How to Make a Trip to the Park Last All Day

‘What? Why on earth would I want it to last all day?’ I hear you cry.

Well listen, during the summer holidays it’s nice to get the kids out of the house. Problem is, that it can often cost an arm and a leg going to different kids’ attractions up and down the UK. If you have a mid-to-large-sized family, you’ll have no doubt found more than a few places that cost upwards of £100 just to get all of you through the gates! Once you start adding on travel costs, lunch at the overpriced cafe, and trinkets from the on-site gift shops, you start to realise that this isn’t something you can do daily.

That’s where the humble British park comes in. Almost all of us live within a nearby radius of a park. Visiting the park can save you a shedload of money over the course of the summer holidays if you do it right. Yeah, bad news, you can’t just dump your kids in the park each day and expect them to be sufficiently entertained. Making a few provisions beforehand can make a trip to the park a proper family day out though.

 

Invite a friend

Seriously, this is one of the best things you can do to elevate the fun levels at the park. Most kids are used to mainly seeing their classmates at school. Opening up a park to them allows them to really let their hair down. If the park has a playground with swings, slides and the usual shebang, then you’ve pretty much taken care of your day right there.

You may be thinking that there’s no way that would keep a child entertained for that long. Think back though, to when you’ve been to the park with your child, and told them it’s time to go. Has there ever been a time when they’ve said “sure, that sounds reasonable. I think I’ve had more than my fair share of playing today, thanks Dad”?

No! They ALWAYS want to stay longer!

During the summer hols, why not let them once in a while?

Pack a picnic

There are only three things that can scupper your staying in the park plans: weather, toilet needs, and hunger.

There’s not a lot you can do about the weather. The second one’s tricky too; try to find a park with some toilets if you can. Hunger though, we can prepare for.

A picnic is an event in itself. Kids love to eat outside, and I guarantee that it’s something they’ll be looking forward to. That means that there’s unlikely to be any arguments about stopping playing to eat. Of course, after you’ve all had a drink, you might need to find those toilets though.

 

Bring the Caravan

Instead of packing everyone and everything you need for a day out, why not pack it all in the caravan and drive there in style? Just make sure you take care of any caravan repairs beforehand.

The key to making this work is not spending all day inside. Use your caravan to store your food and drinks, and make clean up easier. Balls, Frisbees, cleaning supplies, and picnic blankets can all tag along inside the caravan.

Avoid using the caravan to eat or play, but do take advantage if your little one needs changing or a nap.

 

Take some accessories

One of the easiest ways to extend a park stay, is to bring some outdoor toys along with you.

A ball always opens up plenty of play possibilities. If your child isn’t into ball games though, why not try bringing a frisbee or boomerang? These are toys that you can’t really use in your house or back garden very well (unless you’re lucky enough to have a few acres to yourself).

If the weather’s a little patchy, you could even take a kite instead. We did this not long ago, and I’d forgotten how much I like flying kites until we did. On that occasion it was me that didn’t want to go home!

 

Check out some other activities you can do with your kids!

There’s lazier ways around keeping them entertained too.