PEOPLE often talk about the 50-or-so things they will do before they become too old.

But what about having a list of 50 things to do before you reach 11 and three-quarters?

The National Trust has devised a list of activities for young children to enjoy before they hit that ripe old age.

These fun things to do are included in the many activities run throughout the year at the trust’s properties across the UK, including East Riddlesden Hall near Keighley.

Built on a small plateau overlooking the River Aire, and surrounded by fields and meadows, the 17th-century manor house was built in 1642 by wealthy Halifax clothier, James Murgatroyd.

Built from stone sourced from the edge of Ilkley Moor, blackened by time and local industry, the Grade l-listed building is accessed through a 400-year-old solid studded door, with its original locks still in use.

It is a pleasure to visit. Not too large, the hall has a friendly, homely feel, and it is easy to imagine how people lived there in the past. A grand hall, intricate plasterwork and two magnificent Yorkshire rose windows are among its many points of interest.

Throughout the year activities for children are held at the hall and in its grounds, including a selection from the 50-things list. These include, on Sunday June 17, for Father’s Day, a session where children can learn how to build a mini raft with sticks and leaves.

Later in the year, youngsters will be invited to tick more activities off the list, such as making a home for a bug and cooking in the open air on a campfire.

Some of the activities on the ‘to do’ list can be tackled on any day out in the countryside, or even in your back garden - making a trail with sticks, making mud pies, climbing trees, bird watching, and making a grass trumpet.

Children will enjoy discovering the hidden areas at East Riddlesden Hall, such at the wild play area, where they can have fun trying to reach the end of the fallen log without tumbling off.

Every month the hall hosts a series of events that families can enjoy. On alternate Sundays from May 6 butter-making sessions are being held in the historic Great Barn. Children can uncover the history of butter-making and try their hand at drop-in sessions.

On May 14 and a number of other dates, a volunteer will lead visitors on a stroll along the herb border and invite them to smell, touch and taste the herbs. A demonstration showing how the garden herbs can be put to good use is included.

From May 26 to June 3, with the exception of 1 June, youngsters can roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty planting seeds with help from volunteers. There are beans and pumpkin seeds to plant and take home afterwards to look after.

And on May 31, plus a selection of other dates, visitors can experience the tastes and smells of the past at gingerbread making sessions. A volunteer dressed in period costume will be making gingerbread the traditional way. Visitors can smell the spices and taste the finished product, comparing it to today's gingerbread.

There is so much to do both inside and out. How about getting crafty, running through a willow tunnel, spotting bugs and tracing your way to the centre of a grass maze?

Leaflets detailing ‘50 things to do’ are available at the hall. Children will enjoy keeping a record of how many they can tick off.

Adults too can enjoy activities ranging from a conservation tour, on May 19 and two alternative dates, to an event focusing on historic coins and a summer gin festival with live music, on June 29.

Refreshments are available at the hall’s tea room, while souvenirs can be bought in its well-stocked shop.

*East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Rd, Riddlesden, Keighley BD20 5ELTel:01535 607075

*For information on property admission charges visit nationaltrust.org.uk/east-riddlesden-hall. Visits are free to National Trust members and children aged under five.

*Many events are free and booking is not necessary, while others require booking. To check details visit the above website. Booking can be done over the phone on 0344 249 1895.

*A voucher for a free summer explorer pack for children is available to download from the National Trust website (details above). The pack can be collected from the shop when you visit.