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