Keeping children entertained on bank holidays doesn't have to involve expensive days out, complicated itineraries or hours of planning, according to broadcaster, expedition leader and Dacia Adventure Community member Monty Halls. He suggests that the best family adventures often come from stripping things back to the essentials: fresh air, curiosity, a little preparation and time spent together.
Tips for a simple family day
Halls recommends putting phones away for part of the day, whether during a woodland walk, a beach trip, a picnic or an hour in the park. He says children don't always need constant entertainment; sometimes they just need the chance to explore, ask questions and have full attention.
Letting children lead the adventure is another tip. Giving kids a role in planning the day, such as choosing between the beach or the woods, deciding what goes in the picnic, or picking a nature challenge, makes them more likely to get stuck in.
Packing and keeping it simple
A good family adventure kit doesn't need to be complicated. Snacks, water, sun cream, waterproofs, a towel, a ball, spare clothes and a blanket can rescue most days out. Keeping a ready-to-go bag in the boot also makes it easier to say yes when the weather suddenly turns good.
Family adventures often come with a surprising amount of kit, including bikes, buckets, wellies, coats, games and snacks. Having enough space matters, which is where a practical car such as the Dacia Bigster can help make days out feel less stressful and more spontaneous.
Finding adventure close to home
Local parks, riverside paths, beaches, nature reserves and even familiar walks can feel new with a simple challenge, such as spotting five birds, building a den, following a map, or finding the best picnic spot. Halls notes that children often remember the muddy, sandy, slightly chaotic days more than perfectly planned ones.
For those seeking a new attraction, the Museum of Illusions, in Manchester and newly opened in London, features over 70 optical illusions, perspective-shifting rooms and sensory installations. It includes a vortex tunnel, an Ames room, an Infinity Room and a Kaleidoscope room. A 20% saving on family tickets is available until September 1.
