The most important equipment for outings with children

Generally, on a day trip you should not take more than will fit into a backpack fits. Too much luggage is only a burden when you're on the move. With a baby or toddler you of course need a little more equipment — but even here you can save space by packing, e.g., travel-sized wet wipes and cream and a disposable changing mat.

For babies:

If you have a stroller or buggy with you, you can simply hang the diaper bag on the stroller as usual and have your hands free. If you carry your baby in the baby carrier or in a baby sling, you should pack the most important items for changing, feeding and, if necessary, for changing clothes into a backpack that your partner or another adult carries.

For preschool children:

Drinks and provisions are a given. Even if you plan to eat at a restaurant at your destination, you should have a small snack on hand in case bad moods arise en route. A toy or drawing materials help against boredom during the journey. Also, a change of clothes and a second pair of socks are a good idea in case an accident happens on the way.

For school-aged children:

School-aged children can comfortably carry their own backpack with provisions and a few small items on the trip. Maybe you still have an old digital camera that your child can take along? If your child can document the trip with pictures themselves, time flies — and you can later view the day's experiences from your child's perspective.

Always in your luggage: good spirits

A shower? No problem! Waits at the ticket counter? We can handle that easily — with enough good cheer, all challenges on the family outing can be mastered. How do you ensure good mood right from the start? First it's important that you start relaxed and without stress. Give yourselves enough time for the trip and think about how to keep your children occupied while traveling. It helps younger children if you discuss the outing the day before — if they know what to expect and how the day will go, they are less anxious and anticipation grows. Very important — approach the day without fixed expectations. Every outing is time with the family, and you should see it that way — without the demand that everything be perfect. Use the outing to experience something together; then not only good mood, but also beautiful memories are guaranteed.

General tips when you are out with children

Allow enough time:

This mainly means time to play, dawdle and take breaks. Children have their own pace, and they may be less interested in the great view and the sights than in the contents of the snack backpack and the climbing tree right next to it.

Choose destinations together where possible:

You want to walk the beautiful hiking trail, but your child wants an afternoon at the playground? Try to find destinations that are fun for all family members - you can combine different destinations. With a bike ride to the adventure playground or a hike followed by a barbecue, your child will surely agree.

Not too much luggage:

You usually can't do without a backpack when traveling with children. Drinks, provisions and a few small items are necessary. Still, you should only pack the essentials so you don't have to carry too much on the way and don't have to rummage forever in your fully packed backpack.

Take the children's perspective:

Where you see a historic monument, your child might see an adventurous playground. If you calmly look at the individual exhibits in the museum, your child may pick out a single piece that interests them and ignore everything else. Let your child experience the outing in their own way - it may also offer you a new perspective.