Are your children nagging you about going to Edinburgh Zoo to see the is-she-isn't-she pregnant panda? Do they moan that now the weather is miserable there's nothing to do? Does September weekend loom all empty with no plans?
But alongside all of that is the heart-sinking concern about how pricey an outing is. You're already worrying about paying for Christmas and family outings seem a bit extravagant.
These days if we're taking the three Boys somewhere we look quite carefully at how much it'll cost and whether or not there's a way of trimming off the bottom line.
Often it's as simple as being prepared to take sandwiches and drinks rather than shell out for snacks and juice out and about. It's shocking how quickly the little things add up.
However, there is one way you can slash the cost in one smart move. It's by letting the train take the strain. ScotRail's Kids Go Free scheme is brilliant.
If you buy a full adult ticket then you can travel with two children for free. That can cut the travel costs by up to £12.60. Easy peasy.
But it doesn't end there. The same scheme also gives you free entry for one child into one of many of Scotland's favorite attractions.
On the list is Edinburgh Zoo with its panda maternity ward, Edinburgh Dungeon, Aberdeen Stratosphere and Braehead's SnowFactor. As you know, these fantastic places are not cheap so letting the Kids Go Free is an offer you can't refuse. Visit the ScotRail website to find out which attractions are on the list.
I was compensated for writing this post, but the words and opinions are my own.
