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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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