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Home » Picnic Tips & Ideas

Kid-Approved Picnic Ideas for Kids of All Ages

Published: Oct 31, 2021 · Modified: Jan 31, 2024 by Kate O'Malley · This post may contain affiliate links. See end of article for more information · Leave a Comment


I love all kinds of picnics, but there is nothing more fun than a picnic for kids.

Whether it’s a family picnic or a kid’s picnic party, it’s not always easy to think of kid-friendly picnic food or games to keep kids entertained at a picnic.

Young girl holding her baby brother on a picnic blanket eating apples.
Jump to:
  • Choose a Picnic Theme
  • Simple Tips for Kids Picnics
  • Picnic Essentials
  • Kids Picnic Food Ideas
  • Kids Picnic Games & Decorations

Are you planning a kid’s birthday party? See my best Birthday Picnic Party ideas for tips on creating magical outdoor birthday celebrations. I’ve also rounded up the best picnic activities to keep everyone entertained.

I’ve done the homework for you and rounded up loads of picnic food ideas for kids – there are even some ideas for picnic food for toddlers.

I’ve got some great DIY picnic games and activities and suggestions for some very helpful picnic accessories.

Choose a Picnic Theme

There are loads of great kid’s picnic themes, such as the classic Teddy Bears Picnic. But you can also choose a theme that doesn’t require too much planning, such as a food-oriented theme.

I love the idea of a Mexican picnic because the food is easy to prepare, there are lots of finger food options which is great for kids (DIY Tacos), and you can make fun decorations and games like the DIY piñata I give you the how-to for below.

A group of girls collecting the candy from the pinata at a picnic party.

Simple Tips for Kids Picnics

  • Stick with easy-to-manage finger food or single-serve containers. Choose foods kids can easily eat in between playing. See my DIY picnic ideas for adorable Origami Snack Cups for popcorn, chips, or sweets. The kids can help make them.
  • Keeping food to simple snack-style spreads will also save you carting loads of gear. Below are plenty of kid-friendly picnic recipes.
  • Cupcakes make a great alternative to a whole cake – read my tips on Transporting Cup Cakes to get to the party in one piece.
  • Pack wet wipes and extra tea towels for sticky fingers and spills.
  • Freeze juice boxes to help keep food cold and have cold drinks for later in the day. I have lots of tips for keeping food cold for a picnic here.
  • Pack plenty of water no matter the season.
  • Take basic games to keep everyone entertained. (I give some great ideas for these below).
  • Pack sun smart essentials and bug spray – again, no matter the season.
  • Throw in some basic first aid essentials in case of little accidents, stings, scrapes, or grazes—antibacterial wipes, Band-Aids (plasters), etc.
  • Depending on where you are picnicking, a beach umbrella or portable sunshade can be a very welcome addition.
  • Do you need to consider how to keep flies and bugs away from your picnic?

Pop-Up Beach Tent

A simple pop-up beach tent is great for kids at a picnic—especially a beach picnic. It provides shade, a place to play, and even a place to nap for little ones.

This four-person pop-up tent is an excellent idea for kids’ picnics.

Buy on Amazon

You Might Also Like: Planning a family Easter picnic? I’ve got over 60 great Easter Picnic Recipes and Ideas, including fun ideas for kids.

Picnic Essentials

Keep Your Picnic Portable

Picnic baskets are lovely but not always practical. Picnics are portable; you need to be even more portable when you have kids in tow.

Consider a picnic backpack over a basket. I reviewed the best 2 person picnic backpacks and the best picnic backpacks for four.

This Family picnic backpack for 4 is a practical, hands-free solution to picnicking.

Buy on Amazon

Collapsible Folding Wagon

Or, if you have a big group picnic planned, a collapsible wagon is a great way to transport your picnic gear without any stress.

Buy on Amazon

Bring The Essential Comforts

You don’t need to bring an entire camp set-up, but a picnic always needs a good waterproof blanket, especially with kids.

Depending on where you are picnicking, you may need a table to lay food on. I’ve found the best waterproof picnic blankets that are practical and cozy, as well as the best foldable picnic tables of all sizes.

If you want to DIY your kid’s picnic table, I have super easy downloadable plans below.

A little girl sitting on a blanket eating a picnic.

Pack Food For Convenient Serving

As with any picnic, you don’t want to lug half your kitchen. These are a few essentials that reduce the extra gear and make serving your picnic food simple.

Bento boxes are one of the best picnic ideas for kids. They are perfect for individual lunch boxes because they can hold up to four or five different portion-sized dishes in different sections. Bento boxes even have their own cutlery.

Pack a box for each child, and you can forget about additional plates and cutlery.

Or, you can opt for a few large-capacity bento-style containers for a quick and easy way to serve different dishes.

Kids Bento Box Lunch Set

Check Price

Large Capacity Bento Box

Check Price

Single Serve Food Containers

If you plan to serve salads or desserts that are not finger food-friendly, consider single-serve food containers. By making single-serve salads or desserts for kids, you can cut down on excess gear and serving issues.

It is also much easier for kids to manage a single salad container than worrying about a plate, knives, and forks. Less gear, less mess.

Set of 5 Leakproof Stainless Food Storage Containers

Buy on Amazon

Kids Picnic Food Ideas

A kid’s picnic should be fun, so food needs to be easy to eat between playing – Kids don’t want to be balancing plates on their knees or trying to manage awkward meals.

And while a picnic is fun, you still need a balance between healthy food and treats.

I’ve rounded up some great picnic food ideas for kids that meet the criteria beyond the typical sandwich.

Picnic Food Ideas for Kids
From kid's picnic snacks to sweet treats and a few creative spins on sandwiches, these recipes are easy to make and transport to a picnic. Best of all, kids will love them.
Get The Kids Picnic Recipes
Two girls sitting at a table eating watermelon.
Two children sitting on the ground eating fruit at a picnic.

Kids Picnic Games & Decorations

From fun picnic games to decorations that will brighten your picnic or make it more enjoyable, these ideas will help make your next picnic kids successful.

Themed Paper Table Settings
Add a special touch to any kid's picnic with on-theme paper plates and cups.
Buy on Etsy
Photo credit: etsy.com/shop/LittleBigPartyCo
A pink-themed picnic paper tableware featuring a donut on a plate, a paper cup, napkins, straws with daisy decorations, and a daisy-patterned plate on a pink surface.
Kids Picnic Table Plans
Are you feeling like you might be up for a bit of picnic DIY? These downloadable plans for a kids' picnic table are super easy to follow, even for those who aren't so handy.
Download on Etsy
Photo credit: etsy.com/shop/WoodCraftSolutions
Blueprint of a picnic table with four views: perspective, plan, end, and front. Dimensions are shown, including 48" width, 43" table length, 21" seat height, and 24" table height.
Picnic Gingham Bunting
Add a vintage picnic party vibe with some decorative banners. A sweet addition to any kids picnic.
Buy on Etsy
Photo credit: etsy.com/shop/NorthofNormalShop
Colorful checkered pennant banners are strung between trees in a lush, green outdoor setting.
Edible Cupcake Toppers
Add adorable edible designs to your cupcakes. Choose from an array of designs to enhance the theme of your picnic.
Buy on Etsy
Photo credit: etsy.com/shop/FontaliciouscreateAU
Cupcakes on a wire rack decorated with images of an apple slice, picnic basket, ant, hedgehog with a cup, and ladybug.
Nature Word Search Printable
Get back to nature with these printable Nature Word Search games. A great activity for older kids.
Get the Printable
Photo credit: shimmeringstrings.com
Picnic Coloring Placemats
Print out these picnic coloring placemats for kids to color at the picnic. A great activity for little kids.
Get the Printable
Photo credit: happinessishomemade.net
How to Make a DIY Piñata
The activity that keeps on giving. Get the kids involved to make their own Piñata for your next picnic. It's a fun thing to make for a kid's picnic party.
Find Out How To
Photo credit: thediynuts.com

Kids Picnic Lawn Games Set

24 Piece lawn games set suitable for kids and adults includes everything you need for Potato Sack Races, 3-legged race, and Egg and Spoon Race Game. It also contains 12 game prizes to reward the race winners.

Buy on Amazon

Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt Card Game

A fun picnic game for kids and adults to discover the great outdoors. The drawstring bag includes 35 find-and-seek cards and instructions for three ways to play the game.

Check Price

With these simple ideas for food and fun, you’ll be ready to plan a memorable kids’ picnic that everyone will enjoy.


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About Kate O'Malley

Picnic enthusiast, passionate cook, and the creative force behind Picnic Lifestyle. With a globe-trotting background and a keen eye for local ingredients, she's mastered the art of crafting delectable picnics and portable feasts (especially for long travel days). Kate's passion for al fresco dining comes alive in this guide, curating perfect picnics for every occasion.

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