To hate visiting anywhere as it's all overcrowded with queues for everything!

[Imsosorryalan]

(Slightly lighthearted as I know I can't change it) but it's crap trying to get anywhere for a day out. If you aren't stuck in traffic, then you're in an endless queue to then visit an overcrowded museum with people pushing past you and the kids!

I am now grumpy that what was going to be a family day out has been ruined by the above. ( kids liked it though)

[BrokenToeOuch]

I feel the same. Sometimes I feel like I'm letting my DC down for not traipsing them up to London more often to see the sights, but in reality, although it's only half an hour on the train to Waterloo, the last time we did the museums etc, the queues were long and it was rammed and totally spoiled any enjoyment. Same for things like Winter Wonderland. I wouldn't even consider it again after the first time. It was abysmal.
Went down to the New Forest last week - traffic bad all the way down, took an hour and a half to park and then there were too many people everywhere.
The swimming pool we went to last week has now erected a sort of gazebo tunnel away from the doors so when you drive up and park, you can't see any queues. It's only when you approach up close that you can see this thing masking 450 people lining up to go and bob around in communal urine and paying through the nose for it. Of course, by the time you've got all the kids out of the car and excited, it's a kick in the balls for them to say 'actually, we're not waiting, back in the car!' so we queued for 45 minutes.

I know I didn't have to wait, but it's fucking tedious and I wish they'd just put a limit on the queue and tell you to bugger off as you're too late. But being businesses, they are happy to cram you in and take your money for limited enjoyment.

Obviously I was yet another irritating member of the crowd, but I'm slowly learning that I just hate people.

OP, YANBU.

[Southeastdweller]

Absolutely (and I don't even have kids).

I deliberately don't do the obvious things now here in London at the busy times - I get up early to do whatever or go much later, or even take time off work. The crowds here can be utterly horrendous. Hell really is other people.

[ouryve]

Agreeing. Both boys have ASD and don't tolerate such crowds. We try to visit places off season, or go to quieter places or get there when it first opens in the morning and only stay a short time. We have bought tickets for Beamish, this year, but the tickets are a 1 year pass, so we have a lot of flexibility. We went this morning, but were out and home again in time for lunch, so missed most of the crowds. Having boys who are early risers does help, here.

[Sparklingbrook]

YANBU. I don't like other people generally, and never in my personal space. I really didn't enjoy some of the trips when DC were little and I had to do it.
The adults are the worst with their rudeness and selfishness, and not letting the children get a look at whatever they want to do or see. Plus now everyone is waving their phones and Ipads about.

My DC are old enough now to make the choice and go themselves. Phew.

[steff13]

I took my kids to a butterfly show on Friday, and I was very surprised how cranky the whole experience made me. First, people can't parallel park, so there were tons of people taking up two parking spaces near the conservatory, so we had to park nearly a mile away and walk. I had my pedometer on, so I know it .82 miles. Not that I couldn't use the exercise, but with a toddler in tow, I wasn't all that excited about the walk.

Then, the line to get in was terrible, and you could hardly enjoy the butterflies inside because we were all right on top of each other.

I went to the gift shop to buy my administrative assistance a gift for Administrative Professionals' Day, and it was crazy crowded, too. I thought going on a Friday we might be safe as most places are not closed on Good Friday here, but no, the whole experience made me feel stabby.

[ChickyEgg]

YANBU. I'm the same. I think I'm slightly relieved that both my DC are of an age where they don't want to go out on day trips very much.

[Sparklingbrook]

YY-it's all I can do to get them to leave the house now Chicky. Think of the money/time we are saving....

[magimedi]

YANBU

Thankfully I am old & can stay at home (with no guilt) on holidays & clean/repair my hovel.

[YouTheCat]

This is why I'm glad my kids are grown up.

I went to the pub.

[Ubik1]

Move to Scotland

[Purpleroxy]

I try to go to things either very early or on an odd day to avoid this. Lots of things I decide against altogether because of traffic/waiting/queues.

[BarbaraPalmer]

i frogmarch mine out at the crack of dawn if they want to go to an attraction. that, or inset days.

[Dumplings4ever]

I'm so with you all!!!

We live 40 minutes from the coast but, unless you get there at the crack of dawn, there's nowhere to park and the place is thronged with people AND ............................
WAIT FOR IT..................................
FECKING MOBILITY SCOOTERS, being ridden by people whose only affliction is Fatness!!!!!!

I have no problems with disabled people driving them but increasingly they're seen as a mode of transport for chubbers!!!! Ok, flame me!!!!

[steff13]

The same day we went to the butterfly show, our local amusement park opened the Banshee, the world's longest inverted roller coaster. The news said the line to ride it was over five hours. I guess I'm glad I wasn't in THAT line.

[evelynj]

Ah, you all need to come to Northern Ireland for your hols-I moved back 2 years ago after 15 years in England. Drove for 30 mins yest & parked at 11.30am for free - k2 mins from beautiful beach, amusement park & nice restaurant, had a great day & plenty of room etc, totally stress & traffic jam free.

Also you can get anywhere in the whole country in less than 2 hours. I love it :)

[CalamitouslyWrong]

We never have this problem. We must just like unpopular stuff!