If you want to plan a fun day outdoors, then these family-friendly picnic ideas are guaranteed to please. While picnics are a great way to spend time together, having some activities planned can make the day more special. Whether you’re chilling in a park or heading to a sandy beach, here are some creative ideas to inspire your next picnic adventure!
The Best Family-Friendly Picnic Ideas
Choose Kid-Friendly (and Parent-Approved) Snacks
You can’t have a picnic without delicious food! Choosing snacks that are tasty, healthy, and easy to prepare is key to keeping hungry tummies satisfied. When it comes to preparing a menu, here are a couple of ideas that are perfect for a picnic:
- Snack trays: veggie sticks, sliced fruit, cheese cubes, and dips are light and nutritious options.
- Mini sandwiches: Create a platter of your favorite mini sandwiches for everyone to snack on throughout the day.
- Energy snacks: For a full day out, bring some nutrient and protein-rich foods like yogurt, granola bars, and trail mix.
- Sweets: Some homemade cookies, muffins, or pastries will keep all the sweet lovers in your family happy!
- Drinks: Water is an absolute must, but homemade lemonade or juice boxes can also be a nice addition to your beverage list.
Play Some Classic Picnic Games
A picnic is the perfect excuse for having fun. If you want to keep your little ones entertained, planning a few engaging activities will ensure they have a good time. Classic lawn games like frisbee, soccer, or paddle ball can easily be played outdoors. Or you can opt for something more laid-back, like playing cards or board games. Toddlers or younger kids will also love simple activities, like blowing bubbles or playing with sidewalk chalk.
Host an Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
An outdoor scavenger hunt is a great way to get your kiddos to explore their surroundings. It can be as simple as giving them a list of items to find (ex: a white pebble, a small pinecone, a particular flower). Or you can go all out with fun clues and hints to make things a bit more challenging!
Set Aside Time for Relaxation
You don’t have to plan out of minute of your picnic. Relaxation is also important, so make sure to set aside time for some peace and quiet. Play some soft music, read a children’s book together, or simply lay back and watch the clouds. This sort of downtime is also a great way to calm down your kids before making the journey back home.
Bring the Picnic Essentials
Between the food, games, and picnic supplies, packing for your outing can be overwhelming. But you can use this list as a reference to ensure you have everything you need:
- Snacks and drinks
- Picnic basket
- Picnic blanket and/or chairs
- Cooler or insulated bag for food
- Plates, cups, utensils, and napkins
- Trash bags
- Sun protection (hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug repellant)
- Outdoor games, cards, and books
- Bluetooth speaker
- First aid kit
- Towels or extra clothes for layering
- Kids wagon for hauling kids and picnic gear!
Come Up With a Theme
Having a theme for your picnic can make things even more exciting! There are so many great options to choose from. A teddy bear picnic is the perfect theme for little ones who want to bring their favorite plushie along. Or you can throw a tea party with fairytale outfits and bite-sized sandwiches! A sports-themed picnic with mini-tournaments and challenges can also be fun to keep your kids energized and active.
Make the Picnic Screen-Free
A picnic is an opportunity for family bonding – not for wasting the day on the internet! Digital distractions can take attention away from the beauty of being outdoors. Leave the phones, tablets, and electronics at home (or at least in the car) to encourage conversation and interaction.
Get the Kids Involved in Picnic Planning
Involving your kids in the planning process can get them excited for the fun day ahead. By giving them certain tasks to take care of, they’ll also develop a sense of ownership and responsibility. Younger kids can pick out their favorite snacks or pack their own picnic basket of goodies. Older kids can help with the food preparation or by coming up with a checklist of items to bring. To make planning even more fun, consider giving your child a role, like “Game Captain” or “Picnic Manager”.
Destinations for a Family-Friendly Picnic
Choosing the location is half the fun of planning a picnic. Here are a couple of ideal spots for your family picnic outing:
- Local parks: Between the sprawling lawns and children’s playgrounds, the local park is a great place for your family picnic.
- Lake or beach: If you’re searching for tranquil water views, a lakeside or beach picnic is the ideal destination. Just don’t forget to bring your swimsuits, sand toys, and other beach essentials!
- Botanical gardens: Blossoming flowers and lush foliage make the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day outdoors.
- Forest: Have your picnic in the forest and plan a nature walk or scenic scavenger hunt that kids and adults will both love.
- Backyard: You don’t have to go far for your picnic. Having one in your backyard is easy, convenient, and just as fun!
A day full of fun family-friendly picnic ideas is an experience that everyone will cherish. Not only does it give you the chance to be outdoors, but it also creates meaningful memories with your loved ones. And when you add good food, exciting activities, and great company – it’s hard to imagine a better way to spend the day! While being outdoors is fun, it’s also good to have a backup plan in case of bad weather. So here are 12 awesome indoor activities you can do on a rainy day.
