Making memories doesn't have to cost the earth. If you plan your days out in advance you can save a small fortune, We have put together some tips for you to save time and use when planning family days out especially during the summer holidays.
1. Book in advance
Keep costs down by booking in advance you can save up to 50% by booking online a few weeks in advance versus paying on the gate. Also note that if you go with friends and book as a larger group you can often save even more.
2. Take your own food
Purchasing food for the whole family can soon add up, especially when you're trapped inside an attraction and the kids are hungry. We always take food and drinks with us whether this is a full picnic or just some snacks. It is important to check that the place you are visiting will allow you to take in your own food first though,
3. Ask if you can visit again
There;s no ham in asking! Some attractions offer an annual pass with the price of a single entry, we found this when visiting EUREKA! The National Children's Museum. Other attractions don't advertise the annual pass but will happily provide this for free or a small additional cost which may be worth it if you would visit again within 12 months. Some attractions that offer a free upgrade to annual pass include The Deep Aquarium in Yorkshire, Eden Project, Alnwick Castle, Northumberland.
4. Sign up for a National Trust membership
The National Trust has beautiful locations all over the UK. If you sign up for a family membership you can save a fortune, we found that visiting just 2 to 3 places would cost us more than the membership. You will also receive details of locations and special events for inspiration so you wont be short of places to visit all year round..
A family membership for 2 adults and their children/grandchildren costs £12.20 plus they also have a cheaper option for single adult families.
5. Use free Parking Apps
We use Parkopedia to look for free local parking when planning a day out. The cost of parking your car can quickly add up so plan ahead and see if you can save money on your days out here.
6. Look out for 2 for 1 vouchers
Look out for half price promotional vouchers that can be used at a range of Merlin Attractions such as Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Sea Life, Legoland and many more. You'll find these on promotional bottles of Carex.
7. Use your supermarket points
Before booking a big day out check your supermarket points. Both Nectar card and Tesco Clubcard allow you to trade your points for vouchers towards days out, If you have enough you may even be able to get a free family day out.
8. Join Kids Pass
Kids Pass* have lots of deals saving you up to 57% on theme parks ticket prices and up to 50% on zoos and safari parks, as well as lots of other days out and attractions, You can take advantage of a 30 day trial for £1 and after this the subscription is £4.99, you can also cancel at any time.
9. Go Geo-caching
Turn your walks into an adventure and search for hidden treasures with Geo-caching, You can download the app for free and you basically hunt for locations using the clues and GPS.
When you find the Cache there is usually a little log book inside that you can sign and there are sometimes other hidden treasures inside, if you take something don't forget to swap it for something else for another Geo-cacher to find.
10, Visit the beach
If you plan ahead you can make a trip to the beach cost very little or nothing at all. The UK has miles and miles of beautiful coastline, find a beach, pack a picnic and you're ready to go. Take some garden games with you to fill up your time, make sandcastles, hunt for shells, go rockpooling or just for a swim. There is so much to do at the beach. Costs can mount up if you head to a seaside resort with the kids twisting your arm to head to the amusements so if you;re strapped for cash head to a more secluded beach without these nearby.
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