This is the thing. You look forward to family fun days but they never turn out as you’d expected.
With a bit of planning, you could make your family outing a lot more enjoyable.
This blog is filled with tips and activities to help make your family fun days more enjoyable.
1. Take everyone’s needs into consideration
Make sure your family fun day includes something for everyone. You may find that young children prefer something more active while older relatives are not interested in spending the day at a theme park. Do some research on the internet before making any plans.
To reduce stress, it may be best to keep things simple. A picnic, woodland walks or a trip to the zoo are all good ideas.
You can take your child to the zoo at any time. His lovely package is sure to make them excited about their visit. Take a look!
2. Consider Cost
Even a family day out with the kids can be expensive. You’ll also have to consider the cost of coffee, ice cream, etc., in addition to the price of admission. Look for online discount vouchers to reduce costs and resist the urge to buy overpriced souvenirs.
3. Plan Ahead
If you don’t rush around the night before, you will feel much more relaxed the next morning. It makes sense to be organised the night prior. You could:
- Check the weather forecast
- Put any games or equipment on the back seat
- Pack a picnic mat
- Book tickets in advance to avoid queues at the airport
- sort some games/books/colouring sheets for the journey to keep the kids occupied
- Prepare some emergency snacks
- Pack raincoats and a change of clothes
- Make a list of items you will need at the last moment, such as food or drinks.
4. Plan a Picnic
Picnics are a great way to save time and money. You can prepare most of the food for your picnic the night before. You can also get your child involved in choosing the food for their picnic, and helping to prepare it.
This great collection of sandwich fillings is sure to please any sandwich lover.
5. Bring plenty of snacks and water
Traffic jams can happen. You might find that your child doesn’t like the food at the café. A supply of snacks can be a lifesaver in this situation. Also, adults who are tired need a little pick-me up sometimes!
Choose healthy snacks. Fruit is always better than chocolate. If you do not want your car to be messy, avoid crisps. They will also make your child thirsty.
The recipe cards have a variety of healthy snack ideas that are perfect for any occasion, such as a picnic, a road trip, or a treat for your lunch box.
From raita to apple chips, you’ll find it all.
It is important to drink plenty of water. This will help you stay hydrated.
6. Plan Your Activities Before You Travel
Keep your little ones entertained during the trip, whether you are travelling by public or private transport.
It’s a good idea, in addition to making sure that your child gets enough food and water to drink, to keep a few fun activities on hand. It’s a good idea to listen to some music or an audiobook to pass the time. You can keep your child busy with colouring books or puzzles.
7. Play some games on the journey
This guide has a lot of games that will entertain your kids and help you pass the time on a long trip. There are many ideas for games that involve using letters from the number plates of cars to create fun sentences. Or, you can put words into categories.
Looking for some inspiration? Find more ideas on our Activity Sheet,, such as ‘Fortunately, Unfortunately’ or the Silver Foil Challenge.
8. Don’t Plan Too Much
You should have a lot of ideas, but don’t plan too much. Prioritize one activity for the morning, and another for the afternoon.
It’s good to always have a plan B because you can never depend on the weather.
This To Do List is a great tool for people who like to plan ahead.
It can be a great way to relieve stress. This Rainbow To Do List is perfect for helping you feel more organised.
9. Consider the Practicality
When planning your trip, you should also consider other practical aspects.
Check that the venue is able to accommodate all of your dietary requirements if you have any members in your group who suffer from food allergies. This will prevent you from being faced with an awkward situation once you arrive.
Toilet breaks are also important. Consider where you can stop along the way and ensure everyone uses the toilet before leaving in the morning.
10. Make Some Memories
Encourage your child to record their family outing.
This activity page allows your child to describe their experiences, including where they went, with whom they went and why they enjoyed themselves.
What other educational games and activities can I do with my child?
We has a wealth of educational and fun activities for your child to enjoy.
- Visit our Parents’ Hub to find out more about parenting and childhood.
- On our Parents blog page, you’ll find information and activities for every topic. They’re also free to read.
- Why not check out Parents if you are looking for videos? The videos available will leave you and your child spoilt for choices.
- Our Homework help will also delight you. You can find facts, information, and support for your child at every stage of their education, including long division. Amazing Victorian Facts, and the history and evolution of Pop Music.
