How to Enjoy Outings With Your Kids

Whether your child is five months or five years, taking your kids out for some fun is always a great time. However, it can quickly become a disaster if you’re not prepared. If you have an upcoming event planned and you’re conflicted about how to prepare correctly, check out our top tips for outings with kids below.

1. Plan Ahead

Much like every other area of your child’s life, it is essential to plan, plan, plan. All aspects of the outing should be planned ahead of time. For example, you might jot down a few of these questions.

How long is the outing?
Where is the outing taking place?
How far away is the outing?
Will you eat there or beforehand?
Are there any “extras” necessary, such as sunscreen?
What will the weather be like?

By answering these and similar questions, you can better understand how to plan for your upcoming outing. For example, a long car ride might mean you bring along a few extra snacks and toys to keep your kiddos happy. Possibly lousy weather means you should bring along an umbrella, an extra thick coat, or a handheld spray bottle and fan.

2. Use the Right Stroller

Where you are going will change the type of stroller you should bring along for the ride. For instance, you wouldn’t want to take an umbrella stroller on a hike up a steep mountain with your friends. You wouldn’t want to bring an extra-large double stroller to an amusement park like Disneyland, either.

Before you take off for your outing, consider which stroller will work best for your situation. Any stroller can complete a walk around the block, but a jog through the sandy beach shores will require an all-terrain stroller.

If you’re in the market for a new stroller, we have articles on newborn strollers, infant strollers, bassinet strollers, travel systems, jogging strollers, lightweight strollers, wagon strollers, and strollers for big kids.

For those with 2 kids or more we have advice on double umbrella strollers, double jogging strollers, sit and stand strollers, and even triple strollers.

We also cover the following brands: Bob, Chicco, Graco, and Maclaren.

We also track the best stroller deals and travel system deals especially for readers who love a good discount.

3. Consider a Baby Carrier

Strollers can be a hassle in many situations. The good news is strollers aren’t your only option for hauling your child around an outing. There is the option of a baby carrier. Baby carriers are designed to allow your child to attach to your front or back. It frees up your hands and doesn’t take a lot of room, like a stroller, which may be much more convenient in certain situations.

4. Safety First

Regardless of your child’s age, safety should always be first. Here are the top six ways to stay safe during your outing.

Always keep an eye on your children. Incidents can happen in the blink of an eye. To avoid dangerous or harmful situations, keep an eye on your children at all times.
Strap kids into strollers properly. It’s easy to get “lazy” about things like stroller straps. Does it really matter? Absolutely. Always make sure your child is strapped into their stroller correctly.
Wear SPF. If you’re planning to be outside, don’t forget the sunscreen. You can also take other safety precautions, such as canopies and umbrellas.
Follow the rules. Going to the local playground? An amusement park? Swimming pool? Wherever you’re going, it’s essential to follow the rules. They are there for a reason, and the sooner you teach that to your child, the better.
Wear appropriate clothing/footwear. Make sure your child is wearing clothing and footwear compatible with the outing you’re attending.
Stay hydrated. Packing plenty of water bottles and other hydrating options is imperative, especially if you’re outside in warmer temperatures.

5. Stock Up The Diaper Bag

The diaper bag is one of those essential and convenient items that almost no parent goes without. Well, even if you have older kids, don’t give up the “diaper bag mentality.” Whether you’re still using a traditional diaper bag or a mom purse, or have swapped for a backpack diaper bag, it’s essential to stock up before your outing. Here are some of the items you won’t want to skip:

Snacks – You know how often kids get hungry. Even if you feed them beforehand, they’re going to end up hungry either on the way there or right when you get there. Pack travel-friendly snacks such as applesauce pouches, granola bars, PB&Js, fruit and veggies, and crackers.
Drinks – Water is a definite must-have to stock up on. But don’t hesitate to add other favorites such as Vitamin Water, Gatorade, juice boxes, milk, and more.
Diapers/Wipes – For those out there with kiddos still in diapers, don’t forget to add extras. You never know what the outing will bring!
Change of Clothes – This is true whether you might end up wet or not. Accidents happen, as do sudden poor weather conditions. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Always pack an extra change of clothes for each participant in the outing.
Bug Spray – Live in an area where there are plenty of bugs? Save you and your family the trouble and bring along the handy bug spray.
Sunscreen – While you should use sunscreen before you head out, it’s crucial to bring the sunscreen along for the ride. You will want to “top off” every few hours for the best protection.

6. Feed Before You Leave

Your outing will be 100% more stressful if your child is hungry. While you should bring a good amount of snacks along for the trip, your child must get a good meal before you leave.

This is true regardless of your child’s age. For parents of babies, make sure they have a nice bottle or breastfeeding session before heading out. Older kids should get a nutritious meal to keep them satisfied for longer.

7. Plan Your Time

There are a few ways you can do this.

For one, make sure your outing is not overlapping feeding or napping times. The last thing you want to do is mess with your child’s schedule, especially while they are younger. Ensure that the outing will coincide with your child’s schedule for the best results.

Secondly, you can plan out your day according to the outing. For example, if you’re going to an amusement park, determine which areas of the park you will be in and when. This will help you better understand where you should be, what time you should eat, when you should arrive, and more.

8. Have a Backup Plan

The only thing you should really “plan” for when it comes to “plans” is that they will change. Read that again. Even the best throughout plan can end up changing at the last minute. Why let it throw you for a loop?

You should always have a backup plan. Here’s an example: you plan to go to the park with your friend and her kids, but it’s raining outside. Have a backup plan to go to one of your houses for a playdate or head to an indoor playground or movie.

Having a backup plan will take a load of stress off for you and your child, especially if they’re old enough to know that there is a second option if the first one doesn’t work out.

Final Words

Outings with kids are so much fun, but they should be planned for carefully from start to finish. Start by planning your day and figuring out what things are essential to bring. Opt for a stroller or baby carrier to tote your child around. Feed your kiddo(s) before the outing and have a backup plan just in case. Happy outings, families!