Top 20 children’s activities parents secretly love – full list

Mums and dads secretly adore bouncing on swings, leaping about on bouncy castles – and having water fights. Research involving 1,000 parents revealed that 87 per cent believe participating in children’s activities ranks as ‘one of the best things about being a parent’. Beach adventures topped the charts at 55 per cent, followed by zoo expeditions at 46 per cent and going on theme park rides at 41 per cent.

Rather than feeling bored while their children play, 27 per cent secretly love to play on the swings and 22 per cent enjoy a bouncy castle. The research found doing activities with their kids made many parents ‘feel younger’ – by an average of 14 years. In fact, most parents wish they could enjoy more quality days out with their kids but long working hours, the cost of living, and struggling to come up with new ideas for what to do were named among the top barriers.

Catherine Lyver, from Railcard, which commissioned the study and provides a Family & Friends Railcard offering one-third savings on adult rail tickets and 60 per cent reductions on children’s fares, commented: “The research shows parents relish the opportunity to relive the magic of childhood with their kids – and travelling by train makes it even more special.”

“The research shows parents relish the opportunity to relive the magic of childhood with their kids – and travelling by train makes it even more special,” she added.

The research also revealed that 69 per cent of parents find joy in spending quality time with their children, and 68 per cent feel it strengthens their bond.

What’s more 43 per cent believe it has a positive impact on their mental health and 40 per cent think it helps them focus on life’s true priorities.

The research also discovered a third of parents prefer train travel for their outings, with 61 per cent appreciating the opportunity to devote their full attention to their child.

Moreover, 56 per cent enjoy the sense of adventure that begins ‘as soon as you board the train’, and 53 per cent believe it facilitates quality family time.

Catherine Lyver added: “Summer is a time for play – whether you are an adult or a child.

“And we want to encourage parents to reclaim their joy of play and adventure with the kids over the school holidays by taking advantage of savings on travel and attractions across Britain when you travel by train.”

THE TOP 20 ‘KIDS’ ACTIVITIES PARENTS SECRETLY LOVE:

1. Going to the beach
2. Going to the zoo
3. Going on theme park rides
4. Visiting aquariums
5. Going to see family friendly shows at the theatre
6. Doing puzzles or kids board games
7. Going to museums and galleries more aimed at children
8. Going to animal farms or petting zoos
9. Water fights
10. Colouring in or arts and crafts
11. Playing hide and seek
12. Visiting educational historic places
13. Playing with children’s toys
14. Activities related to our favourite movies, TV shows or books
15. Paddling in the sea
16. Going to playgrounds and going on the swings, climbing on climbing frames etc
17. Building sandcastles
18. Playing with their toy cars or remote-control cars
19. Doing outdoor climbing adventures (e.g. high wires, rope climbs, abseiling etc.)
20. Bouncing on a bouncy castle