The start of 2017 has been a pretty exciting one for us here at Trunki already, because we've launched a brand new range of foodie goodies for children called EAT.
Our EAT range is perfect for use when travelling or just eating on the go and includes a 2-in-1 Lunchbag Backpack (the straps adjust to be used over the shoulder or as a backpack), Drinks Bottle and Snack Pots.
And Trunki fans will recognise the designs as Bernard, Harley, Tipu, Terrance and Trixie. Yes, you'll be able to colour coordinate with your Trunki suitcase too!
We've been able to put our new EAT goodies to good use when out and about over the past couple of weeks, but haven't been quite brave enough to chance a picnic in mid-January.
So we turned to our friends at Picniq and asked for their advice on great places to go with kids that have either indoor picnic areas or outdoor gazebos for sheltering beneath if it proves necessary.
Picniq lists over 4,000 day out ideas and features regular amazing discounts on tickets, tours and more. You can search their site by attraction type or location or just browse the latest events and offers for inspiration.
Here's what they came up with...
Places With Indoor Picnic Areas
National History Museum, London
You can easily spend a day at the Natural History Museum - if the kids are in the right mood obviously. There are a number of cafes if you want to treat yourselves, but also a large picnic area in the basement if you've been organised enough to take your own food.
For a super special day (and if the children tire of dinosaurs and fossils) you can also pop to the Science Museum next door, which offers some more interactive experiences - plus its own picnic area). You could top the whole day off with a trip to Hamleys on Oxford Street - also a handy 'incentive' (bribe) if the kids need one during the day!
Museum of Liverpool
The Museum of Liverpool opened in 2011 and is absolutely packed with exhibits that are perfect for families. Dress up as a dock master, play with water tables and sit in an actual tram carriage from the Liverpool Overhead Railway.
To top it off, there's an indoor picnic space available every day for lunch between 12-2pm (which you can take drinks through to from the cafe). If you get lucky with the weather you can also use the outdoor seating at the Pier Head nearby.
Note: the Museum of Liverpool is closed from 31 December 2016 until late February 2017.
Places With Outdoor Picnic Areas
Royal Victoria Park, Bath
The beautiful Royal Victoria Park is a short walk from Bath city centre and includes a fab children's play area (with cafe), skate park, duck ponds, crazy golf and Botanical Gardens.
On a good weather day you could picnic on the lawn overlooking the famous Royal Crescent or using the BBQ picnic table areas. But get unlucky and there's a bandstand and gazebo that'll get you out of the rain.
Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
Located in south Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park is the most popular park in the city, covering 250 acres. There are formal, conservation, woodland and sports areas, plus activities including tennis, putting and boating.
There are several lovely outdoor picnic areas but also an undercover gazebo where you can take shelter if the heavens open...