What to Pack for a Family Day Outdoors

A family day outdoors doesn't have to involve a long hike or an elaborate expedition. A walk through the countryside, a picnic in the park, a trip to the beach or an afternoon exploring woodland can provide plenty of opportunities for fresh air, exercise and adventure.

However, heading outdoors with children often requires a little more preparation than travelling alone. Changes in the weather, unexpected delays, hungry children and muddy clothing can quickly turn an enjoyable outing into a stressful experience.

Fortunately, packing a few well-chosen essentials can make family days out more comfortable and enjoyable without weighing everyone down.

This guide explains what to pack for a family day outdoors, how to prepare for different weather conditions and how to organise your equipment so that everything is easy to find.

Start by Planning Your Family Day Out

Before deciding what to pack, consider where you're going and how long you expect to be away.

A short walk around a local nature reserve requires less equipment than a full day exploring the countryside.

Think about:

• The ages and abilities of the children.
• The expected duration of the outing.
• The distance you'll be walking.
• The weather forecast and UV levels.
• Whether toilets and drinking water are available.
• Where you'll be able to buy food or refreshments.
• Whether the route is suitable for pushchairs or child carriers.
• How easily you can return to your vehicle or public transport.

The more remote your destination, the more important it becomes to carry essential supplies and have a suitable plan.

Family Day Out Packing Checklist

The following checklist provides a useful starting point for most family outdoor activities.

Category	Suggested Essentials
Clothing	Weather-appropriate layers, waterproof jackets, spare socks
Food and drink	Drinking water, snacks, packed lunch if needed
Sun protection	Sun cream, sun hats, sunglasses
First aid	Compact first aid kit, personal medication
Navigation	Route information, map or suitable navigation device
Hygiene	Tissues, wipes, hand-cleaning supplies, rubbish bags
Children's essentials	Nappies, changing supplies, spare clothing where appropriate
Comfort	Picnic blanket, suitable seating or child carrier if needed
Practical items	Charged phone, keys, money or payment card

Not every item will be necessary on every trip. Adjust your packing list according to the conditions and the needs of your family.

1. Pack Clothing for Changing Weather

British weather can change quickly, particularly in exposed countryside and coastal areas.

Even when the forecast looks promising, it's sensible to prepare for cooler temperatures, wind or unexpected rain.

Use a Layering System

Wearing several appropriate layers makes it easier to adjust clothing as conditions change.

A simple layering system may include:

• Base layer: Worn next to the skin to help manage moisture and improve comfort.
• Mid layer: Provides additional insulation when temperatures fall.
• Outer layer: Offers protection against wind or rain, depending on its construction.

Children may need layers adding or removing more frequently as their activity levels change.

For more information, see our guide to the outdoor layering system.

Carry a Waterproof Jacket

A lightweight waterproof jacket is useful for family walks, even when rain isn't expected.

Choose one that fits comfortably and allows movement.

For exposed locations, consider whether waterproof trousers or additional weather protection are appropriate.

Don't Forget Spare Clothing

Children have a remarkable ability to find puddles, mud and water.

Depending on their age and the activity, consider carrying:

• Spare socks.
• A spare top.
• Additional trousers or leggings.
• Extra layers for younger children.

Keeping spare clothing in a waterproof bag can help ensure it remains dry when needed.

2. Take Enough Drinking Water

Staying hydrated is important during outdoor activities, particularly in warm weather or when walking for extended periods.

Carry enough drinking water for the expected conditions, the length of the outing and the needs of everyone in your group.

Remember that younger children may need reminders and regular opportunities to drink.

Choosing Water Bottles for Children

A suitable children's water bottle should be:

• Easy to carry.
• Simple to open and close.
• Appropriately sized.
• Resistant to everyday knocks.
• Easy to clean.

For more advice, read our water bottle buying guide.

How Much Water Should You Pack?

There is no single amount suitable for every family outing.

Requirements depend on temperature, activity level, duration, individual needs and access to safe drinking water.

For longer walks, plan your water requirements before setting off and carry an appropriate reserve.

Our guide to carrying water on a hike explains the main considerations.

3. Bring Food and Snacks

Food can make a big difference to everyone's enjoyment of a family outing.

Children may become hungry sooner than expected, particularly when walking, playing or exploring.

Depending on your plans, consider packing:

• Sandwiches or wraps.
• Fresh fruit.
• Vegetable sticks.
• Crackers or other suitable snacks.
• A packed lunch for longer outings.
• Additional food in case the trip takes longer than planned.

Choose foods appropriate for the children's ages and dietary requirements, and supervise younger children while eating.

Keeping Food Safe Outdoors

Perishable food should be kept at a safe temperature and handled hygienically.

Use appropriate insulated containers or cooling equipment where necessary.

Keep food protected from insects, dirt and direct sunlight.

Wash or clean hands appropriately before eating.

4. Protect Everyone from the Sun

Sun protection is important during outdoor activities, even when the weather doesn't feel particularly hot.

Check the UV Index before leaving and take extra precautions when it is 3 or above.

Useful items include:

• Suitable sun cream.
• Sun hats that provide useful coverage.
• Sunglasses with effective UV protection.
• Lightweight protective clothing.
• Access to shade.

Apply sun cream according to the manufacturer's instructions and reapply as necessary, particularly after swimming or towel-drying.

Babies under six months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight.

For detailed advice, read How to Stay Sun Safe.

5. Carry a Basic First Aid Kit

Minor cuts, grazes and blisters can happen during outdoor activities.

A compact first aid kit can help you manage minor injuries until further assistance is available if needed.

Depending on the activity, suitable contents may include:

• Assorted plasters.
• Sterile dressings.
• Bandages.
• Disposable gloves.
• Appropriate wound-cleaning supplies.
• Blister care materials.
• Any necessary personal medication.

Check expiry dates regularly and replace supplies after use.

For a more detailed checklist, see What Should Be in a Hiking First Aid Kit?

Remember Personal Medication

Always carry any medication required by members of your family, including prescribed emergency medication where applicable.

Make sure responsible adults know where it is stored and how it should be used.

6. Pack for Babies and Toddlers

Families with babies or toddlers may need additional supplies.

Depending on the child's age, consider:

• Nappies.
• Changing wipes and supplies.
• A suitable changing mat.
• Spare clothing.
• Age-appropriate food and drinks.
• Feeding equipment.
• Suitable weather protection.
• A child carrier or pushchair where appropriate.

Check whether your destination has accessible changing facilities.

Choosing a Child Carrier

A suitable child carrier can be useful when visiting locations that are difficult to access with a pushchair.

However, the child must meet the carrier's developmental and size requirements.

For more information, read our child carrier buying guide.

7. Give Children Their Own Backpack

Older children may enjoy carrying a few of their own belongings.

A small, comfortable backpack can help them feel involved in preparing for the outing.

Suitable contents might include:

• A small water bottle.
• A lightweight jacket.
• A snack.
• A sun hat.
• A small personal item.

Keep the load appropriate for the child's size and ability.

Parents should carry heavier shared equipment and reduce the child's load if they become tired.

Our kids' backpack buying guide explains how to choose a suitable size and fit.

8. Take Navigation and Communication Essentials

Even a relatively short walk benefits from some basic planning.

Before leaving:

• Check your intended route.
• Review the weather forecast.
• Consider how long the walk will take with children.
• Identify suitable places to stop.
• Check for access restrictions or route closures.
• Make sure your phone is charged.

For countryside walks, carry suitable navigation information and know how to use it.

Do not rely entirely on a mobile phone, particularly where reception or battery life may be limited.

For navigation advice, read How to Use a Map and Compass.

9. Include Hygiene and Rubbish Supplies

Basic hygiene items are particularly useful when visiting places without readily available facilities.

Consider carrying:

• Tissues.
• Suitable hand-cleaning supplies.
• Wipes where appropriate.
• A small rubbish bag.
• Spare bags for wet or dirty clothing.

Take your rubbish home or dispose of it responsibly in appropriate bins.

Remember that hand sanitiser is not a complete substitute for washing hands with soap and water when they are visibly dirty.

10. Consider Insect Protection

Insects can be a nuisance during woodland walks, picnics and visits to areas near water.

Depending on the season and destination, consider suitable insect repellent, protective clothing and checking for ticks after spending time in grassy or wooded areas.

Choose repellents appropriate for the user's age and follow the product instructions carefully.

For more advice, visit our Insect Protection department.

11. Bring a Picnic Blanket

A picnic blanket can provide a comfortable place to sit, eat or take a break during a family day out.

It can be useful in parks, gardens, countryside locations and at the beach.

When choosing a blanket, consider:

• Size when opened.
• Comfort and insulation.
• Resistance to damp ground.
• Ease of cleaning.
• Packed size and weight.

A blanket with a suitable water-resistant backing can be particularly useful on damp grass.

12. Prepare for Unexpected Changes

Family outings don't always go exactly to plan.

Children may become tired, the weather may change or a route may take longer than expected.

Build some flexibility into your plans.

Useful precautions include:

• Allowing extra time for rest breaks.
• Carrying suitable spare clothing.
• Having additional food and water where appropriate.
• Knowing a shorter route back.
• Checking the location of nearby facilities.
• Being prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate.

A shorter, enjoyable outing is often preferable to pushing on when everyone is tired or uncomfortable.

What to Pack for Different Family Activities

Family Countryside Walk

Prioritise suitable footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, water, snacks, navigation and basic first aid supplies.

For longer or more remote routes, plan additional equipment according to the conditions.

Picnic in the Park

Focus on food, drinks, a picnic blanket, sun protection, hand-cleaning supplies and rubbish bags.

Spare clothing can be useful for younger children.

Family Beach Day

Bring sun cream, hats, sunglasses, drinking water, towels and suitable shade.

Consider spare clothing and equipment for managing wet or sandy belongings.

Always check tide times and supervise children closely around water.

Woodland Adventure

Suitable footwear, weather protection and insect precautions may be particularly useful.

Check for ticks after visiting areas where they may be present.

Nature Reserve Visit

Check access arrangements, paths and facilities before travelling.

Carry suitable clothing, refreshments and any equipment needed for the length of your visit.

How to Avoid Overpacking

It's easy to pack more than you need when heading outdoors with children.

However, excessive equipment can make walking and travelling unnecessarily difficult.

To keep things manageable:

• Plan around the activity and expected duration.
• Check what facilities are available.
• Choose versatile clothing.
• Share essential equipment between adults.
• Avoid unnecessary duplicates.
• Pack heavier items carefully.
• Review what you actually used after each outing.

Keep safety essentials, medication and appropriate weather protection even when trying to reduce weight.

Common Family Day Out Packing Mistakes

Not Checking the Weather

Unexpected rain, wind or strong sunshine can make an outing uncomfortable.

Forgetting Drinking Water

Children may become thirsty sooner than expected, particularly in warm weather.

Taking Too Little Food

Outdoor activities can increase appetites, and delays may mean eating later than planned.

Overloading Children's Backpacks

Children should only carry loads appropriate for their size and ability.

Forgetting Spare Clothing

Wet socks or muddy clothes can quickly affect comfort.

Relying Entirely on a Phone

Battery life and reception can be unreliable in some outdoor locations.

Planning an Overly Ambitious Route

Allow for slower walking speeds, breaks and changes in energy levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Pack for a Family Day Out?

Start with suitable clothing, drinking water, food, sun protection, basic first aid supplies and any essentials specific to your children's ages.

What Should Children Carry in Their Own Backpacks?

Lightweight personal items such as a small water bottle, snack, jacket or sun hat may be appropriate, depending on the child's size and ability.

Do I Need a First Aid Kit for a Short Walk?

A compact first aid kit is a sensible precaution for outdoor activities, particularly when travelling with children.

How Much Water Should I Take?

Water requirements depend on the weather, activity level, duration and individual needs. Plan ahead and carry an appropriate amount for everyone.

What Should I Pack for a Picnic with Children?

Food, drinks, a picnic blanket, sun protection, hand-cleaning supplies and rubbish bags are useful starting points.

Should I Take Spare Clothes?

Spare clothing is particularly useful for younger children and activities involving mud, water or changeable weather.

How Do I Keep a Family Day Out Enjoyable?

Choose an age-appropriate activity, allow plenty of breaks, carry essential supplies and remain flexible if plans need to change.

Final Advice: Pack for Comfort, Safety and Enjoyment

A successful family day outdoors doesn't depend on carrying large amounts of equipment.

The key is to prepare for the conditions, bring suitable essentials and make sure everyone remains comfortable throughout the outing.

Pack appropriate clothing, enough food and drinking water, sun protection and basic first aid supplies. Add items according to your destination and the ages of your children.

Most importantly, keep plans flexible and allow time to enjoy the experience together.

Explore our Kids' Outdoor Gear department for children's backpacks, child carriers and other equipment for family adventures.