It’s a beautiful day and you’re in the mood for a picnic with the kids. Planning the food and grabbing the blanket is just the start — there’s always something that gets left behind. That’s where our free printable picnic checklist comes in, so you can pack once and pack right.
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Beyond the food, there are a few extra essentials worth tucking into the picnic basket or the boot of the car to make your picnic day run smoothly.
You may also enjoy: Practical Picnic Ideas for the Perfect Day Out with the Kids
Picnic Checklist
We’ve put together a comprehensive picnic checklist so you have everything covered — download your free picnic checklist here. Just print it off, tick things off as you pack, and take the stress out of picnic day.
From the essentials, to the utensils you’ll need, to keeping the creepy crawlies away and games to keep everyone entertained, our checklist has it all covered.
Picnic Food Ideas
Need some inspiration for what to pack? Try these family favourites:
- Homemade Lemonade
- Emma’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Delicious and Easy Homemade Sausages
- Chicken Legs with Ginger & Lime
Outdoor Activities and Games
Once the food’s eaten, keep the fun going with some outdoor activities and games:
- 50 Interesting Things to Do at the Beach with Kids
- 7 Super Fun Outdoor Games for Kids
- 50 Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids
- 10 Mega Fun Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be on a picnic checklist?
A good picnic checklist covers more than just food — think blanket or rug, plates and utensils, napkins, bin bags for rubbish, sun protection, something to keep bugs at bay, and a few games or activities to keep the kids entertained once they’ve eaten. Our free checklist groups everything into easy categories so you can pack quickly without forgetting anything.
How do I download the picnic checklist?
Simply click the download link in the Picnic Checklist section above. It’s a printable PDF, so you can print it off, keep it handy, and tick items off as you pack.
What food travels well for a picnic with kids?
Simple, hand-held foods tend to work best — think sandwiches, chicken legs, homemade sausages, and easy bakes like cookies. Check out our picnic food ideas above for some tried-and-tested family favourites.
How do I keep bugs away during a picnic?
Simple steps like covering food when it’s not being eaten, choosing a spot away from bins or standing water, and packing a natural bug deterrent can help keep creepy crawlies from crashing the party. Our checklist includes a dedicated section on this so you don’t have to think of it on the day.
More Picnic and Outdoor Fun
Looking for more ideas to round out your picnic day? Don’t miss our picnic food recipes and our roundup of outdoor games and activities above — perfect for turning a simple picnic into a full day out.
Save These Ideas for Later
Loved this checklist? Save this article or bookmark it so it’s ready to go next time you’re planning a picnic.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now for our free newsletters packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.
Have you downloaded and used our picnic checklist? Tell us what you think in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
