Family picnics don't need to be complicated affairs. You can create an enjoyable and unforgettable experience without too much fuss or worry with just a few simple steps.
Here's our comprehensive guide on planning the ideal family picnic, complete with tips for food, games and location considerations.
1. Keep the Food Simple
Busy parents don't need to stress over preparing a gourmet picnic spread. Light snacks or leftovers that are easy to pack should do just fine, such as crackers, cheese, fruit salad, and juice boxes are perfect. Keeping things straightforward will keep things stress-free!
Easy Picnic Food Ideas
No one needs to be an accomplished chef to pack an enjoyable picnic basket for their children! Try these easy-to-pack options as picnic food.
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Wraps: These are delicious even when cold, making them perfect for a picnic.
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Finger Foods with Dip: Pre-cut veggies or fruits paired with your favourite dip are healthy and convenient.
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Sandwiches: Classic and customizable, sandwiches are always a hit.
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Fruit Salad: Refreshing and healthy, a pre-made seasonal fruit salad is easy to enjoy.
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Cold Pasta Salad: Quick, filling, and perfect for warm weather.
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Fried Chicken: This can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a versatile choice.
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Lemonade: Fresh and tangy, lemonade is the perfect drink for a hot day.
These items can easily be purchased at local groceries for an easier picnic. Involving children in making sandwiches or packing snack boxes creates an enjoyable family activity while giving them an opportunity to feel included.
Food Ideas by Age Group
Toddlers (1-3 years)
- Soft fruits: Bananas, strawberries, and blueberries.
- Cheese cubes: Easy to chew and nutritious.
- Mini sandwiches: Small, crustless sandwiches with soft fillings.
- Yogurt pouches: Convenient and mess-free.
Preschoolers (3-5 years)
- Veggie sticks with hummus: Carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper sticks.
- Fruit kebabs: Fun and colourful skewers of assorted fruits.
- Mini wraps: Tortillas filled with cheese and turkey.
- Cheese and crackers: Simple and satisfying.
School-aged kids (6-12 years)
- Pasta salad: With cherry tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella.
- Chicken drumsticks: Easy to hold and eat.
- Apple slices with peanut butter: A tasty and nutritious snack.
- Homemade granola bars: Sweet and energy-boosting.
2. Pick Out a Picnic Basket or Bag
Selecting an appropriate container for your picnic is key. A tote bag or backpack is more practical if children are involved, as these containers provide more stability and safety.
An easily portable bag can help transport blankets, food containers and toys easily - just be sure it has enough space and durability to hold everything.
3. Pack Picnic Essentials
Proper preparation is essential to having an enjoyable picnic outing, so pack these essentials to ensure an easy and pleasant outing:
- Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Water bottles: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially on hot days.
- Extra snacks: Kids often get hungry, so having additional snacks on hand is a good idea.
- Books: Great for some quiet time and relaxation.
- Utensils: Don’t forget utensils for eating and serving.
- Small toys: Keeps the little ones entertained.
Utensils and toys will keep the little ones entertained; packing these in advance will prepare you for whatever may arise.
4. Bring a Wagon
Transportation can be tricky for picnickers when transporting all their goods from car to location - this makes a wagon particularly handy in making this step more manageable.
An old suitcase can carry all your belongings while serving as a fun ride for kids, making your picnic journey simpler and more enjoyable.
5. Select the Ideal Picnic Site
Selecting an ideal picnic location can be essential to its success; but that doesn't require spectacular vistas and glorious sunsets to captivate kids and amaze parents alike.
Explore a nearby park, beach, playground or backyard as convenient and enjoyable picnic spots. In case of inclement weather conditions, try creating an indoor picnic using blankets and sofa pillows in the living room - this adds an element of adventure while staying cosy indoors!
Seasonal Location Tips
Spring
- Botanical Gardens: Enjoy blooming flowers and fresh air.
- Meadows: Ideal for running around and playing.
Summer
- Beaches: Perfect for swimming and building sandcastles.
- Shady Parks: Stay cool while enjoying outdoor activities.
Fall
- Forests: Beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures.
- Orchards: Combine your picnic with apple picking.
Winter
- Indoor Locations: Set up a picnic by the fireplace or in a cosy sunroom.
- Snowy Parks: Bring hot chocolate and enjoy a winter wonderland.
6. Prepare Kid-Friendly Games
Entertainment is key to a successful picnic. Here are some simple game ideas that will keep the kids engaged:
- Frisbee or Catch: Active games that are easy to set up.
- Tag: A classic game that gets everyone moving.
- Treasure Hunts: Create a simple treasure hunt with small prizes.
- Board Games: Pack lightweight and travel-friendly board games.
- Water Balloon Toss: Perfect for hot days.
- Hide and Seek: Another classic game that kids love.
- Musical Chairs: Fun and energetic, this game can be played anywhere.
- Face Painting: Bring some face paint and let the kids get creative.
These activities will keep the kids entertained and create lasting memories.
7. Pack Some Sweet Treats
Bringing along special treats can make the picnic enjoyable and memorable, such as snack mixes, cupcakes, lollipops or candied nuts as a sweet surprise or as rewards for winning games.
Special treats add an element of surprise and excitement to the picnic experience, creating lasting memories for your children.
Tips for Keeping Picnic Food Warm and Safe
Keeping Food Warm
Keeping picnic food warm without packing a camping stove might sound challenging, but there are several portable solutions:
- Thermal Bags or Thermos: Ideal for soups and drinks, these keep food hot for hours.
- Warming Plates: Use stones that retain heat and keep your food warm.
- Heat Packs: Effective for maintaining the temperature of dishes.
- Insulated Picnic Baskets: Modern insulated baskets can keep food warm or cold as needed.
- Aluminium Foil: Wrap food in foil just before leaving to retain heat.
Preventing Insect Troubles
Insects can be a nuisance during a picnic. To prevent this, consider the following tips:
- Avoid Wet Areas: These attract more insects, especially mosquitoes.
- Citrus Scents Naturally repel bugs and are pleasant to humans.
- Natural Repellents: Use onion, vanilla, or mint to keep insects at bay.
- Neutral Clothing: Bright colours attract insects, so opt for neutral tones.
- Discard Sweet Remnants: Set up a separate spot for discarded food to draw insects away from your picnic.
- Portable Fan: Insects avoid windy areas, making a fan a useful tool.
Food Safety Tips
Ensuring your picnic food is safe is crucial. Follow these tips:
- Wash Produce: Clean all fruits, vegetables, and utensils before packing.
- Separate Utensils: Use different utensils for raw and cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination.
- Temperature Control: Don’t let food sit out for more than an hour above 90°F. Use coolers, ice, and frozen gel packs to maintain the coolness of cold food.
Conclusion
With these tips, you’re all set for a delightful family picnic. From simple food ideas to essential packing tips and fun games, this guide ensures that your picnic will be a hit with the entire family. Enjoy the outdoors, make wonderful memories, and cherish the special moments with your loved ones.
For more family-friendly outdoor activities and ideas, check out our Family Outdoor Activities 101 page.
FAQs
What food should I bring to a family picnic?
Bring simple, kid-friendly foods like wraps, sandwiches, fruit, and snacks that are easy to pack and eat.
How can I keep my picnic food warm?
Use thermal bags, thermoses, warming plates, heat packs, or insulated picnic baskets to maintain food temperature.
What are some good locations for a family picnic?
Nearby parks, beaches, playgrounds, and even your backyard are great options. For bad weather, an indoor picnic works well too.
