Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to do in spring

A girl in a pink jacket standing under blossoming tree in an orchard looking up through the branches — Girl exploring the orchard at Ardress House, County Armagh | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Discover something new this spring with ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’, whether it's stargazing for the first time or having a go at pond dipping. Here are our top pick of activities for the season.

No. 1 Get to know a tree: Take a bark rubbing, watch blossom unfurl or look out for the mini beasts that call a tree home. If the tree is big and hollow enough, you could explore inside too.Find the perfect tree
No. 11 Explore on wheels: Find miles of cycling paths at the places we care for and look out for cycle hire hubs at some of them too. Take a look at our top tips for a great bike ride and discover a new way to explore nature.Top tips for a great family bike ride
No. 17 Set up a snail race: Got some time on your hands? Slow down for a snail race. Watch how their slimy bodies leave a glittering trail and don't forget some lettuce to encourage them over the finish line.Create a garden snail race

Boy and girl crouched on a paved terrace, racing snails on a circle drawn with chalk — Children having a snail race at Mottisfont, Hampshire | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

No. 18 Create some wild art: Head out into your nearest green space and let your imagination run wild. You don't need paints or even paper – gather anything you can find, including leaves, twigs and pebbles. Make a sculpture in the woods or create a design in the grass.Discover creative ideas
No. 21 Forage for wild food: Many spring walks will lead you through patches of wild garlic, with its delicate white flowers and strong scent. Find out more about wild food and what you can discover when you explore nature.Find out about wild food
No. 27 Go stargazing: On a clear night, lie flat on your back and watch the sky start to glitter with stars. Earlier sunsets in spring mean you don’t need to stay out too late to see the stars – can you spot any constellations?Read our top tips for stargazing

Members of a family take part in pond dipping at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire — Family pond dipping at Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire | © National Trust Images/John Millar

No. 35 Discover what's in a pond: Watch frogspawn wobble like jelly or grab a net for a spot of pond dipping. Can you see any tiny tadpoles in the water or insects skating across the surface?Look closer at pond wildlife
No. 38 Bring up a butterfly: Help a wriggling caterpillar find its wings. Watch it emerge from its cocoon as a butterfly or moth before it heads outside to find spring flowers full of nectar.Create a caterpillar haven
No. 42 Go swimming in the sea: Feel gentle waves break against your back, listen to the surf and watch the sun glinting on the water. If it's too cold, have a go at dipping your toes in the water when the sun comes out.Check out top tips for swimming

Child walking on a log at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

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