It may not be as easy to jump on a plane and explore the world at the moment, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun. If you’re looking for inspiration for days out with the kids or spontaneous weekend trips, this guide is packed full of ideas. Yes, I’ve got some fun ideas for fun family days out, so start planning!
Wildlife Adventures
Most kids love to see animals, especially those they don’t come across very often. Zoos, wildlife parks and safari parks provide a fun-filled walk on the wild side for visitors of all ages. If you’re new to an area, or you’re thinking about planning a road trip or traveling by bus or train to visit an attraction, research online, explore different options and read reviews. You can also visit zoo websites to find out more and plan your day. Booking online is usually cheaper, and you may be able to access discounts for families or groups that might not be available at the gate. If you want to push the boat out and treat your kids to a really special day out, use the Internet to see if there are wildlife parks that offer experiences that allow you to shadow keepers or feed the animals, for example.
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The Great Outdoors
The great outdoors provides the ultimate adventure playground for children and adults. From lakes and rivers to forests, mountain ranges and sprawling meadows and glades, there are opportunities to enjoy all kinds of activities. You can visit national parks or nature reserves for the day, or camp out or book a hotel and make a weekend of it. Depending on the ages of your kids, you could look into excursions and activities including guided rock climbing tours, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, skiing and boat trips. Getting out into the fresh air is beneficial for mental health and exercise offers a raft of health benefits for all ages.
If you are thinking of camping or going out into the wilds for a walk, it’s essential to make sure that you have the right kit with you. Pack lightweight layers, warm clothing, waterproofs and a first aid kit and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. Make sure you have a map and a fully-charged phone with you and research the best flashlights, backpacks and tents if you plan to stay over. You can find information such as the best battery 18650 for flashlights online. Always check the weather forecast before you go walking or cycling and stick to marked paths. If you want to stay or take part in tours or activities, look for companies and accommodation options online and read reviews before you book.
Theme Parks
Is there anything more fun than going to a theme park when you’re a kid? There are theme parks that cater to all ages and many have different areas that will appeal to children with varied interests. Some attractions offer accommodation and some also provide experiences that you can pay for on top of the general admission price. Look for packages and bundles you can book online to save money and ask for recommendations if you’re not sure which park to visit. You can use social media groups to get advice and read reviews of different locations.
Museums and Galleries
Museums and galleries are educational, but they can also be really fun for children. Look for local attractions that run events or exhibitions for children and keep an eye out on social media and museum websites for details of activities, new displays or themed events for kids. You’ll often find that family-friendly museums have interactive exhibitions and they also run workshops and informal, educational sessions for kids to learn about different topics. It’s an excellent idea to search for museums that are relevant to the subjects your kids are covering in school. If they are learning about dinosaurs, for example, a trip to a natural history museum will help them to develop a better understanding of what they have covered in classes.
Nature Walks
Nature walks are inexpensive, they allow families to spend quality time together and they can be relaxing, enjoyable and informative. You can plan your own trail or research online to find resources that are tailored to different areas, parks or paths. Encourage your children to get involved in activities, such as spotting different types of birds, plants or trees, enjoy the fresh air, and burn off some energy. You can make your walk even more fun by creating a treasure trail or making up a quiz that involves finding clues or answering questions along the way.
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A Day at the Beach
It may not be hot and sunny, but that doesn’t mean that the beach is out of bounds. Beaches are quiet in the cooler winter months and it can be invigorating to watch the waves roll in and go for a brisk walk along the sand on a wintry day. Wrap up warm, take a camera and pack a windbreak in the car to keep you warm if you want to stay for a while and enjoy an al fresco picnic.
Sports and Outdoor Activities
The start of a new year is a brilliant time to set goals for the year ahead. If you are looking to get fit or you want to boost your health and well being, increasing your activity levels is a fantastic idea. Exercise is beneficial for the entire family. Playing sports and trying outdoor activities will enable you to spend time together, have fun and reap the rewards of a more active lifestyle. There are all kinds of active pursuits you can try from swimming and playing tennis to walking, kayaking, trampolining, doing family-friendly yoga and dance classes and cycling. Get friends and family involved and try to make exercise part of your daily routine.
Traveling may not be as easy as it used to be, but there are plenty of ways to have fun as a family that don’t involve jumping on a plane. If you are looking for ideas for days out or weekends away, hopefully, this guide has given you food for thought.
