It was my wife's birthday last week so to surprise her I took the day off to take us all to the safari park.
We went to the park, saw lots of animals, had a great time and the total spend of the day was £3 (not including fuel).
How come? Well we had to buy some food for the animals and that's why we spent the £3 pounds (if I'd been thinking right I could have taken some corn instead!).
My wife had ordered tickets using our Tesco clubcard points a while back (from our credit cards that we never pay any interest on). This lets you use £10 worth of vouchers for two adult tickets (normally £17.99 each) that have an expiry of about 6 months.
We also took a picnic lunch that I made up before we left, this means that we didn't have to spend any money on expensive "captive market" food but I included plenty of goodies but nothing that wasn't on our usual shopping list.
As our children are still young we also didn't have to go on any of the rides (there is no way you'd get Ev on one she's such a wimp) so that saved money again but there was so much to see and do that we didn't feel like we were missing out by not going on the rides anyway.
It was a really good day out and lovely to see how magical a safari park is to a two year old, but also it's great to put in to practise going out for the day on a budget without feeling like your missing out. We were also given a free return visit whenever we want over the next six months so their could be another cheap day out at some point.
Anyone else have any good tips for cheap family days out?
I did a planting job for a fellow who has a sanctuary for retired Zoo animals. It is pretty amazing to be in a field with two giraffes and the next field has a rhino. Those fellows are big. Plus he kept charging my silver colored tractor.
ReplyDeleteI brought my daughter up the next day. She actually got to touch the rhino. (From behind a fence made of heavy wall four inch steel tubing.)
Looks like you had a fun day out.
Yeah I wouldn't fancy being charged by one of those guys even in a tractor! The hippos weigh 3ton but not sure about the rhinos. Sounds like somewhere didn't to go and work though, beats watching rabbits!
DeleteMy two boys were born and live in Africa. The irony of this story is that you and your children have seen more African wildlife than they have. In virtually all African countries the wildlife has been poached out.
ReplyDeleteSometimes when I read what you've written it's a real eye opener to the "real" Africa rather than the bull that we watch on TV. I bet most people think that your lads have to dodge a rhino on the way to school!
DeleteLooks like a good time was had by everyone.
ReplyDeleteYea it was good fun and nice to dedicate time to the kids.
DeleteThat is a bargain fun family outing. I love to read successful story like that! You have won once again!
ReplyDeleteThe Tescos vouchers make for some cheap days out! We're always on the look out for a bargain.
DeleteAs a child I loved any nature walk,and the seaside.Dad would build us a den in the dunes and we'd have a great time. Nothing to spend any money on in the dunes!
ReplyDeleteJane x
The seaside will be on the cards for a summer day out! I used to love spending time looking in all the rock pools.
DeleteI remember when I was about 6 yrs old we went to one of those safari parks. Ostrich pecking at the car window, lions walking across the front of the car, giraffes walking about the place. The kids will remember that one.
ReplyDeleteThey're probably too young still to remember but it's stilla great day out and good for Ev to be learning about these animals and see some of the animals that are in so many childrens books.
DeleteNational Trust properties, seaside, cathedrals, museums, pet farms, car boot sales and large gardens like Heligan are all great family days out, Kev.
ReplyDeleteNot sure I'll ever get a away with calling a car boot a day out as I have a slight addiction to them (since I was 6 years old that is!).
DeleteThat looks a wonderful day out.
ReplyDeleteAnother 'free' day out would be to drive to the seaside, have a picnic on the beach letting the little ones play on the sand with buckets and spades you would have picked up for pennies at a car boot sale if they don't already own them.
I'll look ut for the bucket and sade at the car boot thats a good idea. We love to go anywhere with a picnic - I think my wife and I were both brought up on them.
DeleteSo pleasing to see a family have a simple day out like this, no frills, no fancy rides or amusements, just a plain simple picnic and enjoying being together, and the kids will have loved it. Good for you Kevin!
ReplyDeleteWe like to keep it simple while we can get away with it. I'm sure when they're older they'll want to go on all the rides and things that cost money! I remember being kid and dad giving us two options - we could have £10 for the may fair or we could have £10 worth of petrol for our motorbikes - he knew which was more fun!
DeleteHow amazing is that?!! I definitely want to visit this place with my family, what a brilliant way to spend the day and so amazing that you don't have spend that much either. Need to get onboard this saving train too x
ReplyDelete#familytraveltips
DeleteWe love save money - national trust card is another great way fro some cheap days out! As is taking your own food and drink!
DeleteBrilliant tips for a cheap day out, clubcard points are brilliant and I agree with taking a picnic. My two are still more excited by a picnic than buying food out even now. And I'm sure yours are too - I was ridiculously impressed with your take on a picnic! Thanks for linking up to #FamilyTravelTips
ReplyDeleteNat
I liked to spoil you! I love a picnic, my mum does an amazing one, if she ever says she's bringing one I get excited!
DeleteTesco are brilliant when it comes to days out like this. Sounds like you all enjoyed your experience. #familytraveltips
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