Your family days out checklist

Farms and zoos are a great way to engage kids of all ages.

"Farms make great days out for toddlers," says Emma and Deborah. "You can make the trip educational for them. Consider taking a pushchair as you may get tired carrying them."

"A spring visit to the farm is always extra special because all the babies are being born," says mum-of-three Michelle. She suggests allowing your child to dictate which animals you see next.

"Plan your day," she says. "We make a list of which animals we definitely want to see. Then, once we get there, we try to be the first person to spot their favourite animal. It's always good to make a game out of the experience." Another good game, suggests Michelle, is getting your children to do impressions of each animal.

Catherine Wakeman runs Down At The Farm in Tyne and Wear.

She says it's important to make your children aware of what to expect from the animals. "Kids have to approach animals carefully and understand animals can get upset if they're not nice. Some animals may want to rest or to hide. Get as much information as you can before you go about the animals you are going to see."

Farms and zoos are a great way to engage kids of all ages

Things to consider taking to a farm/ zoo:

• Wipes. Farms often let your little one pet or feed the animals. Keep their hands clean with a pack of handy wipes.
  Many farms will also have alcohol gel dispensers. "It's really important to wash your hands properly with soap and water before you eat anything," says Catherine. "Don't put dummies back in children's mouths if they've been on the ground."
• Loose change. You may need it for parking or to spend at the farm on treats for the animals.
• Water. It's important your family stays hydrated on their trip. Why not carry your water in this clip-on Trunki Holster?
• Wellies. These cute boots from mini club will help keep your tot's feet dry.
• A camera. Capture those cute moments of your little one stroking a rabbit or a guinea pig for the very first time. Your children may be kept entertained with a disposable camera or this Ben 10 Camcorder – just make sure they put it back in your bag when they've finished with it.
• Lunch. If your child wants to carry their own lunch bag, try something like this Skip Hop Zoo Lunchie Bee. And, if the farm has picnic facilities, bring a picnic rug.
• Farm toys. By no means a necessity, but if your little one can't bear to leave the baby lambs and cute ducklings, you may need an animal-themed toy or book to entice them.
  This Leapfrog Hide And Seek At The Farm book provides a great interactive learning experience. It's suitable from six months.
• Waterproofs. "Don't spoil the day by not checking the weather before you set off," says Catherine.

Theme parks provide a great experience for older children but, bear in mind, some of them may be expensive and, during weekends and holidays, they may also be busy. If you can, choose an inset day and look for money-off vouchers online.

"If you're at a fair where you pay for every ride, set a limit of the number of rides children can go on. It will keep the cost down," says Michelle.

"If there is a penny arcade, don't forget to take the copper jar." Always check the rides are suitable for your children – try to look at the website before you go.

"Dress your kids in bright clothing so they'll be easier to spot if they go astray in a crowd," say Emma and Deborah Barnett who run a family holiday company.

Theme parks provide a great experience

Things to consider taking to a theme park:

• A travel pillow. The Trunki SnooziHeadz pillow is an innovative three-in-one pal, pillow and blanket, perfect for your little one to get some nap-time on those long car journeys.
• Their favourite CD or game. Keep them occupied on the car journey by playing games or singing along to their favourite CD. "It depends how far you are travelling but I find it's good to keep an army of games and toys in the car," says mum-of-three Michelle.
  "Good, old-fashioned car games like rock, paper, scissors, or I Spy can pass a good quarter of an hour."
• A Snoozeshade. If your little one is in a pushchair, you may wish to consider giving them some quiet time or some protection from the sun's rays by covering their pushchair with a Snoozeshade.
• A money belt. Try to travel as light as you can and keep your money close. If you do take a bag, remember to stow it away safely while on rides.
• We don't like to predict rain but, hey, this is Britain. An umbrella is never a bad idea.
• Comfortable shoes. Theme parks can involve a lot more walking than you think, as you move from ride to ride and, on busy days, stand in queues. Take comfortable shoes with a secure fastening, so they don't fall off while you're on a ride.
  Trainers, such as these FitFlop Supertone Trainers, are ideal.
• A picnic. If you're planning a day out on a budget, taking your own food along may work out cheaper than buying it on the day. Pack up a lunch in this Skip Hop Zoo Lunch Pack Monkey, an insulated lunch bag.
• A theme park buddy. Doodle about your day and draw pictures of the rides you went on with this Crayola Colour and Cuddle Mickey. Suitable from three years.

A day at the seaside is the ultimate summer day out. There are loads of things you can do as a family.

Some of Michelle's favourites include games like "Let's Bury Dad"! "Other suggestions include building a sandcastle, then going on a walk to find things to decorate it with – shells, stones etc," she says.

"Build a line of sandcastles, then see who can squash them the fastest. Make sand angels by lying in the sand and waving your arms backwards and forwards. Or dig a shallow water pool for perfect splashing."

A day at the seaside is the ultimate summer day out

Things to consider taking to the beach:

• A bag. Stow away soggy swimwear in this cool blue backpack.
• Lots to drink. Stay hydrated by filling up this Nuby Insulated Flip It cup which keeps liquid fresh and cool. Suitable from 12 months.
• Sunscreen. Use one that absorbs quickly and will also give protection in the water, such as Soltan Once Kids' Waterplay Suncare Lotion SPF50+.
• A towel. Keep a stock of dry, clean towels and use them at the end of the day to wipe off damp, sandy feet.
• Wipes. A pack of wipes, such as these Botanics Gentle and Mild Cleansing Wipes are a great idea for wiping sandy fingers and toes.
• Flip-flops or sandals. These cute mini club Whale Jelly Shoes are perfect for summer days
• A sun hat. This mini club Bows & Arrows straw hat is just the ticket.
• A beach ball or beach games. Buckets, spades – even a sledge (for older children to slide down the dunes) – are fun ideas when you're beside the seaside.
• Waterproof clothing. If you and your little one are planning a paddle in the shallows, it's a good idea to pack swim suits, waterproof shorts or, for little ones, waterproof nappies.
• A play tent or travel cot. Something like this Sun Essentials Travel Cot is perfect when your little one wants a rest.
• A picnic rug and a good book. Make sure you take time to relax too!

If you've got a young family, it's probably wise to choose a walking destination like a park, country park or the grounds of a stately home, where all the routes are clearly mapped out. Angelah Sparg of the Ramblers' Association says; "Don't take unnecessary risks by tackling overly long or difficult routes."

Take a mobile phone, bottles of water and enough food along with you. If you don't know the route, you may wish to take a map, compass and whistles for your family. "Take extra care when crossing fields with livestock," adds Angelah.

If you're heading to the park, Michelle suggests meeting with other mums. "Take scooters, a football, bikes or a Frisbee," she says.

"Organise a scavenger hunt for the walk include things like leaves, flowers, pebbles – anything you can think of really – but no more than 10." If there's a duck pond, you may want to take some stale bread along to feed them." She also suggests collecting pretty leaves and flowers to make a collage once you get home.

Choose a walking destination like a park

Things to consider taking on a walk:

• A rucksack. Bring one for you and, if you're not going too far, one for your little one. This Littlelife Toddler Day Sack has a removable safety rein and a weatherproof hood.
• The Bundle Bean 5 in 1 Waterproof Blanket. This brilliant blanket fits around your buggy, then opens out into a picnic rug or playmat.
• Insect repellent. Boots Pharmaceuticals Repel For Children Insect Repellent Wipes are suitable from six months. They provide effective protection against mosquitoes, midges and other biting insects. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
• Waterproofs. This mini club boys' Khaki Coat is fleece-lined to keep your little chap warm.
• Hardy footwear. If you're doing any serious walking, you'll need proper walking boots. If you're planning a stroll round the grounds of a local stately home or country park, make sure you take waterproof footwear, such as these FitFlop Girls' Blizz Boots.
• A picnic rug and food. Try to travel light. Sandwiches, apples, rice cakes and cereal bars make great on-the-go snacks.

There are lots of child-friendly, interactive museums around, designed to excite and engage your family. "Remember toddlers understand the world around them by touching , so make sure you're going to a place where you won't have to constantly say 'no – don't touch,'" says Michelle.

"It needs to be family friendly." Talk to your child in advance about what you might see at the museum. "Once you get there, get the children to find exhibits – e.g. the first to find a suit of armour – and ask them about what they think of what they're seeing. Take stars to praise and reward lovely behaviour."

There are lots of child-friendly, interactive museums around,
designed to excite and engage your family

Things to consider taking to the museum:

• Comfortable shoes. Don't underestimate the amount of walking you'll be doing as you tour the different exhibits.
• Educational toys and books. By no means a must, but it's great if you can engage your children in what they may be seeing. If you're visiting a castle, maybe you could try some dressing up before you go?
  
  If you're visiting a science museum, why not get your kids engaged in these Science Museum toys, such as the Solar Rover, which teaches how sunlight can be transformed into energy, or this Potato Clock?
  
  Both toys are only suitable for children over eight and contain small parts, which may be choking hazards to under-threes.
• Money. Some museums have free entry but you may want to have some cash on you for parking, or for spending in the museum shop or café.
• If you've visited an outdoors museum, stately home or castle, you'll have lots of great memories to record. Consult bootsphoto.com for lots of ideas to help your family memories live on.