The high cost of a typical day out and parents’ hectic work schedules mean families spend less time getting away from the daily routine than in the past. A survey of 2,000 adults by researchers at YouGov found that 62% believed family day trips were less common today than 20 years ago. The national charity, 4Children, which commissioned the survey, warned that costs and time pressures could be to blame. The average day trip costs £50 for a family, while previous research suggested that families typically spent just 49 minutes a day together – about five hours per week. Anne Longfield, chief executive of 4 Children said 'day trips and holidays can help families stay together in difficult times. A short break away from the domestic routine allows children and parents to reconnect, especially for those families experiencing tough times. Days out can strengthen bonds and build shared family experiences and memories that we know are so important in keeping families strong and together.’

Pray: for both the desire and opportunity for families to be able to spend time together on a day out. (Ps.122:8)

More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/8545321/Decline-of-the-family-day-out.html