When you’re a parent to a little toddler, it almost feels like you have all the time in the world, and that this period of life will last forever. Indeed, it’s difficult to possibly imagine what it will be like talking to them as a teenager, or even a young adult. But even though it’s strange to imagine time passing by like this, the truth is that one day they will be very far away from being that tiny little tot that loves to cling onto your leg and suck their thumb!

And when you reach this stage, one of the most beautiful things in the world is being able to share with them what happened in the days of their early childhood. To recall the sun-soaked afternoons when you chased them around the park or pushed them on the swings. Or the mornings you watched them run along the beachfront jumping over the waves as they rolled into the shore. The times you simply decided to go on an adventure day.

So, before we delve into some tips for planning an adventure day, let’s delve into why it’s so important.

Why is it important to take my child on adventure days?

Parents, adventure days like these are the treasured moments that you want to be able to look back on in years to come. As mentioned, these days won’t last forever, so it’s a good idea to make the most of them while you can. They are something that you and your child will be able to reflect on together with fondness and love. And in your child’s teenagehood and adulthood, it will be a comfort to them to know they had a childhood filled with laughter, happiness, love, and good times.

But in order to make memories like this, you have to be prepared to be a little brave. Planning an adventure day with little children isn’t always easy, it means venturing outside your comfort zone, and dealing with the possibility of there being a lot of fuss and drama! However, it’s important that you are brave enough to do this, even if it might feel a little scary.

So, now we’ve talked about why it’s important, let’s dive into some tips for planning an adventure day!

What are some tips for planning an adventure day?

Here are some tips for planning a smooth and memorable adventure day for you and your little one.

Invest in a membership card. Going on adventure days will feel a lot more satisfying if you can find a cost-effective way to do it! Therefore, try to find membership cards where you can. Or perhaps ask a relative to buy one for you and your kids as a gift card for a birthday or Christmas!

Start your adventure days with a friend. It’s understandable that you might find the idea of an adventure day with your child a bit overwhelming at first. After all, when you have kids, it’s much more of a big deal than a quick trip to the supermarket and back! If possible, go with a friend that has a child too, so that your little one can have someone to keep them company. With your friend there, you’ll have double the hands, and double the eyes to keep control of the situation until you feel more confident going it alone!

Remember we all feel overwhelmed in the beginning. The first time you go on an adventure day with your child, don’t panic if it is a disaster. Remember that it’s normal for both you and your child to get overwhelmed in the beginning. So be patient with yourself - it will get easier!

Learn your child’s limits – leave before the meltdown starts! We all know how quickly a meltdown can come on when you have young kids. One minute they’re having fun and smiling from ear to ear, the next they’re red in the face and screaming the place down. Meltdowns are very normal for children, but they can be difficult when you’re in a new place and not prepared. Try to learn when your child is likely to become exhausted, hungry, and all-round ready for the day to end.

Give your child a warning before it’s time to leave. On this note, sometimes it can be very helpful to give your child a warning before it’s time to leave. Children don’t like having plans sprung upon them like this, as they will end up feeling like you have taken their fun away from them. When it is getting near to the time to leave, say something to them such as “we are getting close to the end and will be leaving soon.” This way, they will understand the expectation that’s upon them, allowing them to mentally prepare. All in all, you’ll be more likely to avoid a meltdown!

Be prepared to deal with a situation where your child may not want to leave. Even if you have told your child it’s time to leave, there’s a possibility they may not want to. If this situation occurs, get down on their level and say something like, “I’m glad you had so much fun. Right now it’s time to leave, but let’s make a plan to come back soon. You can pick one last thing to do before we leave.” Overall, remember to be firm with them, as this will help the process the next time you go on an adventure day.

How do I plan an adventure day?

Fun times abound with Unii's easy-to-follow tips.