Money hacks How to save (or go for free) on a family day out

A day trip begins with your journey to the attraction and your savings can begin there too if you are using public transport.

- Shane Hickey

Travel right

In London, up to four children under the age of 11 can travel free with a fare-paying adult on the Tube, DLR, Overground and Elizabeth line. The kids don't require a ticket - they should be allowed through the gates by staff, or can go through the larger gates with the paying adult.

Children aged 11 to 15 get free, or discounted, travel with a 11-15 Zip Oyster photocard. A parent or guardian must apply for the card, which costs £16 and takes about two weeks to arrive.

A Friends and Family railcard (£35 for one year) gets you one-third off standard anytime, off-peak and advance adult fares, and 60% off kids' fares across the National Rail network in Great Britain.

Some train companies - including Southeastern and Chiltern Railways - offer Kids for a Quid deals. Children aged 5-15 can travel for £1 on a single or return journey off-peak when accompanied by an adult on selected journeys.

Travelling by train can also get you a discount when you arrive - National Rail's website lists two-for-one deals in London, and a mix of offers around Great Britain, including two for one at the Black Country Museum in the Midlands.

National Express is running a "kids travel free" promotion from now to the end of September. Up to three kids (to age 15) can go free with one adult using the code Kidsfree.

Always try to book well in advance to get the best fares and avoid midweek peak times.

Look for free entry Many of the most famous museums in the country remain free to enter for the main exhibitions.

In London, the British Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain and Tate Modern are some of the most prominent that do not charge. You may have to pay for specific exhibitions and many ask for voluntary donations.