Getting out and about can come at a cost and in these tricky economic times it appears family outings are on the wane.

New research by the National Lottery reveals that while children love family trips, 70 per cent of parents say lack of cash prevents them doing more.

A trip to the zoo can cost £45 for a family of four and a trip to the coast can cost £25 in petrol alone.

But the new research reveals that family time is growing in popularity, and it's children that are the driving force.

The Johnsons from Sheffield love trips out together but have learned how to have fun without it costing the earth.

Judith, an HR co-ordinator, lives in Ecclesall with husband Alan and their six-year-old son Barney.

"Our favourite days out are to local places like Endcliffe Park or Millhouses Park," explains Judith.

"There's so much to do locally and it means we can spend time as a family without driving for miles.

"We also love going to Weston Park Museum in Sheffield. Barney loves the exhibits and there's always something new. Best of all it's free.

"We usually build our days out around what Barney likes and what he's interested in but we're probably quite lucky in that he likes simple things.

"As parents we really enjoy taking him to places that we enjoyed as kids. We can both remember the fun we had doing straightforward things like playing in the park and that's what we try to re-create for Barney."

Judith and Alan, a finance manager, tend to save trips to the zoo or big spend attractions for special occasions like birthdays. Barney still enjoys plenty of trips in the summer holidays with Judith's sister, a teacher who cares for him during the holidays while his parents work.

"We both work and it's difficult to find the time but Barney enjoys having fun.

"My mum walked him home from school the other day and it took about an hour because he wanted to blow the seeds off every dandelion clock. Sometimes we live our lives so fast that we forget there's a beauty in simplicity."

The National Lottery survey was commissioned as part of Love UK, a campaign celebrating the £25 million a week raised by Lottery players for Good Causes projects big and small.

The funding benefits the arts, sports, heritage, environment, education, health and charities UK-wide.

And although prices are rising and families are feeling the pinch, there are still many ways to spend time together without breaking the bank.

Good planning is essential if we're to save time, money and stress, says Ros Walker, editor of Let's Go With The Children (Yorkshire and the North East)

Let's Go With The Children is a handbag-sized book which features some of the best places to go and things to do in our region.

"Because of the general lack of cash available to families at the moment it's essential we plan in advance," adds Ros.

"But South Yorkshire has got lots and lots of amenities.