17 Kids Picnic Ideas
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Quick answer: 17 Kids Picnic Ideas. This guide gives 17 ideas in 4 sections: Easy picnic food; Handy kit; After lunch games; Indoor picnic. Budget: Under 拢10 for food, extra for kit. Best for: Ages 2 and up, any weather.
- Time: 30 minutes to pack
- Budget: Under 拢10 for food, extra for kit
- Best for: Ages 2 and up, any weather
Nothing tastes better than a squashed sandwich eaten on a blanket with the wind in your hair. A picnic does not need to be elaborate, just a place, a blanket and something good to eat.
Here are food ideas, kit that makes life easier, and games for after lunch. Check for allergies, keep food cool and take a bag for all the rubbish.
Top tip: Freeze a few small water bottles or juice cartons the night before. They act as ice packs in the bag, then become cold drinks by lunchtime. No separate ice packs needed.
Easy picnic food
Finger food that travels well.
- Rainbow wraps: Fill wraps with soft cheese and thin strips of colourful veg, then slice into pinwheels. Check for allergens in the wraps and fillings. You will need: tortilla wraps.
- Sandwich shapes: Use cutters to turn sandwiches into stars and hearts. Kids often eat more when food looks fun. You will need: sandwich cutters.
- Mini muffins: Bake a batch the day before or buy a pack. They are small, easy to hold and keep well in a tin. You will need: muffin tin, biscuit tin.
- Fruit kebabs: Thread grapes (cut lengthways for little ones), melon and strawberries on blunt sticks. Adults should supervise. You will need: skewers.
- Pasta salad pots: Cold pasta, sweetcorn and cucumber in small pots. Children carry their own, so nobody argues about portions. You will need: small food pots.
Handy kit
The right equipment keeps things civilised.
- Waterproof blanket: A blanket with a waterproof back stops damp seeping through. Fold it small and keep it in the car boot. You will need: picnic blanket.
- Cool bag: Keeps sandwiches and drinks cool. Pack it just before leaving and keep it in the shade. You will need: cool bag, ice packs.
- Reusable plates and cups: Light plastic or bamboo plates and cups survive drops, and cut waste. Pack a spare bag for dirty ones. You will need: picnic plates, kids cups.
- Wipes and bin bags: Pack wet wipes, tissues and a bin bag. Take everything home so the spot stays lovely. You will need: bin bags.
- Insect repellent and sun cream: Check the labels for age suitability, and keep a hat and shade handy. A small umbrella helps in summer. You will need: sun hat.
After lunch games
Little things that keep everyone happy while food settles.
- Cloud spotting: Lie back and find shapes in the sky. Take turns describing, and see how many animals you find.
- Frisbee or ball: Take a soft frisbee or ball and find a clear patch of grass. Soft ones are less likely to hit anyone. You will need: soft frisbee.
- Nature bingo: Tick off flowers, bugs and birds on a card. Take a pencil and stay together. You will need: nature bingo cards.
- Bubble time: Bubbles in the breeze are magical for young children. Do not let them drink the mixture. You will need: bubble solution.
Indoor picnic
Rainy days do not cancel a picnic.
- Living room picnic: Spread a blanket on the floor and eat there. Add a toy bear, and make it a teddy bears picnic. You will need: teddy bear.
- Garden den picnic: Set up a tent and picnic inside it. A great alternative on drizzly days. You will need: play tent.
- Fairy lights: Hang battery lights over the blanket for a magical glow. Safe and pretty. You will need: battery fairy lights.
Helpful links and further reading
A few trusted places to find out more.
- Food Standards Agency: food allergy and intolerance advice: Official guidance for anyone cooking or hosting for others. Always check labels.
- NHS Healthier Families: Simple recipes, food swaps and active ideas for the whole family.
- National Trust: Find gardens, parks and historic places for a day out.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep picnic food safe?
Keep it cool, pack raw and cooked items separately, and eat quickly on hot days. Bin leftovers that have been out too long.
What picnic foods are best for toddlers?
Soft fruit cut into small pieces, cheese cubes and sandwich fingers. Avoid whole grapes, nuts and hard foods that are choking hazards.
What about allergies?
Always check labels and avoid nuts if sharing with others. Keep any medicines or allergy plans in the picnic bag.
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