If you are having a day out with children, then it is important to make sure that it is planned well. This is because you want to make sure that things go smoothly and there will often be small hiccups which could end spoiling a day out so being prepared can make a big difference.
All Agree on a Destination
If you want to make it a fun, family day, then it is worth making sure that everyone agrees on where you are going. Have a discussion about where you might like to go and make sure that you are all happy. It will make a much better trip if you are all in agreement about it. It will not always be possible to all agree, but you could always plan several trips with a majority of the family agreeing to each one. This should mean that everyone will be enthusiastic and that will help you to be able to have a better day out.
Check for Events Going on
It can be a good idea to make sure that you check for events that are going on in the area. DOWTK has some fantastic resources. It might be that you would be more likely to want to go somewhere if there is lots going on. However, there is likely to be a lot more traffic as well as a lot more people and that could make the day more stressful. Think about what might suit you and your family the best as you will know whether more events will be better and whether traffic and people will be stressful or fine.
Bring Plenty of Food and Drink
It is always a good idea to have lots of food and drink with you. Even if you plan on eating out, you could find that the food is not to the taste of the children. You may also find that if you are out in the fresh air a lot, it could mean that they will get hungrier, especially if they are not used to being out like that. If there is lots of walking, that could also be something that will make them more likely to get hungry. Drinks are more necessary if the weather is hot, but it is a good idea to have them anyway, just in case. It is worth remembering that if you bring your own food, even if it is just snacks it will save you the cost of having to buy them if the children do get hungry. They also are not that heavy and do not take up that much room.
Have Changes of Clothing
Wherever you are going it is wise to have some changes of clothing with you. This necessity reduces as the children get older but you never know what might happen. It might be a slip into water of some sort, food being spilled, sickness etc but it can just be handy to have a change of clothing. It can avoid the inconvenience and cost of having to buy something. If you are travelling in the car then it can be really easy to put some clothing in there and just leave them there in case they are needed. You may feel your children are too old to need a change of clothes, but you never know what might happen!
Plan Your Route
Travelling can often be the most tiresome part of the journey. This means that planning a route carefully can be helpful. Be aware of road works or possible busy areas of road that you might want to avoid while you are travelling. You may be okay with this, but only you know whether this sort of thing will stress you up and whether a longer journey or busier one will be more stressful for the rest of the family. It can be wise to have maps as well as sat nav as you may find that if you have to change route, the sat nav may not work well or it may not take the route you want so it is wise to have a backup plan.
Start Your Return Journey Before They are Overtired
Children can get pretty miserable if they get overtired. It can therefore be wise to start your journey home before this happens. Unless you can guarantee that they will fall asleep on the journey back, it can be wise to set off early enough so that they do not make the return journey a difficult one.