Days out with the family – especially families with multiple children – can be difficult, stressful and costly. We have a few money saving tips however that can help you keep hold of your wits and your wallet when taking kids out for a family fun day.
Book in advance!
One of the easiest and most overlooked things to do is to book tickets for your chosen activity in advance online. Many attractions in the UK offer discounts – some as much as 20% — if you book your tickets in advance. For example, popular London attractions including the London Aquarium, the London Eye, and Madame Tussauds offer a 10% discount just for reserving your tickets before you get there.
This will allow you to have an easier time when you arrive, as you will already have tickets and allows you to know that you got the best deal possible on your outing. You should also look at the attraction’s web site to see if there are any other specials. Going with other families is another bright idea that could help you all save money as this could qualify you for a group discount.
Book off peak
You should also try and schedule your family outings for off-peak seasons and hours. Going to a movie during the day saves you money on tickets, while many amusement parks and carnivals offer an “after-five” discount for those who come close to closing time. Likewise, if you are looking for more than a day out with your children, you can plan yearly family holidays during their winter break and avoid paying peak summertime hotel and activity prices.
Holidays can be very expensive due to hidden costs because your family will be eating out much of the time, but you can save by packing your food when leaving for the day and booking a room that has a kitchenette so that you can cook some meals each day.
You should also look for restaurants with “kids eat free” nights or other deals for children. Similarly, if they are small and never finish their whole meal, children can share a meal or share from the adults’ meals. Since many restaurants serve larger portions than you can’t eat in one sitting, this can make a big difference to your wallet without leaving anyone hungry.
You should also look for restaurants with “kids eat free” nights or other deals for children. Similarly, if they are small and never finish their whole meal, children can share a meal or share from the adults’ meals. Since many restaurants serve larger portions than you can’t eat in one sitting, this can make a big difference to your wallet without leaving anyone hungry.
Scout around for free activities
Another tip is to look for free activities, as there’s no better way to save money than by looking for places that will keep both your kids and your budget happy. Britons are fortunate to live in a society in which most museums are free, so that everyone has the opportunity to expose their children to culture and history. Even places that are not typically free may have free entry for children, leaving you to pay for just yourself, or days when everyone gets in for free.
Karen watts from www.myeggnest.com enjoys saving for children