Five tips for a cheap day out

1. Perfect timing.
Look carefully at ticket details for any attraction you want to visit. Most offer reduced rates for tickets booked plenty of time in advance.

2. Go with the gang.
It pays to time your trip with another family or two. At places like Whipsnade and London Zoo you can save 20% on tickets for 10-plus groups. At places like Alton Towers you’ll save 30% if you book together online.

3. Make your ticket last.
Many attractions allow you to keep your day tickets and return without paying any more, as many times as you like over the next 12 months. Places like The Deep aquarium in Hull and Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent do this.

4. Claim you rewards.
Find out what deals you can get with your supermarket loyalty card – you can save over £100 on a family day out to a place like Legoland in return for a relatively small amount of reward points.

5. Spot the freebies.
Many museums and galleries offer free games and craft activities during holidays. These are specially designed for kids so they won’t feel like a boring school trip for your little (and big) ones! Check your local council’s website for ideas.

Savvy tip
DIY snacks – most parents take picnic lunches to save money, but snacks really add up too. Keep a steady supply of goodies separate from your lunchbag to produce when your brood need a pick-me-up. If they’re really good, perhaps you’ll all deserve an ice cream at the end of the day.

Pass it on – Savvy travel
Many train companies offer family tickets with reduced entry to attractions. Or think about buying a £26 annual Family and Friends Railcard and save every time you travel. Up to four adults get a third off ticket prices and up to four kids pay 60% less… and you don’t all have to be related!