A mum has sparked controversy by slamming "sad" families who take a packed lunch with them to eat at theme parks because they are "sucking enjoyment out of life."

The irate mum took to Mumsnet to voice her harsh criticism of families who aren't prepared to buy their lunch on site "when really you can just spend a bit of extra money and have the hassle taken away?"

The controversial opinion hit all the wrong notes with fellow parents who were quite savage in their retorts, the ECHO reports.

User Ribrabrob said: "I went to a theme park with a friend recently, fully prepared to buy lunch when I was there however arrived to pick her up and there she was with a bag full of homemade sandwiches and packet of crisps each.

"I was grateful, of course, for the time effort and money on her part but I couldn't help feeling a little disappointed - what's the harm in buying food out?  

"It's always been the case that I can't help but feel a little sad when I see families on a day out at a theme park, zoo for example, sat on a bench eating (warm?) sandwiches wrapped in foil with a fruit shoot.

Would you take a picnic to a theme park?

"I had the type of childhood where this was common place - packed lunch for every occasion, no need to eat out because there was 'food at home' or it was 'too expensive' (despite no money worries) etc so I suppose it's kind of stuck with me and I don't want that kind of life.

"Aibu [Am I being unreasonable] to think that if you can afford a day at the zoo etc, then spending a little bit extra on some food is no big deal? Aibu to think that life is too short to spend time making a sandwich/salad to take on a day out, when really you can just spend a bit of extra money and have the hassle taken away? It just seems so strange to me and as though people try and suck all enjoyment out of life."

But people did think she was being unreasonable and pointed out the many reasons why.

Mum slams families eating picnics at theme parks
Mum slams families eating picnics at theme parks

One said: "We can only afford trips the the zoo etc because we take a packed lunch with us. Just because you can afford the extras it doesn't mean everyone else can. YABU [You are being unreasonable]."

A second said: "Maybe your culinary skills aren't up to scratch, but there is nothing better than a lovely homemade picnic. The cheap and nasty fare found at theme parks etc doesn't compare to a home made sandwich."

Another said: "That's a weird perspective. There is plenty of joy in a day out even with a packed lunch! I don't get your point of view, but you're entitled to it. Just don't expect anyone to share it."

Another said: "Theme park food plays havoc with your waist line, and often isn't healthy."


And another added: "And lots of people can’t afford it. So what, those who can’t should just stay at home and never go anywhere? Those living frugally or within their means don’t deserve to go anywhere fun? You sound like a snob."

But there were a handful who agreed that it was part of the experience to eat at the theme park or zoo.

One said: "I agree. Its all part of the day out."