What to pack in your rucksack for a day out with children (complete checklist)

A day out with children can be a great success or a string of little mishaps, and the difference often comes down to what is in your rucksack. This is the checklist we use when families ask us what to bring to the park.

The essentials

• Water: at least one bottle per person. You are welcome to bring bottles of water into Dinolandia.
• Sun protection: sun cream, a cap and, in summer, sunglasses for the little ones.
• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes: trainers, never new sandals or flip-flops. The route follows dirt paths among pine trees.
• Layers of clothing: in the Sierra Oeste, mornings can be cool and afternoons hot, even within the same season.

Food: what you can and cannot bring

At Dinolandia we have our own food and drink facilities, and you may bring in bottles of water and ready-made baguette sandwiches or sandwiches for personal consumption, provided they are carried in a small rucksack or small bag. Cool boxes and food containers are not allowed. There are picnic tables and benches in both Dinolandia and El Bosque Encantado, although these sandwiches may not be eaten at the tables around our kiosk or bar.

A basic first aid kit

There is no need to bring an entire pharmacy, just four things: plasters, wipes, hand sanitiser and any regular medication anyone needs. That will deal with 95% of unexpected mishaps.

To make the day even better

• A camera or charged mobile phone: you will be taking lots of photos, especially with the dinosaurs.
• A power bank if you are planning to stay until nightfall to see the lights switch on at El Bosque Encantado.
• A lightweight change of clothes for the youngest children: with games, dirt and fountains, you never know.
• Small bags for rubbish: leaving the woodland as you found it is part of the outing.

What if I am bringing a pushchair?

95% of the park is accessible with a pushchair. There are some steps, but you can avoid them by using the main path, so there is no need to leave it at home.

The golden rule

Only bring what you will use. A light rucksack makes it much easier for children (and grown-ups) to keep going through a whole day of adventure among the dinosaurs. See you in the pine woods!