The most important equipment for outings with children

In general, on a day trip you should not take more than fits into a backpack fits. Too much luggage only weighs you down while you're on the move. With a baby or toddler you naturally need a bit more equipment – but here too you can save space by packing, for example, travel-size wet wipes and cream as well as a disposable changing mat.

For babies:

If you have a stroller or buggy with you, you can simply hang the changing 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 matter of course. Even if you plan to eat at a restaurant at the destination, you should have a small snack with you in case bad moods arise on the way. A toy or drawing supplies help against boredom during the journey. A change of clothes and a second pair of socks are also a good idea in case a mishap happens on the way.

For school-age children:

School-age children can easily 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 on the outing? If your child can document the trip with pictures on their own, time will fly – and you can later view the day's experiences from your child's perspective.

Always packed: a good mood

A rain shower? No problem! Waiting times at the ticket office? We'll manage easily – with plenty of good humor, all challenges on the family outing can be mastered. How do you ensure a good mood from the start? First of all, it's important that you start relaxed and without stress. Give yourselves enough time for the journey and think about how you can keep your children occupied on the way. It helps younger children if you talk about the trip the day before – when they know what to expect and how the day will go, they are less excited and anticipation grows. Very important – go into the day without fixed expectations. Every outing is time with the family, and you should see it that way too – without the expectation that everything will be perfect. Use the outing to experience something together; then not only good mood but also happy memories are guaranteed.

General tips when you're out with children

Allow plenty of time:

This mainly means time for playing, dawdling and taking 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 whenever possible:

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

Don't bring too much luggage:

You usually can't do without a backpack when traveling with children. Drinks, provisions and a few small items have to come along. Nevertheless, you should always pack only the essentials so that 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 perspective of children:

Where you see a historic architectural monument, your child may 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 - perhaps this will also offer you a new perspective.