What to Pack for a Family Day Out – With printable list!

I was gifted a backpack, a top and a fleece by TOG24 to help me enjoy our days out this summer. All views and words are my own.

This year, more than any other has been a time to explore our own country and enjoy some days out. With foreign travel still a difficult proposition, we spent a few days in Norfolk at the start of the summer holidays, and had some amazing days out at the beach and a lovely trip to Bewilderwood.

We enjoyed some lovely days out while on holiday in Norfolk, including a day rockpooling at West Runton

Since then we have explored closer to home, and had some more local days out, for example Warwick Castle (so good I will have to write a whole post about it), Emberton Country Park and Wicksteed Park. There’s an element of making up for lost time, and it’s been great to finally spend some quality time with our family.

Organising and knowing what to pack for a family day out can be minefield, especially when you are catering for different ages and then factor in the Great British weather!

So what do you need for the perfect day out? Here are my top tips to make everything go smoothly, and ensure you make memories for the right reason!

The Right Backpack

If you’re heading out on a family day out, chances are you’re going to need a fair bit of stuff. With two young boys, I often end up feeling like a pack horse as I trudge along carrying everything we need. It’s so important to get a good quality backpack, and make sure it is adjusted correctly so it fits. It will make a big difference if it isn’t sitting right, I would definitely advise to only use a backpack with a waistband and padded shoulder straps.

I have been using this backpack from TOG24 recently and it has made life so much easier. Firstly, it is a spacious 35l, which is bigger than my old one. It also has handy side and front pockets for bits and pieces that you need to be easily accessible. It also has a raincover and a mesh backing to keep you cool (no one likes a sweaty back!)

The Right Clothes

Even if you’re heading out in the height of summer, the good old Great British weather can make it hard to know exactly what to pack for a family day out. My advice is be prepared for every eventuality. So you’ll need sunhats and suncream, plus lightweight waterproofs that can be rolled up are ideal. I am also a massive fan of a thin fleece jumper. Again, they are super lightweight, quick drying and can be rolled up in the bottom of your bag.

You might need sunhats, you might need waterproofs. A UK day out is never dull!

The Right Fuel

The success of a family day out can rely on making sure that no one at any point tips into the hangry zone. Making sure you’ve got enough snacks and drinks for everyone is vitally important. High energy fuel like flapjack is perfect, I also take bananas, dried fruit and things like mini cheddars and babybel to keep my kids happy. I often freeze yoghurt pouches, which then act like ice blocks and keep things cool. Once they are defrosted the kids can eat them.

I always carry a reusable water bottle with me, plus extra drinks for the children. If it’s hot I add ice to keep them cool or use my insulated Hydro Flask (also good for hot drinks in the winter).

Don’t forget…

If you want to capture your days out, remember your camera, plus a spare battery, If you’re using your phone, a portable power bank is a great idea to make sure you don’t run out of battery at the vital moment. They can be very small and take up next to no room.

It can be overwhelming remembering everything, so I’ve done the hard work and made this snazzy printable list that you can use to plan your family days out.

What are your must haves when packing for a family day out?