Are you looking for a fun and affordable way to spend a day with your family?
If so, consider planning your day trip in advance. Day trips can be a lot of fun, and they’re a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Plus, they’re perfect for families because you can pack everything you need into one or two small bags.
We all live busy lives and finding quality time can be a challenge at times. Just a little planning in advance can help strengthen your family bonds and build an amazing collection of memories. You may even encourage the next generation to do the same with their kids.
If you’re not exactly sure how to go about planning a day trip, don’t worry. Here are seven tips that will could help you make your future trips a success.
Plan your day trip in advance.
A day trip can be a great way to spend time with your family, explore a new place, and create lasting memories. However, planning a day trip with kids can be a real challenge.
First, pick a destination that is age-appropriate for your children. If you have young kids, look for destinations that have plenty of activities to keep them entertained. For older kids, choose a destination that offers opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Second, plan your itinerary in advance and build in some flexibility. Kids can be unpredictable, so it’s important to have a plan B in case your first plan doesn’t work out.
Thirdly, Don’t expect too much. Most kids can handle a car journey of up to 2 hours. Beyond that time frame it can be much more challenging.
Finally, don’t forget to pack snacks and drinks for everyone. A healthy snack can help prevent tantrums and meltdowns when hunger strikes. With a little planning, you can ensure that your day trip is fun for the whole family.
Choose a destination that’s fun and interesting for kids.
A day trip can be a great way to spend time with the kids while exploring a new place. But how do you plan a day trip that will be both fun and interesting for kids?
Choose a destination that is geared towards kids is a great start. This could be a child friendly museum, amusement park, or even just a local park. Thinking about alternatives can also help. If it rains is there a friendly restaurant nearby. If it gets dark or cloudy perhaps a bowling alley might be a big relief.
Make sure to plan plenty of activities. Kids can get bored quickly, so it’s really important to have a variety of things to do.
It’s so easy to pick a attraction that is popular and the kids are always talking about. However, try to avoid the times of day or the day of the week where attractions are likely to require long lines or a lot of waiting around. Kids tend to get hot, bothered and very ratty when they have to wait too long, so it’s best to choose places where they can still move around, be distracted and ideally stay active.
Packing some snacks and drinks to keep the kids fueled up throughout the day is also a good move. Don’t get caught by thinking the food line will be short. It is often the time when your feeling tired too and could really do with a cool drink.
Make a list of things to do and see at the destination.
Here are some things to do and see at the destination:
- Visit the local zoo or aquarium.
- Go on a nature walk or hike.
- Explore the local museums or historical sites.
- Take a trip to the beach or swimming pool.
- Go on a picnic or visit a local restaurant.
- Visit a local amusement park or water park.
- Visit a local art gallery, surprisingly my 3-year-old loves them!
- Take a scenic train or boat ride.
- See a movie or show at a local theater.
- Go shopping in a big mall or out of town location.
Whatever you decide to do, just make sure to have fun and enjoy your time with your kids!
One additional thought would be to make up a calendar or schedule of the items above you and the kids will probably like. That way they have lots of variety and something to look forward to.
Pack food, drinks, and snacks for the trip.
When packing food and drinks for a day trip with kids, it’s important to strike a balance between healthy and kid-friendly options. Here are some general ideas to get you started:
For breakfast, why not try whole grain pancakes or waffles with fruit syrup, yogurt with granola, or oatmeal with dried fruit. For snacks, pack fruits and vegetables like carrot sticks and grapes, whole grain crackers or pretzels, or healthy granola bars. Even vegetable chips can be a treat if combined with one of their favorites.
For lunch, pack sandwiches on whole wheat bread with lean protein like turkey or chicken, or a wrap filled with hummus and veggies. There were many a camping trip I took my kids on and added a few healthy/unusual options to their lunch boxes.
You can even experiment on food combinations and who knows, you might find they have a new favorite.
Don’t forget to keep the kids hydrated. Be sure to pack plenty of water as well as juice boxes or even some sports drinks.
By planning, you can make sure your kids have everything they need to stay hydrated and fueled up for a day of fun!
Dress appropriately for the weather.
Taking a day trip with your kids can be a great way to explore the outdoors and enjoy some fresh air. But it’s important to dress them appropriately for the weather conditions.
If it’s cold, they’ll need layers to keep warm, including a hat and gloves. If it’s hot, they’ll need loose-fitting, light-colored clothes to help stay cool, and sunscreen is a must.
You should also pack extra clothes in case they get wet or dirty. By dressing them properly for the conditions, you can help them stay comfortable and safe all day long.
Take puzzles, coloring books, crayons & picture books.
When planning a kid’s day trip, it’s important to remember to pack items that will keep them occupied and distracted from the long journey ahead. Puzzle books, coloring books, and picture books are all great options for the car.
Crayons or other art supplies can also come in handy if your child likes to draw. And if all else fails, a good old-fashioned deck of cards can provide hours of entertainment. Whatever you choose, just make sure it’s small enough to fit in your bag and won’t cause too much of a mess.
Relax and Enjoy Your Day Trip!
It can be tough to find time to relax, but it’s important to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A day trip is a perfect opportunity to do just that. Disconnect from technology, slow down and enjoy your surroundings. If you’re traveling with kids, take the opportunity to teach them about nature and wildlife.
A picnic lunch in the park can be very memorable, or you could take them for a hike in the woods. Nearly all kids love playing and exploring. You could spend some time exploring a new town or city, and take in the sights and sounds of your destination.
If your going to a city location it really is best not to try and pack in too many places. After all the traffic may spoil your timing and lead to loads of frustration. Kids aged 8, 9, 10 years old and on the whole are easier to entertain on a day trip.
A change in surroundings is not just good for the kids, as they say “variety is the spice to life.”
In Conclusion.
Day trips can be a fun way to explore new places and enjoy some time outdoors with your family. By planning ahead, you can make sure you have everything you need for a successful trip.
Dress appropriately for the weather, pack food and drinks, and bring along some distractions to keep the kids occupied. Most importantly, relax and enjoy your day!
Sources: Mummy and Me Travels, New York Times and THX News.
