Taking your kids to the park for a fun day out can be an enjoyable experience for the whole family. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can make sure the day runs smoothly and everyone has a great time.
Here are seven top tips for planning a successful park day out with kids:
1. Pack Snacks and Drinks
Make sure you pack plenty of snacks, drinks and a picnic blanket or towels so you can take breaks to refuel. Kids get hungry and thirsty when they’re running around playing. Pack their favorite healthy snacks like fruit, veggies, yogurt, sandwiches, crackers, etc. Don’t forget water bottles. Having food on hand prevents meltdowns!
Photo by ALINA MATVEYCHEVA : https://www.pexels.com/photo/family-sharing-snacks-on-a-bench-18234601/
2. Check the Weather
Keep an eye on the weather forecast for the day and plan accordingly. Bring hats and sunscreen if it’s sunny or rain jackets if the forecast is wet. Having the right gear will allow the kids to enjoy the park regardless of the weather. You don’t want to have to cut the day short because they get too hot, cold or wet.
3. Have Entertainment/Toys
While the park itself will provide entertainment, bringing some extra toys and games means you can keep the kids amused if they get bored. Balls, frisbees, bubble makers and kites are great for running around and burning off energy. A deck of cards, coloring books and storybooks are handy for quieter moments.
Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh: https://www.pexels.com/photo/boy-playing-on-slide-in-playground-2143761/
4. Know Park Facilities
Do some research beforehand about what facilities the park offers. For example, if you are fostering in the West Midlands, Lickey Hills Country Park is highly rated, and has some great walking trails. That way you can plan activities based on what’s available; for example, if there is a pond where you can take bread to feed the ducks. Or bring swimsuits and towels if there is paddling pool. Check for playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails etc.
5. Invite Friends
Kids always have more fun with their friends! Organise with other parents from school or neighborhood to meet at the park. Kids can play together and entertain themselves. It’s also more social for parents. Just coordinate the location and times. The more the merrier!
6. Bring a Ball/Frisbee
Pack a ball, frisbee or other outdoor toy you can play together as a family. Simple games like catch, kicking a ball back and forth or frisbee will get everyone moving around and engage the kids.
Photo by Luna Lovegood: https://www.pexels.com/photo/boy-wearing-red-brown-and-white-stripe-sweater-running-photo-1104007/
7. Take Walking Shoes
Make sure the kids have comfortable shoes suitable for running around the park. Sturdy trainers or closed toe sandals are a good choice. This prevents stubbed toes or injuries. Pack spare shoes and socks in case they get wet or dirty.
With the right preparation, your park trip will be a low-cost enjoyable day out for both kids and parents. Don’t forget sunscreen, extra clothes, baby changing supplies, first aid kit and wet wipes too. Most importantly, be flexible – just go with the flow if the kids change their mind about activities. Getting fresh air and exercise will result in happy but tired kids – and parents!