Family Trips Out on a Budget




Let's face it, we don't always have the money for amazing days out (or the energy) but we still want to get out the house. Here is a few ideas of things I like to do to get out with Rosie & the other half that don't cost a fortune but can be nice, relaxing trips to spend together as a family. Of course there is baby groups and soft plays etc but when you're not feeling them these fill some time nicely..

1.) PARKS- Okay so we can put the most obvious first. We live in an amazing country with soo much

nature and landscape, with most of it being FREE to explore. Check the trip advisor for your area and go and explore a nearby country park or area of beauty. Kids love nothing more than the good outdoors. This is by far our favourite free activity to do! You can really make a day of it. Raid your cupboards and pack a lovely picnic, feed the ducks, let the kiddies go wild on the play area and I guarantee you'll all come home a lot happier and refreshed. (Wellies may often be necessary!) 



2.) IKEA - There was this facebook post going around recently about if you don't consider IKEA a day out who even are you?! It made me laugh because for me this is so true.However this only works as a cheap day if you have the willpower to only stick to a pre set budget you've set before you go, and yes I know how easy it is to get carried away! See it as a challenge, just go in search of that one thing you've been wanting to find for ages or pick a few little things to freshen up a room that needs it, you could always leave your bank cards at home as just take the cash you don't want to go over so you know you cant! I love the cheap food at IKEA! You can have quick family lunch that will fill you all up but wont empty your purse. Also you don't feel to self conscious about your little one throwing their peas on the floor as its so family friendly, in our IKEA they have a 'family' dining area which is basically where they hope all the loud babies and children will go! Win. They also had a breastfeeding area and bottle warmers which I though was fab! Oh and if you don't want to do this, they sell hot dogs for like 60p.. every time we go I can't get over the cheap hot dogs and fries!! Mad.

3.)GARDEN CENTRES! - Lets just accept the fact that we enjoy going to garden centres even though we don't want to seem like our Nan. They're cute, they have fishes and plants that Rosie loves to look at in bewilderment. If you've allowed yourself the budget most of them have sweet little cafes in which you can have lunch and a coffee. I find they do lovely presents for people so you can always do some browsing for some future gift ideas! (Because isn't there always something right!? I feel like xmas has just finished and now its already nearly easter!?)

4.) LOCAL FAIRS & FETES - Look up in your local area what kind of family events are on, they are often a lot of fun, especially for the older kids with things like face painting. You can find some right gems at some of the stalls for a bargain! Also, who doesn't love a tombola?! It also helps the local community and small businesses!!

5.)MUSEUMS - Research local museums (or further away) as some of them are often free or inexpensive entry! Nice to just get out and do something different, and of course it can be educational for them older kids. Some are located in or near parks/gardens where you can take a picnic! 

6.) CANAL WALKS - We live in a country filled with canals, and whilst I remember zero of my GCSE exam on canals, I can tell you they are nice to have a stroll along. The kids will love looking at all the boats, and there is often a nice pub or seating area dotted along them to have a nice glass of wine or a pack up! 

7.) SWIMMING - If you can bare the thought of getting into a swimsuit then this is a no brainer, most places its fairly cheap and kids will have a whale of a time! 


Phew! All these days out are exhausting... 





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