London - Climbing trees, building dens and flying kites were all once common childhood pleasures.
These days however, the popularity of computer games combined with over-cautious parents has put paid to such outdoor adventures.
More than four in five adults say their children spend less time playing outside than they did at their age, according to research by the National Trust.
In an effort to entice youngsters away from their TV screens, the charity asked children to name their favourite outdoor activities.
As a result, 15 fresh ideas – including running barefoot in the grass, star-gazing and exploring a cave – have all been added to last year’s list of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.
The initiative followed a study that found if children do not form a connection with the great outdoors before they are 12, they are far less likely to later in life.
Almost a third of the 1 700 youngsters who took part in the research said going on a long bike ride was their favourite outdoor pursuit.
Other popular additions include bird watching, with one in ten children listing it in their top three outdoor activities.
This year, the National Trust has added suggested ideal spots around the country for particular pursuits. - Daily Mail
* https://www.50things.org.uk/