Parents "too busy" for family days out

Parents yearn for more family days out '“ but are simply too busy to find the time, a study has found.

Research revealed being busy doing chores, kids not wanting to do the same things and mum and dad having to work late are just some of the reasons families don't get enough time together.

Other reasons included children having too many of their own hobbies or clubs, too much homework and parents often being preoccupied with doing the food shop or sorting bills.

It's not just the amount of time together families want more of but the quality of their days out could also do with vast improvment.

The poll of 2,000 parents also found families manage to squeeze in just three days out and about, but mums and dads wouldn't describe all of these as '˜fun'.

Bad weather is the most likely to put a damper on a family day out, along with kids throwing tantrums and arguments between siblings.

The research was commissioned by Oreo to celebrate the launch of their '˜Great Oreo Cookie Quest' where families can win a trip to San Francisco for the ultimate family trip together by simply picking up a promotional pack in-store.

Katie Dade of Oreo said: 'It's so important to get quality and fun time together as a family, but with so many extra commitments outside of our family circle, it can be hard to make time.

'That's why we're launching the Oreo Great Cookie Quest promotion to encourage families to get out and about and share quality time together!'

Oreo also commissioned this challenging puzzle which will leave readers '˜frazzled' as to wear the Oreo cookie might by hiding in this busy beach scene.

Just two in five mums and dads said they get enough quality family time together, with families getting their best time together at 3:26 on a Saturday afternoon.

Just under half of parents agreed they don't get enough quality time together because it's hard to find fun and affordable things to do.

The study found families spend £195 a month on time together, cashing in at £2,340 a year.

And it's no wonder, when day trips together are how seven in 10 families will spend time with one another.

For your chance to win a trip to San Francisco for the ultimate family trip together, simply pick up a promotional '˜Great Oreo Cookie Quest' pack of Oreo cookies, available in all major supermarkets and convenience stores, and enter the code on the packaging at www.oreoquest.com.

Top 10 wished-for family days out:

1. Trip to the beach2. Going out for dinner together3. Going for a walk4. Trip to a different town or city5. Picnic in the park6. Cinema trip7. Bike ride in the park8. Watching TV together9. Trip to the zoo10. Dinner together at home

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