HALF-term is fast approaching and there are lots of activities to get children outdoors and having fun with the National Trust.

If you’ve been stuck indoors this winter, then this week is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to enjoy some time together exploring some beautiful landscapes as they gradually reveal signs of spring colour and wildlife after the colder winter months.

There are lots of activities for kids to get messy, muddy and back in touch with nature.

It’s the perfect opportunity for the whole family to create special memories and get inspiration for the year ahead.

The difference between an indoors-all-morning child and the same one after a walk is immense. It’s the reason we conquer our qualms about bundling up to get out of the door. It’s why we embrace the pile of muddy clothes to wash when we return.

And it’s why the National Trust is such a blessing at this time of year.

Persuading a child away from a screen in a cosy room into the cold outdoors for a walk can be tricky. Here are a few tip:–

1) Take part in a half-term trail (February 10-18). The best places can be found at:

•Polesden Lacey, near Dorking. Find out what souvenirs have been sent to woodland animals in a trek around the grounds.

•Claremont Landscape Garden, near Esher and Winkworth Arboretum, near Godalming. Bring your budding adventurers for a trail about invasive species living there.

•Hatchlands Park, near Guildford. Follow a new trail through the parkland called Pets in the Park, enjoy themed treats from the cafe and meet a few furry friends.

2) Look for animal tracks. Mud is great for stomping through in wellies to make footprints. Before you wade in though, check to see who has been there before you.

It could be a duck, deer or dinosaur. OK, maybe not, but you could always make your own dinosaur footprints. 

Best place: Hatchlands Park

3) Construct an obstacle course. Suggest a simple walk from A to B and your head will hurt from the whining. Suggest an obstacle course in a woodland and your ears will hurt from the cries of glee. Use logs as balance beams, trees as slaloms and sticks laid on the ground to hop over. 

Best places: Box Hill, Hindhead Common and the Devil’s Punch Bowl

4) Take binoculars. Winter is a great time for birdwatching. They are so much more visible without leaves on trees to conceal them. Take a spotter guide and tick off the birds you manage to spot and tick off one of your 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾.

Best places: Polesden Lacey and Winkworth Arboretum

5) Borrow a dog. It doesn’t work if it’s your own. Dog-walking soon loses its appeal if it’s a daily occurrence. Borrow someone else’s though, and it turns into a treat. The novelty and responsibility of holding the lead is a huge thrill to children.

Best places: Hatchlands Park and Polesden Lacey

6) Make it a scavenger hunt. Set out on a walk with a list of items for the child to find.

The obvious things are acorns, twigs, beetles or woodlice, beech mast, conkers, crisp brown leaf, forked stick. Who doesn’t love the satisfaction of ticking things off a list?

Best places: Polesden Lacey and Winkworth Arboretum

Some of the other events you can take part in at National Trust properties this month.

•Uppark House and Garden

South Harting, near Petersfield

Signs of spring trail, February 10-18, Vountary donation of at least £1.

Get the children outdoors in some fresh winter air this half-term. A new trail will have them hunting for the first signs of spring plants and animals around these easy to navigate gardens, with spot, listen and draw activities. Uppark is high up on the South Downs too, so why not bring a kite?

For more details, call (01730) 825415.

•River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf

Take in the tranquil waterway running for nearly 20 miles through the heart of Surrey

Meet at Godalming Wharf for a seven-mile circular walk on Sunday, February 18, 10am-5pm. Starting from the end of the navigable Wey via Busbridge Lakes, to Winkworh Arboretum, then meander back to Godalming Wharf via Munstead, Catteshall and Godalming Navigation. Bring a packed lunch.

The event is free. Normal admission at the Wharf applies. Call (01483) 561389.

•Woolbeding Common, Midhurst

Fancy an evening celebrating the stars as part of the South Downs National Park Dark Skies festival? Trek up to Beacon Hill and view the stars from the historic, relatively remote viewpoint (weather permitting). Hot drinks to finish on a warm note. Monday February 19, from 7.30-9.30pm Adults £5, children £3 including car parking.

Wear sturdy shoes or boots, and appropriate clothing for the season and expected weather. Don’t forget to bring binoculars, or a telescope if you have one.

Accompanied kids and dogs on a lead welcome. Call (01730) 816638.

•Petworth House, West Sussex.

Tickets are limited book on arrival on a first come, first served basis for a free 45-minute guided tour of selected rooms of the house leaving every 30 minutes from 11.30am-3pm until February 28. Discover some of Petworth’s treasures. Winter admission charge (before March 27) adults £8, kids £4. Family tickets £20. Collect your tour tickets from Church Lodge reception. Wrap up warm. The house can get very chilly through the winter months. Call (01798) 342207.

For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk