Half term tips – have a great day out

Half term is on its way, and parents up and down the country will be feeling a mixture of anticipation and fear: Looking forward to #MakingMemories but dreading the words “I’m bored”.

So what options are there to keep the little ones entertained without breaking the bank? Read on to see some top tips from real parents, courtesy of Mumsnet.

Some of the best memories come from taking days out – and top of the list has to be the Royal Bath & West Show – four days, each with more than 50 hours of entertainment – and children go free!

From spectacular stunt bikes to the miniature railway, Tractor Ted and live animals to cheese making, engineering activities, great food and live music, there really is something for everyone.

So how can you make the most of your day out? Here’s what Mumsnet users have to say:

Take it from the start – be prepared, pack accordingly, and plan for the journey.

“We’re taking part in the reading challenge through our local library,” says one mum. “We pick a book and I’ll read it to my daughter when we’re travelling in the car. It also serves as a good distraction if they start getting bored.”

Take lots of snacks and appropriate clothing – but don’t worry about a wet forecast.

“Nothing beats getting out for a good walk, whatever the weather (in fact mud and puddle splashing makes it even more fun,” advises one Mumsnet user. But if you’re not that hardy, there are 30,000m2 of undercover activities (that’s 21 football pitches) at the Show, so you can have an amazing day whatever the weather.

Treasure hunts and experiences

Treasure hunts are always a great way to spark children’s interest – and the Show has one ready-prepared on the Family Trail. “There will be seven stops on the Family Trail, each offering the opportunity for children to complete an activity in return for a stamp,” says Zoe Purcell at the Royal Bath & West Show. “If you complete more than five activities, you can enter into a prize draw to win a one-night stay at the Wookey Hole Resort.”

Stops around the showground include the Woodland & Countryside area, which is packed with activities and rural crafts, the Bees & Honey area, and the British Cheese Awards – where you can try your hand at milking a model cow. “As well as keeping the children entertained, the Family Trail can help to navigate you around the showground, taking part in activities you may not have known about in sections you may not usually visit.”

For older and teenage children, head up to the off-road experience for a thrilling 4×4 ride, settle down with some local food and drink to cheer on the army vs navy rugby match, or sing along to your favourite Take That songs with the UK’s number one Take That tribute band, Rule the World.

And once you get home, print your photos and secure your memories in a scrapbook

“When mine were younger they liked to collect souvenirs from days out in the holidays and stick them all in a scrapbook; tickets, photos, shells, postcards etc,” says one parent on Mumsnet. Now that really is #MakingMemories.

  • The Royal Bath & West Show will be held on 29 May – 1 June. Tickets are available from the website: www.bathandwest.com or by calling 0844 776 6777. Children – for the first time – can go free during the May half term, with a £3 discount on early adult bookings.