How far is your child through the list of 50 things to do before 11-and-three-quarters?

The National Trust launches initiative to get the nation’s kids outside

Posted: 13 April 2012
by Sophie Westnedge

50 thing's to do before you're 11-and-three-quarters

There's lots of exciting outdoor activities on the list. See how many you're little ones have tried.

The National Trust has launched a nationwide campaign in a bid to encourage children to play outside and enjoy classic outdoor activities.

The 50 Things To Do Before You’re 11 ¾ initiative responds to a report commissioned by The National Trust. The research found that fewer than one in 10 children regularly play in wild places compared to almost half a generation ago, a third have never climbed a tree and one in 10 can’t ride a bike. The findings also showed that three times as many children are taken to hospital after falling out of bed, as from falling out of a tree.

The National Trust has formed a group of ‘Elite Rangers’ to help to bring the intiative to life. The rangers, who will share expert tips and their enthusiasm for the outdoors, are all National Trust staff members and include ‘Tree Man’ (a tree expert), ‘Captain Skim’ (a stone skimming expert), ‘Den-Boy’ (a hide-away building champion), and ‘The Bug Catcher’ (a minibeast expert).

These five experts will be on hand to offer advice over a Free Weekend that the National Trust is holding. On the 21stand 22ndof April the Trust will open up over 200 of it’s houses and gardens for free. It’s also offering kids a free 50 Things To Do Before You’re 11 ¾ scrapbook from participating venues.

“We’re hoping that the nation’s children will embrace the 50 things and start having their very own outdoor adventures with their family,” says Tony Berry the Visitor Experience Director at The National Trust.

How many of the activities on the list have you and your little explorers tried?