We love getting out and about as a family, however it can be expensive when you have more than one child, or travel to popular attractions. We’ve been to plenty of places such as Legoland, Weymouth Sealife Centre, Monkey World so I’m always looking for ways to save money on family days out which makes it more affordable for us, and then it also means we can go on more adventures.
Check out these deals to save money on family days out
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Take A Packed Lunch
Thinking about food on a day out can not only be expensive, and quite often doesn’t provide amazing choice. Everything seems to be served with chips, or is processed. We went to one place a few years ago and despite there being three restaurants, they all served only hot dog and chips. That day really opened our eyes and made us realise that actually it’s not that difficult or awkward to carry a rucksack around with you containing a packed lunch and drinks.
I recommend this flask for tea or coffee, and packing a picnic lunch that everyone enjoys. These Sistema lunch boxes are ideal for picnics.
Buy Fuel Before You Travel
We all know how expensive service stations can be, so it’s a good idea to be prepared and buy your fuel from the local supermarket stations that are a lot cheaper than realising half way down the motor way that you need fuel. When you’re packed your drinks at home, you also won’t be tempted to just stop for a coffee or a drink at the same time.
Buy Tickets In Advance
More often than not tickets to the majority of theme parks and attractions are cheaper when you buy in advance. Plans can always change due to weather etc, but it can be a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance, especially after you’ve checked the weather forecast.
Looking around for great deals on days out tickets is always a good idea. There are often deals to be found for travelling on certain days. I love this site for great deals on days out.
Dress For The Occasion
How many times have you gone out for the day and not been properly prepared? I’ll be willing to bet it’s happened at least once. It has to us on more than one occasion. Going to a theme park on a nice day and forgetting to take towels for the splash area in the park, or arriving somewhere two hours away from home and realising you haven’t brought the coats as the sky turns grey above you.
It’s easily done, but if you research your attraction or destination and think you may need to take the wellies, or the rain coat then it’s so much cheaper to take these items from home, rather than getting caught out and paying through the nose in the gift shop.
Set A Budget For The Gift Shop
Almost every attraction we have visited encourages you to walk through the gift shop on your way out. It’s a great marketing ploy, but I am often face with gift shop guilt when I say no to spending money on toys that will either be forgotten about in a few days time, or items that really don’t look worth the price tag.
I have learnt the hard way over the years and now we have a set budget that is decided on at the beginning of the day, or we make an agreement to avoid the gift shop and buy ice creams on the way home. As long as we have all spoken about what is going to happen then we avoid the arguments at the end of the day.
If you’re looking for free days out in the North East then check out this post from My Boys Club
