SCOTTISH KIDS WANT MORE FAMILY DAYS OUT

New research by The National Lottery reveals that family time is growing in popularity, and it’s children that are the driving force, with nearly half (47%) of the 7-16 year olds surveyed in Scotland saying that they want time away with their families at least once a week.

For time-poor parents, however, the pressures of daily life and the cost of taking the family out mean that once a week is unrealistic. Half (50%) of Scottish parents surveyed only find the time to ensure that they go for a ‘family day out’ at least once a month and 5% manage just once or twice a year or less.

The family day out is a key bonding time, vital for bringing the generations together.  Over three quarters (77%) of children and 67% of parents in Scotland associate a family day out with ‘happy memories’.  They also recognise it is a key opportunity to spend time together (70% of children and 79% of adults) as well as have fun (73% of children and 81% of adults).

The survey was commissioned as part of Love UK, a campaign celebrating the £25 million a week raised by Lottery players for Good Causes which benefits projects both big and small throughout Scotland across theatres, sports, heritage, environment, education, health and charities sectors.

Lorraine Kelly, Love UK Ambassador, says: “As a busy working mum, I completely understand the time pressures that parents are under. It’s so reassuring to hear that children today really value that quality time and want to spend more days out with their families. The Lottery funds so many great places and projects in Scotland that parents can visit, for little or no cost. With some planning, a day out can be a little bit more adventurous than a trip to the cinema or shopping centre.”

Other key findings include:

·         According to the adults surveyed in Scotland, their favourite family day out is one that is spent outdoors (45%) – such as a visit to the beach, woodland or park, followed by an entertainment-based activity (35%), such as trips to the cinema or games arcades
·         The top three things preventing Scottish parents taking their children on more days out were money (60%), the weather (46%) and lack of time (42%)
·         The total average UK spend per family member on a day out is £19.56
·         It’s not only parents that think about money - so do caring kids.  Almost half (40%) of children in Scotland associate cost with a family day out, above long car journeys and bad weather.

Colin Mclean, Chair of the Scottish Lottery Distributors Forum, comments: “The Lottery has funded thousands of projects all across Scotland, which gives parents plenty of options when planning a day out. 28p from every Lottery pound is invested into projects and places that support Scotland’s communities and preserve our local culture and heritage.”

The following Scottish destinations are lottery funded:

Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow
Waverley Paddle Steamer
Science Centre, Glasgow
The Lighthouse, Glasgow
Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh
Edinburgh International Climbing Arena

For more information about great Lottery-funded days out near you, many of which are free, visit www.loveuk.org.