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A day out with a young family can take a bit of planning to make sure that everyone has a good time and that minor dramas are avoided. Take some time to plan ahead so that you and your family can enjoy a relaxing and hassle-free day out together.

Book ahead

Find out if you can book online or over the phone for the place you’re visiting. Whether it’s the zoo, a carnival, or just a trip to the movies, you’re likely to have to wait in longer queues if you’re booking after you reach your destination. The added bonus is that you might also save some money if there’s a concession offered to those who book in advance.

Plan something for everyone

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If you have children of very different ages or who have widely different interests, you may have to think a little harder to come up with ideas that will interest them all. In some cases one of your kids will want to do something that simply won’t interest the others, so decide whether this activity is something that you and your child can do alone at another time, or if you should let each member of the family pick activities on alternate days out. The last option might lead to everyone getting to enjoy something new, but it might be better to avoid with younger, easily bored children.

Food and fun

Food choices can make or break a family day out. There’ll probably be food available wherever you’re going, and while it may not be very nutritious, food like hot dogs and ice-cream can be part of the fun of a day trip. If you do allow your kids some “junk food”, make up for it by giving everyone a nutritious breakfast and packing in some healthier – but tasty – snacks to enjoy along the way. With all of your plans in place and no-one feeling hungry, you’re all set for a great day out.

Tags: children