Family Days Out

New in Days Out

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is set in the spacious surroundings of 600 acres of scenic parkland on the Chiltern Hills. You can explore by car or on foot and take advantage of our free Safari Tour bus or have an old-fashioned adventure by steam train aboard The Jumbo Express.

Beaulieu Motor Museum - Days out in Hampshire
Beaulieu Motor Museum is a great day out for all the family in the heart of the New Forest.

Electricity Museum
If your children are interested in what happens when they turn a light on or what electrical appliances were around when their grandparents were growing up then the Electricity Museum may provide the answers. Based in Christchurch, Dorset it offers a value for money afternoon out.


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Saving Money on Days Out

A family day out can be expensive. Even when attractions offer family tickets the cost soon mounts up when you include transport costs, plus the cost of food and drinks. Saving money always helps so here are a few Parenting.co.uk tips for saving money on a big day out.

• To start off it is always worth checking out the website of the attraction you are planning to visit. Many offer special discounts if you buy your tickets in advance. Obviously for outdoor attractions you need to be aware that the weather may be less than ideal on the day. Another advantage of buying tickets in advance is that you are often able to avoid queuing.
  
  
• Even if you decide not to purchase your tickets in advance some websites will have discount vouchers that you can print off and take with you on the day.
  
  
• Bigger attractions such as Legoland and Thorpe Park often team up with retailers and manufacturers to offer discount vouchers. Look out for these while shopping.
  
  
• Some venues give out free or discounted tickets for a return trip. If you cannot go yourself and you are aware of this type of offer beforehand you may be able to share the cost with a friend.
  
  
• Pop into your local railway station. You will often find a variety of special offers and discounts. Be aware that you normally have to show a rail ticket to qualify for any discount.
  
  
• Look out for discount voucher books. These are often available for free or for a low price. Normally the first visit you make will pay for the cost of the book.
  
  
• The cost of food and drink can often add a great deal to the price. Therefore you can make a considerable saving if you are prepared to take a picnic of packed lunch.
  
  
• Take a look at what an annual pass has to offer. Many passes pay for themselves after three or four visits. Often it can be less.
  
  
• Failing all the other points you can always look for a whole in the fence ;-)
  
  

Making the Most of Your Entrance Fee

• Be prepared to get there early and leave late. Often outside of peak times (late morning to late afternoon) you will find shorter queues.
  
  
• Go along when the sun isn't shining. There is nothing like a glorious sunny day to bring people out in great numbers. Often all you end up doing is queuing for ever in the baking sun. If you don't mind the odd spot of rain you are likely to find parks and attractions much quieter. Come on you were going to get wet on the water rides anyway!
  
  
• Avoid weekends and public holidays. This is not always possible and we are not trying to tempt people to give their children ad hoc days off school, but if there is an inset day coming up this could be a good day to pay a visit. You will often find a lot of your children's friends have had the same idea!
  
  
• If you are visiting a farm or zoo don't get there too late. Check out animal feeding times before you go to make sure you don't miss any of the main events.
  
  

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