For Parents
50 Things to Do is a helpful set of ideas for play and learning, featured in an app, website, and printed resources, which are free to mums, dads, and caregivers.
“50 Things to Do has given me the confidence to try new things with my daughter. It’s placed more value on the simple things that we can enjoy together and I’ve loved it!”
Fran
“50 Things to Do soon becomes a way of life when you have a young family; days can be planned around the app. [...] I find myself asking more questions to my four-year-old because of all the 50 Things to Do ideas we do together.”
Lindsey
“This is a fantastic app/concept that visually maps out some great ideas on what you can do [...] I use it regularly as a tool to help inspire and shape activities that I do with my children.”
SH
“It's helped my child to be more explorative and curious. He always wants to do the activities and wants to do the ones that he's done before."
Robert
Positive play for all the family
“Play relieves feelings of stress and boredom, connects us to people in a positive way, stimulates creative thinking and exploration, regulates our emotions, and boosts our ego.”
Gary Landreth, Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (2002)
Research tells us that play and playfulness has a positive impact on holistic development.
Just a few minutes a day of playing together strengthens relationships, impacting positively on the mental health of both children and adults.
50 Things to Do’s open-ended and child-led activities allow children to explore their worlds in the care of their most important teacher - you.
Sources: (Matthews 2012; Davies 2019; Fiester 2011; Harkins 2017; Fyfe 2009; Telfer 2013) Pellis, S, University of Lethbridge
Helping you to feel more confident and empowered
72% of parents and carers say they feel more able to help their children learn.
63% agree that they can communicate more purposefully with children whilst they are playing.
Source: 50 Things to Do Impact Report (2023)
More time outside and socialisation for your child
75% of parents and carers agree that their child has gone outside to play more often.
70% say that their child had more opportunities to socialise within their local community.
Source: 50 Things to Do Impact Report (2023)
Empowering you with useful tips you can trust
Evidence shows that what parents do with their children at home positively influences their health and wellbeing.
Unfortunately, 7/10 parents report feeling judged by others.
50 Things to Do empowers you with accessible, free resources signposting to low or no-cost fun that you can do at your own pace.
Sources: Healthy Child Programme: Pregnancy and the first five years of life (HCP) 2009, Sylva et al (2004) DfES and Institute of Education, University of London; Royal Foundation, State of the Nation: Understanding Public Attitudes to the Early Years (2020); DfE, Education Endowment Foundation, Public Health England; Michael Marmot, Fair Society, Healthy Lives (2010)
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Local 50 Things To Do offers are available across the British Isles. See a full list of 50 Things to Do areas at the button below.
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