), technology and home comforts. And yet, building a relationship with nature and the outside world is so important to our children and their future. For these reasons I’d recommend everyone to give it a go. They are all low spend, outdoor activities that are simple and educational. They can be carried out at a National Trust property as the website suggests, or just as easily in your local park, woods and even garden. There is even an app, where you can tick off and record details of each activity as you complete them.

Below is the list with links to posts that show us completing the activities.

1. Get to know a tree

2. Roll down a really big hill

3. Camp outdoors

4. Build a den

5. Skim a stone

6. Go welly wandering

7. Fly a kite – Completed & Here

8. Spot a fish

9. Eat a picnic in the wild

10. Play conkers – completed and here

11.  Explore on wheels

12. Have fun with sticks

13. Make a mud creation – Completed

14. Dam a stream

15. Go on a wintry adventure – Completed

16. Wear a wild crown

17. Set up a snail race

18. Create some wild art –  Completed & here & here

19. Play pooh sticks – completed

20. Go paddling – completed 

21. Forage for wild food – completed

22. Find some funky fungi

23. Get up for the sunrise

24. Go barefoot

25. Join nature’s band

26. Hunt for fossils and bones

27. Go stargazing

28. Climb a huge hill

29. Explore a cave – Completed

30. Go on a scavenger hunt

31. Make friends with a bug – Completed

32. Float in a boat

33. Go cloud watching – completed

34. Discover wild animal clues

35. Discover what’s in a pond

36. Make a home for wildlife

37. Explore the wonders of a rock pool – completed

38. Bring up a butterfly

39. Catch a crab

40. Go on a nature walk at night

41. Help a plant grow – completed &  here

42. Go swimming in the sea – Completed

43. Help a wild animal

44. Watch a bird

45. Find your way with a map – Completed

46. Clamber over rocks

47. Cook on a camp fire – completed

48. Keep a nature diary

49. Watch the sunset – completed

50. Take a friend on a nature adventure