If you are planning a day out with children there are a few absolutely essential things you’re going to need to do in order to make the most of your day and your money.
I am Rhi and as the name of my blog suggests, I have 4 children ranging in age from 19 all the way down to 7. Today I am going to share all of the lessons that I have learnt for making your days out with kids a success.
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Table Of Contents
Do Your Research
The first thing you’re going need to do to make your day is a little bit of research before you go. Make sure you check out the website of the place you will be going while making your plans. Often tickets bought in advance can save you some money.
Probably more importantly when picking where you’re going to go, check out some of the independent reviews. This is where you can gain real insight about the venue from people that have actually been.
It is especially important to do this research if you have additional needs in your family and are going to need a disability pass to gain access to the attractions.
Make sure you do this research in plenty of time because some places need you to submit proof of disability in advance of your trip. What you will find is that each individual venue will require different proof submitted in a different way, sometimes even 30 days before you visit.
As a Mum of children with Autism, I always share this information in my vlogs when going on days out, but it is important to check on the website to check the up-to-date information and details for current guidelines before you visit.
Some venues want you to submit proof via the website, some require want you to upload photographs, others need pictures of passports. Make sure you know all of that before you travel and well in advance in advance of the day in order to benefit from the disability access.
Avoid Busy Times
Obviously when you’ve got school children they tend to be off for school holidays which are the busiest times. But what you may find is some school holidays have a bit of an overlap. One county may have holidays weeks 1 & 2 with the next county having holidays weeks 2 & 3 for example, making weeks 1 and 3 quieter than week 2. It’s also a good idea to plan special days out on inset days, when yours may be the only school in the area off.
Make A Wish List Of Activities
My next tip is to plan out the activities you really want to do on the day. You can just show up, wander around and see what you fancy doing if you prefer, but chances are you will come away not having made the most of your day.
Check out the website for lists of attractions. Vlogs can come in especially handy for gaining real insight into specific attractions. You can look at rides beforehand see what you feel may be suitable for your children. Some rides may be a bit too scary for your children, even if they are tall enough to be allowed on the ride.
Measure Your Children
This brings me to the next point. If you are going to a theme park with height restricted rides it is so so important to check out the height restrictions before you travel. Measure your child with shoes on so that you can figure out which rides they are and are not allowed on to avoid disappointment on the day.
Download The App
Download any apps that the venue may have to offer. Some apps contain valuable information such as opening times, show times and menus. Other apps are essential for booking activities during your visit.
Clean Up Your Phone
Check that your phone has enough storage space for all of the photos and videos that you’ll want to take.
Update your phone
Make sure that your phone has had the latest software update in order to avoid glitches when taking photos and using relevant apps on your day out.
Check Menus
Most venues will have menus on their websites or app to check out before you visit. If the venue has multiple dining outlets, look at the menus for each and decide which you will head to so that you can plan your day accordingly. Check that the food is suitable for any family members that are fussy eater or have allergies. Checking menus before you go will also help you to decide whether the food is reasonably priced or if you are better off taking a picnic.
Pack Your Bags In Advance
Think about packing bags for yourself and your children in advance of your trip. Keep reading to learn about what I would recommend packing.
Snacks
Whether you are dining at the venue or not, it’s always a good idea to take snacks. Think about snacks that are not too messy for eating on the go and are likely to travel well, rather than melt or go off.
Wipes
Regardless of the ages of your children, it is always a good idea to pack wet wipes and tissues for a day out with kids.
Drinks Bottles
Almost every venue will give you access to free water, so take advantage of this and take refillable water bottles with you. We like the Chilly Bottles as they keep drinks cold or us to 12 hours and are leak proof.
Boredom Busters
Even if you are heading on a jam packed day out, there may still be some down time during travelling or queueing where your children will need entertaining. I find that packing a small pencil case with a notebook and some pens does the trick.
My kids love these multicoloured pens and it means you can take just that one pen and still have loads of colour options.
Pack Away Waterproofs
Regardless of the forecast, it may be worth taking pack away waterproofs. It may be that the rain suddenly decides to soak you, or that you end up riding a water ride, either way, you’ll be glad of them.
Sun Screen
If there is even. A hint of sun, it’s a good idea to protect your children with a high sun factor. I like the Soltan Protect & Swim as it offers up to 8 hours sun protection, or up to 3hours in the water.
Layers
If the weather is changeable, or if you are staying out late, think about taking layers much as coats or sweatshirts for when the temperature drops.
Spare Clothes
Even if yous kids are beyond the “accident” stage, it may be a good idea to take spare clothes, in case of emergencies. Often older kids can have toilet related accidents when in a busy place with limited access to loos. Equally spillages or soakings from the weather can ruin a day if you have no change of clothes.
Schedule Toilet Breaks
Of course a good way to avoid needing said spare clothes is to schedule in regular toilet breaks. Look on the maps for toilet locations and make sure that everyone has been before you join any long queues.
Prepare Your Children
While some children love surprises, many children (including those on the spectrum) prefer to be mentally prepared for where they are going. If this sounds like your child, involve them in planning, show them maps and vlogs of the venue to that they can know what to expect.
Travel The Day Before
If the place you are going involves a long journey to get there, think about travelling up the night before and stating near by so that you can wake up fresh to enjoy tour day.
Schedule Naps
For babies and young children that still nap, try and factor this into your day. I found that if I put my little ones in the pram after lunch and took them on a brisk walk, they would go off to sleep then wake up happy. This was better than getting cranky then danger napping on the way home.
If your little one is not used to napping in the pram but does need a nap, practice napping in the pram by talking them for a walk after lunch when you are at home before your big trips.
AirTags
AirTags are a brilliant way to keep track of items you don’t want to lose. While they are no substitute for keeping a close eye on your children, they can be great peace of mind as a back up, in case you lose sight of your little one. You could pop an AirTag in their bag (great if your kids are liable to leave things behind) or even use a watch like strap to attach one to their wrist.
How do AirTags work?
Phone Number In Stickers
Where ever you are going, putting labels in your children’s clothing that also have your phone number on them can mean you are more likely to have lost things returned to you. As an added bonus, if your child does lose you, any adult that finds them can then call you.
Foldaway Bags
Foldaway bags are a great addition to a day out for carrying discarded coats plus any souvenirs that you happen to buy.
Pram
If you day out involves a lot of walking, consider taking a pram, even if your child normally walks. A ride on board attached to the pram can be a good option of an oder toddler who may still need a break from walking.
Plan In Breaks
Plan to take breaks through your day, not just for meals and snacks, but to pause and rest. This can be done while watching shows, taking things like train rides, or watching parades.
Adjust Your Expectations
Know that no day out with kids will ever be 100% bump free, but as long as you prepare as much as you can and make the best of it, you can count it as a win.
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