1 in 3 children have never experienced a traditional family day out
The findings of a national survey of children, released today by the charity 4Children, provide a stark reminder that children are not immune to financial pressures experienced by their parents during tough economic times. The survey highlights the high number of children in Britain whose families are not able to afford traditional ‘days out’. New figures show that 1 in 3 children have never experienced family activities such as visiting theme parks, while 1 in 10 have not been on any kind of ‘family outing’ over the past 12 months.
Findings from the Shout Out 4Children Survey 2009 reveal:
- 34% of children have never been abroad
- 37% have never been to the theatre
- 38% have never been to a theme park
- 10% have not been on any kind of ‘family outing’ in the past 12 months
Anne Longfield, OBE, Chief Executive of 4Children said: ‘The difference in school holiday experiences between poor and more affluent families is vast. As more affluent families enjoy their summer holiday abroad, many millions more are left at home with no prospect of even a day trip to the seaside ahead.
“With family trips to Legoland and Alton Towers costing over £100, it is no wonder they are out of reach for many parents. Leisure resorts and theme parks need to provide more deals and vouchers for families who otherwise would not be able to visit. This would go a long way towards reducing the pressure on parents and helping more children to have summer holidays they can remember fondly later in life.”
2009 Day Trip Prices when bought on the day...
- A one day family ticket to Alton Towers theme park for a family of 5 costs £126.50
- A one day visit to Legoland for a family of 5 costs £141.90
- A visit to the theatre to watch Oliver for a family of 5 costs £243 (mid range ticket)
- A day trip to Thorpe Park for a family of 5 costs £115
The survey was carried out by national children’s charity 4Children as part of its annual Shout Out 4Children week. The celebration week comprises a series of national and local events designed to celebrate children and childhood, and included an awards event for the dedicated professionals who work day in, day out to improve children’s lives.
4Children
4Children is the national charity all about children and families.
4Children develops, influences and shapes national policy on all aspects of children, young people and families lives and works with a wide range of partners to deliver real support for children and families in their community.
4Children has spearheaded a joined up, integrated approach to children’s services which puts the needs of the most vulnerable at the centre. It is the one of the largest not for profit Children’s Centre provider in the country and also runs and supports out of school programmes and the new next generation ‘myplace’ youth hubs.
The organisation has recently launched the high profile Family Commission chaired by Esther Rantzen. This eighteen month enquiry into families in the UK today will include one of the largest consultations with families ever undertaken and will report in autumn 2010.
For more information see: www.4Children.org.uk
