www.lets-go-out.co.uk - a really comprehensive site which allows you to select by region and type of day out. It also features child-friendly restaurants in each area.
www.daysoutuk.com - lists attractions across the UK and you can print vouchers for special offers and discounts
www.kidstravel.co.uk - have a list of nationwide places to go with basic details ' some good tips on travelling by air and details of the airlines' services for kids
If you're considering spending up to ?100 on a day out at a major theme park, then why not spend half that amount and join one of our national heritage organisations ' for about '50-60 per year, the whole family can have access to hundreds of houses, gardens and estates around the country.
English Heritage they offer good value family tickets and usually children under 5 go free; membership for a couple and up to 6 children (family only) would be ?68.00 for the year - see www.english-heritage.org.uk
National Trust ' places to visit all over the country ' many have picnic facilities and child-friendly restaurants. Under 5's go free. An annual membership would cost ?65.00 (?48.75 by direct debit) for a family of two adults plus 2 children 5-12yrs - www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Car
www.multimap.com Route maps to get you moving.
Train
www.nationalrail.co.uk Click here to find traintimes and prices.
Bus
www.nationalexpress.co.uk
Walk
www.walking-books.com An interesting site selling fun walking activity guides for children and with useful tips on walking UK based.
Cycle
www.whycycle.co.uk Described as an impartial site, it gives information on most aspects of cycling with children, from safety to equipment.
You know your kids best, so plan ahead and make sure you've got every eventuality covered:
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Keep a change of clothes for each child in the car at all times
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Invest in a small first aid kit to keep in the car
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Make sure all the children can see well out of the car
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Have cartons of drink and snacks available within reach and not in the boot
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Keep two plastic bags to hand one for rubbish and one for car sickness
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Introduce a seat rota so you don't have arguments at every stop about who sits where
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Make or buy a couple of cassettes/cds to play in the car individual players for each child are a sound investment
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Magnetic games are great for most trips
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Start games before trouble starts. Try this site for games, activities and songs to sing along the way www.momsminivan.com
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Encourage each child to use the loo whenever you stop
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Plan your route and build in stops we recommend looking out for Moto service stations as they have become very child friendly recently, with play areas in the restaurant, pretty good food and reasonable process. Baby food is free. See what they have to offer: www.moto.com Give the older children a copy of the map with landmarks highlighted so they can share the 'driving? with you
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If you anticipate trouble, introduce a star chart system and award points for good behaviour, singing or being quiet
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for very long journeys, wrap up a small activity present or book to hand out half way through - as a reward for good behaviour
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Avoid egg sandwiches you will undoubtedly see them return
Early Learning Sheets
