Fifty things to do before you're 11¾: The Hargreaves family – in pictures

The Hargreaves family at Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, where they tried out some of the National Trust’s 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ activities. Photograph: Mark Salmon

Before his big day out at Tatton Park, three-year-old George puts his green fingers to the test in the family’s own garden, in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Photograph: Mark Salmon

George moves on from gardening to an activity that yields far speedier results – making mud pies. “George absolutely loved that challenge, which was a real shock for us,” says mum Kerri-Ann. “He normally doesn't like getting his hands dirty at all.” Photograph: Mark Salmon

The joy of the mud pie continues for George as the wet soil oozes satisfyingly between his fingers. Mum Kerri-Ann saw a different side to her normally spotless son. “He got really dirty and thoroughly enjoyed it – that was definitely the surprise of the day!” Photograph: Mark Salmon

The National Trust’s Tatton Park is an estate of over 2,000 acres, with a deer park, a farm and an 18th-century manor house at its centre. The farm has a new woodland play trail and den-building area, to which George made a beeline. “He really loved the den building even though he got properly filthy,” says dad Simon. Photograph: Mark Salmon

George fetches roofing material as the family den nears completion. “The special area they have at Tatton Park for den building is just incredible,” says mum Kerri-Ann. “I definitely want to take George back with his friends.” Photograph: Mark Salmon

The insects have fled from the path of bug-hunter George. “We only really found some woodlice and worms,” says dad Simon, “but George was more than happy to root around in the mud at the bottom of the trees in Tatton Park.” Photograph: Mark Salmon

The dirt on George’s jacket shows his dedication to the noble art of the bug hunt, which he’d studied in some depth before heading to Tatton Park. “We watched the National Trust YouTube videos for den building and bug hunting,” says mum Kerri-Ann, “so we knew what to expect.” Photograph: Mark Salmon

The other big hit of the day was Pooh sticks, the thrillingly unpredictable twig-racing game, says dad Simon. “The river we played on perhaps wasn't the ideal setting for the game – you need a faster flowing stream, ideally, so I think we may go in search of somewhere like that in the future, as George really enjoyed it.” Photograph: Mark Salmon

George races to the other side of the bridge to wait for his stick to emerge. By the look on his face, he appears to have backed a Pooh sticks winner. At the end of the day, the whole family felt like winners. “We're determined to complete all 50 things,” says mum Kerri-Ann. “He's definitely keen to play outdoors again soon.” Photograph: Mark Salmon