Getting kids away from their computers and games consoles and enjoying the great outdoors isn’t always that easy. And surveys reveal just how few spend quality time being active in fresh air. Other research reveals that both parents and children would like to be outdoors more, if only they could find the time, energy and ideas. All this is why the National Trust campaign: 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ is such a good idea. In 2013, the charity organisation has revised the list with even more good ideas for experiencing time outdoors. In a bid to help children reconnect with nature, the charity asked 1,700 kids to vote for their top 10 outdoor activities from the list and reasons why, and then set about finding the ultimate places where they could be enjoyed. More than 30 per cent of the children questioned chose going on a long bike ride as one of their favourite activities, with 58 per cent agreeing that it’s fun and exciting to be in the outdoors on a bike. Almost two thirds of the children questioned chose tree climbing, den building and bike riding as the top three activities to do in the great outdoors. Nearly all parents (96 per cent) agreed these activities helped to strengthen their child’s relationship with the natural world. Fifteen new ideas have been added to the revised list of 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ such as star gazing and daisy chain making.

Top 10 things to do before you’re 11¾ and where to do them

1. Go on a really long bike ride – Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire 2. Build a den – Lyme Park’s woodland, Cheshire 3. Climb a tree – Wallington’s "the tree climbing tree", Northumberland 4. Cook on a campfire – Stackpole, Pembrokeshire 5. Hunt for fossils and bones – Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, East Sussex 6. Discover what’s in a pond – Florence Court, County Fermanagh 7. Track wild animals – Castle Drogo, Devon 8. Hold a scary beast – Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire 9. Go birdwatching – Kingston Lacey, Dorset 10. Go on a walk barefoot – Strumble Head to Cardigan, Pembrokeshire Jenny Middlehurst, visitor experience ranger at the National Trust, said: “We are passionate about getting children outdoors and we want to encourage kids everywhere to play outside and connect with nature, so we’re thrilled at how many under 12s have been engaging with the 50 things initiative. “This inspired us to source the nation’s best, thousands responded and we hope our new list and ‘best of’ recommendations across the country will encourage even more kids into the great outdoors this spring.” To find out more about the 50 things adventures visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50things You can search using a postcode or place name to find great places to enjoy the outdoors near your home.