We all know how important it is to spend time together as a family and how much we can gain from spending fun days with our kids. Time is short, and there are so many memories to be made. Some people fail to realise just how many different types of experiences are awaiting them. It doesn’t matter how many children you have or how old they are; we are incredibly blessed with opportunities for days out in this country.
Staying away from the usual zoos, farms, theme parks, and soft play centres, these are just some of the amazing days out you can enjoy with your kids this year that might not have occurred to you. Be sure to let us know what you’ve been up to, as your adventures could inspire other families out there.
A big city day out
While it’s perhaps natural to exclude a big, bustling city like London from your itinerary, there is so much that families will appreciate in the heart of our capital, and not all of it costs the earth. Yes, you’re going to have to keep younger children on tight reins and be mindful of where you’re going, but a day out in London can be an exciting experience for young and old alike. Top attractions for families include the Natural History Museum, Shrek’s Adventure!, Madame Tussauds, the London Eye, and the Science Museum, along with any of the city’s wonderful parks. Older children will adore exploring the royal palaces and receiving a history lesson at the Tower of London.
A wet weather day out
It can be tempting to head to your nearest soft play centre when the threat of rain rears its ugly head, but there is so much to do during the chillier months of the year. After all, days out aren’t just for the summer. Children are naturally inquisitive, and heading to a museum is a fantastic way to nurture that curiosity and have heaps of fun while you’re at it. Some of the UK’s best include the National Space Centre in Leicester, the Puzzling Place in the Lake District, the House of Marbles near Newton Abbot, and Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions from enquiring minds and to learn a thing or two while you’re at it.
A sporting day out
With their boundless energy, passion for most things that move, and a natural desire to take part in and win just about any competition going, a sporting event is a great idea if you’re looking for a novel way to keep little ones entertained. While younger children may find the concept of football, cricket, or rugby a little difficult to understand, a visit to the Grand National event 2017 will take little explanation; which horse will cross the finish line first? In addition to being a thrilling event for children to watch, the Grand National is a wonderful opportunity to bond as a family as you try to predict who might win. There are restaurants, food stands, and picnic spots throughout Aintree, so your family could make a day out of it.
A wild day out
There can be little doubt that spending time together in the great outdoors can do wonders for the mind, body, and family bonding, so consider researching your local branch of the Forestry Commission the next time you’re in need of some fun and games. Hosting child-friendly activities such as Gruffalo Hunts and organised routes and treasure trails, the NFC does all that it can to encourage children to embrace nature and the wildlife that inhabits the woodlands near you. Take your bikes, invite your dog to join you, suit up in wellies and warm coats, and see what is on offer all around you. The kids will enjoy the opportunity to get a little muddy, while you’ll all feel the benefits of the fresh air. What will you spot?
This might not be an exhaustive list, but hopefully it has provided a little inspiration for any upcoming days out you have scheduled. It’s important to remember that your children probably won’t care where you’re going or what you’re doing as long as you have taken time out from work or housework to have fun with them. Just think of all the memories you’re going to make this year!