You’re never too old to play

Fed up of enviously watching from the sidelines as your children climb trees, roll down hills, build dens or jump carefree into the sea?

Well National Trust Wales has waved the flag, given the OK and created a list of playdates that will release the big kid inside you.

According to research by the organisation, more than 50% of adults in Wales haven’t climbed a tree, built a den or rolled down a hill for more than 16 years, with 12.7% having never climbed a tree at all.

And when asked what they most missed about being a child, 55.9% claimed having no responsibilities, with 47.5% saying being outdoors best described their childhood playtime.

So here are 11 of the most missed childhood activities for you to get stuck in with the kids this summer at your nearest National Trust special place.

1 Climb a tree

Lose your inhibitions and feel on top of the word dangling from the highest branches.

Visit Erddig near Wrexham on Thursday, July 28 and Thursday, August 25 or Bodnant Garden in Conwy on Saturday, August 28 and Sunday, August 29 for a helping hand from the Big Tree Climbing Company. More info: www.nationaltrust.org. uk/erddig or www.bodnantgarden. co.uk

2 Roll down a hill

For the best adrenalin rush, visit Wrexham’s Chirk Castle or Dinefwr near Llandeilo to find a big grassy hill and launch. More info: www.nationaltrust.org. uk/chirk-castle or www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dinefwr

3 Build a den

With so many great twigs and branches lying around we can’t think of a better way to use them.

Find a big tree at Tredegar House or in the woods surrounding the Sugar Loaf to use as a frame and build away. More info: www.nationaltrust.org. uk/tredegar-house

4 Fly a kite

Head to Dyffryn Gardens every Wednesday in August for a different wild activity, a great place to practice the perfect kite flying technique. More info: www.nationaltrust.org. uk/dyffryn-gardens

5 Hunt for bugs

You’re never too old to explore. Visit Plas Newydd in Snowdonia on