"Bank Holiday Weekend with Kids: How to Survive and Thrive."

So, you have the kids for some time over the long weekend. What a great opportunity to get out there and make some memories. In this article we have gathered some ideas, to suit all budgets, that are sure to make this bank holiday a memorable one.

Out Top Ten

Visit a theme park

There are a variety of theme parks to suit all children and all budgets. There are the obvious big three – Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures, but there are also numerous smaller parks targeted at different audiences. The forbidden Corner in Yorkshire provides a creative day out that kids large and small will not forget. How about Diggerland or Gullivers? The options are out there and some real gems can be found. Keep an eye out for special offers, reduced price advance booking and other ways of keeping the costs down.

Geocaching

This is a no cost option that could see you and your kids exploring your local area, or further afield if you are feeling brave, whilst searching for small boxes that may contain objects, messages or even puzzles. Download a geocaching app on a mobile phone and off you go. This is a great way of getting kids to enjoy being outside – especially if you can end with a treat like a nice cold ice cream.

Picnic

Why not grab some simple ingredients and get the kids to prepare and pack a picnic to take to your local park. This can be as simple as throwing a few sandwiches and packets of crisps together. This could also involve baking some scones, fresh bread or pastries to enjoy in the great outdoors. You could also travel to a national park for a change of scenery or peace and quiet. Why not take a rounders or badminton set along to work up an appetite before you sit down to savour the fruits of your labours.

Prepare and cook a BBQ

As the nights get longer and the temperatures get warmer then cooking and eating outside becomes a very British obsession. Grab some burgers and a disposable BBQ at least. Get the kids to see who can put together the tastiest burger, judged by a discerning family member of course! Alternatively, get the kids to prepare salads, season steaks and even have a go at some slow cooked ribs or pulled pork. This is a great way to teach kids how to cook the simplest of food. Round it all off with some Smores over the dying embers as the sun sets and the kids will have had one great day.

Family Challenge time

Why not challenge yourselves as a family? Climb a mountain, swim in a river or walk/cycle along a national path/cycleway. This country is covered with public rights of way across fields, streams and beautiful landscapes. Even city areas have green spaces that can be explored. Set yourselves a target. Can you all walk 5k? What about 10k? Why not approach friends and family to sponsor it and raise money for a charity that matters to your family?

Get lost in the woods

Find a wood or forest - you'd be surprised where they can be found in your local area - and lose yourself in the trees. Build a den; find different wildlife; play hide and seek. These beautiful spaces are a great way of connecting with others and with yourself. Take some snacks and drinks and enjoy the sounds and sights of the woods. If you have a four legged friend then take them too - or borrow one for the morning or afternoon.

Home Cinema Day

If the weather takes a typically British turn then perhaps you could turn your front room into a cinema for the day. Prepare the popcorn, with different flavours of course. Get everyone to pick a movie to share with the rest of the family. Grab a pillow and duvets off the bed, close the curtains and hunker down for a movie marathon together.

Go to the Zoo

This is a perennial favourite. Small children love seeing exotic animals of all sizes. It doesn't have to be a big zoo to keep the children interested. What about a reptile house, a butterfly farm, or an animal sanctuary? There are plenty of options out there to explore that cater for a variety of budgets. The important thing is to give the children an experience of something new.

Try something new together

While we are on the topic of something new, why not try something new as a family? Ever wanted to throw a pot? Paint landscapes? Ride a hot air balloon? Why not find something that you all want to do and just go and do it? Common experiences can strengthen bonds and provide valuable memories. It doesn't need to cost the earth. Borrow a kayak and take it out on local river; go open water swimming; build a den together.

Camp

Whether it is at a camp site, out in the wild or in your own back garden, spending a night under canvas can be a great experience this time of year. Gather around a fire, tell stories, sing songs and reconnect. Grab marshmallows to toast before you slip into your sleeping bags for a night under the stars. If the budget is tight, look for second hand tents and equipment on auction sites or via Facebook Marketplace. Better still, build a shelter from blankets and bedding.

If you are having problems arranging child contact, it is important to seek legal advice so that you understand your rights and obligations. Why not reach out to one of our Family Law Specialists who can help you work through the issues and reach an arrangement that works for your family? Contact us on 0333 9205911 to book in a consultation to discuss your needs or visit our website www.familylawconsultants.co.uk to read more information and complete a call-back request.

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Written by Joanne Bennett