Family adventures on Brownsea Island

A family walks through a wood with spring leaves on the trees — A family walking through the woods in the spring. | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Let imaginations run wild in our natural play area and cross some of the '50 things' off your list as you explore the island and take part in our seasonal trails.

Easter egg trail

Celebrate Easter with an exciting woodland adventure on Brownsea Island. Embark on our fun, interactive trail to discover the amazing lives of birds. And don’t forget, there’s a tasty chocolate prize waiting for you at the finish.

From wearing an Instagram-worthy giant bird head and measuring your wingspan to feeding the hungry caterpillar and joining in a fun bug and spoon race, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Once you complete the trail, head back to reception to pick up your tasty chocolate reward. It's an adventure you won't want to miss.

The trail takes place between 5-21 April 2025, from 10am to 5pm, so come along and explore the magic of Brownsea Island. Prices are £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg. *Suitable for people with milk, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut allergies.

Bushcraft taster sessions

This year we are running both morning and afternoon Bushcraft taster sessions every Friday during school holidays. Master survival skills at the birthplace of scouting. Join Joe Peartree, our expert bushcraft specialist, for a unique, hands-on experience.

Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the wild, ensuring each session is both educational and fun and our sessions adapt to the changing seasons, making every visit a new and exciting challenge.

Gain hands-on experience with essential survival skills, including basic knife techniques, fire lighting, shelter construction, and identifying plants and trees.

The event is suitable for both adults and children aged 7+only valid ticket holders can take part in the Bushcraft activities. Tickets are £6.50 per person.

Book a Bushcraft taster session

Discover the Wylder app: Inspiring teens to connect with nature

At Brownsea Island, we believe in the transformative power of nature. That's why we're features on the Wylder app, a fantastic tool designed to help teenagers reconnect with the great outdoors. This app is a great way to balance screen time with real-world experiences. Wylder offers a unique solution that combines the best of both worlds.

What is Wylder?

Wylder is a free wellbeing app that encourages users to engage with nature through daily challenges. These challenges are designed to be simple, fun, and inspiring, making it easy for teens to step outside and explore the natural world around them.

Get started with Wylder

Download the Wilder app the PIN for Brownsea is 1924. Explore the daily challenges, and start a journey towards a more mindful and nature-connected lifestyle whilst inspiring the next generation to appreciate and protect our natural world.

Child swinging along wooden bars with her hands in the natural play are on Brownsea Island. — Child enjoying the natural play area. | © National Trust Images/ Annapurna Mellor

Natural Play Area

Located at the heart of the island, families will find our natural play area equipped with balancing beams, climbing frames and see-saws. Here you can practice soaring, scrambling and scampering - can you match the agility of our resident rare red squirrels?

Free family trails available at all times

Scouting skills activity booklet

In the spirit of Baden-Powell’s first experimental Scout camp, held on Brownsea in 1907, this trail sheet contains an activity map and skills challenges to enhance your practical, observation and tracking skills. Perfect for Scouts and Guides and fun for all the family too. Pick up a trail sheet from the visitor centre.

Brownsea Island nature trail

Explore the wonders of the natural world with a tick list scavenger hunt, natural art or try your hand at some nature-based activities and exercises. Collect your trail booklet from the visitor centre. What will you spot?

'50 things' on Brownsea Island

There's lots of activities on the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' list to keep you busy on the island. No. 32 Float in a boat, can be crossed off your list as soon you step aboard for your ferry ride to Brownsea – a great way to begin a day’s adventure. And it doesn't stop there. You've the chance to tick off welly wandering – perfect for rainy days on the island – as well as eat a picnic in the wild, make friends with a bug, cloudwatching, discover wild animal clues and find your way with a map. See the full list.

Good to know

Baby-changing facilities are available at the Courtyard near Reception, Visitor Centre and Outdoor Centre.
The Visitor Centre and Engine Room are open with activities and family-friendly displays on wildlife and history.
Free all-terrain pushchairs are available to hire for the day. Booking advisable, please call 01202 492164.
Picnic benches and benches available across the island.
You can re-fill your water bottle at the Villano Café or at the Outdoor Centre.
Children's options are available on the menu at the Villano Café.
Pocket money gifts are available at the Trading Post at the Outdoor Centre.

A photo showing an empty all terrain pushchair on gravel in a garden — Hire a free all terrain pushchair available from reception | © NT/Olivia Gruitt

All terrain pushchairs

Make the most of your visit by reserving a free all terrain pushchair by calling us on 01202 492164. Our pushchairs have large rubbery wheels and can cope well with Brownsea's gravel tracks and paths.