Help! Top tips on cheap days out for The Big Issue

[JaneGMumsnet]

We've been asked by The Big Issue for Mumsnetters' top tips­ on the best ways to go about coming up with a cheap family day out. We're looking for pointers from parents on how to manage a fun day out without breaking the bank.

Thanks in advance - we'd love to hear what's worked for you and your children.

With little ones just a different playpark keeps them entertained for hours so pack a picnic and jump on a bus to some swings you don't normally go to. Job done!

I have pre schoolers so have not had the pleasure of big theme parks for days out yet. But I second taking a picnic lunch / drinks / snacks wherever we go - saves on food costs once there and the children love unpacking the picnic bag! We usually bake cakes the day before for our picnic too, which keeps them busy for another afternoon.

We also buy season tickets for our local farm, adventure playground etc (or rather when family ask what we would like for christmas we suggest this to them) and that means we get to go whenever we like, how many times we like. That has helped us have lots of days out for minimal costs.

I also keep a look out in local papers for free events (or kids go free events) to help keep costs down. Local libraries often have activities over the summer - our two love going to the 'big library' on the bus and then to feed the ducks afterwards. Thats a really cheap day out!!!

Using tesco vouchers, nectar points etc can get you some really good days out for free which would have otherwise been very expensive. We used this for lego land and drayton manor and that worked out well as kids loved it

Some of the museums like science museum etc are good, totally free and on sundays the street parking is free too so only had to pay for petrol, especially if you bring packed lunch

Look for ideas on here or netmums, search around for different suggestions etc cos people might have some ideas you wouldnt have thought of, for your local area. even if you have to drive out a bit, if something is free or very cheap then it becomes worth the drive

Thanks so much for your swift responses.