24 top tips for running a fantastic day trip

Preparation and planning

• Go against the flow: Make the most of your time by moving against the flow of the crowds, such as going around the venue in the opposite direction to others or having an early off-peak lunch.
• Plan waiting games and activities: Have some ideas to keep everyone entertained while waiting, such as cards or travel games. Take a look at our ideas for 5 minute filler games and circle games. 
• Check for shows and events: Look for parades, talks, or other scheduled activities you’d like to catch. Plan a rest break nearby so you can grab a good spot without missing out.
• Use apps to plan: Use a venue’s app to plan a route and throughout the day to hit popular attractions when queues are shorter.

Communication

• Use code words for emergencies: Have adults use code words, such as ‘Code Orange’ for a lost person or ‘Code Yellow’ for other incidents. This keeps things calm and avoids causing panic. Always follow the Purple Card in an emergency.
• Make separate group chats: Set up a messaging group just for the trip, such as on WhatsApp, to share updates. You might also want a leaders-only group to help coordinate the day.
• Create a signal: Clap a rhythm or raise a flag to signal it’s time to move. It’s much more effective than shouting.

Ready for emergencies

• Describe lost people, not names: Call out their description, instead of their name, such as ‘I’m looking for a 7 year old with black hair, glasses, and a blue dinosaur top.’ You could take a group photo at the start if people have photo consent to make it easier to describe what they’re wearing.
• Use temporary tattoos for contact info: Write emergency contacts on temporary tattoos for kids. They’ll last all day and won’t get lost.
• Put luggage tags on bags: Attach brightly coloured tags or wristbands to everyone’s bags for easy identification if something gets misplaced.
• Stick to a buddy system: Pair up everyone to make it easier to keep track of the group and help prevent anyone from wandering off. At theme parks, pair people with a buddy for rides and group them by thrill preferences—adrenaline junkies in one group, gentle ride lovers in another.

Looking after leaders

• Plan rest breaks for yourself: Make sure adults have chances to relax and recharge during the day, even if it’s a quick toilet break or coffee run.
• Keep spare clothes for yourself: Pack some spare, dry clothes and lots of layers for yourself. A spare pair of dry socks and a warm jumper can help warm you up. 
• Pack snacks and drinks for you: Pop in some of your favourite energy-boosting snacks and water to keep yourself going.
• Photograph receipts: Snap pictures of receipts as you get them to make sorting out expenses later easier. A separate wallet can help keep track of receipts and expenses.

What to pack

• Use a group identifier: High-vis jackets in an unusual colour, matching caps or even a fun theme (such as animal headbands) can help you spot your group in a crowd.
• Remember the duct tape: You never know when you’ll need duct tape to fix a shoe or broken bag strap! 
• Take something to sit on: Bring a picnic blanket, foldable chairs, or sit mats.
• Pack a ‘quick-dry’ towel: For wet rides or accidental spills, a compact microfibre towel is a lifesaver. You can even use a squeegee to dry off picnic benches or slides.
• Make sure you have spares: Bring spares of useful items, such as water bottles, waterproofs, suncream and hair ties, in case anyone forgets.
• Create a bag or shoe container: Use a bag for life, trolley, collapsible box or picnic blanket to put everyone’s belongings on or in, especially in places where shoes or bags need to be left behind.
• Use bumbags: Put your must-haves in a bumbag, such as a pen, your phone, portable phone charger and hand sanitiser. 
• Bring a mascot: Bring your mascot along with you. They could pose in photos to document your day.
• Put together a sensory bag: Bring ear defenders for noisy places. You could also make a sensory bag if needed, with sensory toys or fidget toys in.