Family Food

Practical Picnic Ideas for The Perfect Day Out with Kids

** Simple, practical picnic ideas for a stress-free day out with kids — from choosing the right spot to easy, mess-free food kids actually eat.

admin Updated July 2018 · 5 min read

Picnics are such a fun way to enjoy food casually, and kids especially love the novelty of eating outdoors. Whether you’re picnicking in your local park, at the beach, or on a day trip this summer, these practical picnic ideas for the perfect day out with kids will help keep the focus where it belongs — on fun and family time.

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From planning where to have your picnic to keeping the whole thing stress-free, here’s everything you need to plan a picnic the kids (and you) will actually enjoy.

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Practical Picnic Ideas for the Perfect Day Out with Kids

#1. Plan the Place

Before you leave, choose your picnic site with a little care. Check what amenities are nearby along the route, just in case nature calls. Bring along whatever gear suits the location — fishing nets, buckets and spades if you’re near water, for example.

It’s also worth packing some Lego in a storage box or freezer bag for quieter moments, and a fairy wand or toy sword can turn a walk in the woods into a proper imaginative adventure.

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#2. Invest in a Cool Bag

A good cool bag keeps food chilled on the way to the picnic — and keeps leftovers safe on the way home too. Leftover chicken skewers, for instance, make a great base for a stir fry the next day.

Tip: freeze juice cartons and tuck them into your cool bag. They’ll help keep everything else cold and will have defrosted nicely by the time you’re ready to drink them.

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#3. Keep It Simple

Finger food means no cutlery to pack, wash, or lose in the grass. Juice cartons or chilled water bottles do the same job for cups — one less thing to carry, one less thing to spill.

#4. Feed the Children Before You Leave

This might sound like an odd tip, but younger children in particular get so distracted by everything there is to see and hear outdoors that they simply forget about being hungry.

Feeding the children before you leave takes the pressure off — everyone can then enjoy the snacks at the picnic in their own time, rather than needing them.

#5. Pack Practical Snacks & Food

It pays to be sensible and pack food you know the kids will actually eat. Here are some family favourites:

Chicken skewers, cooked in the oven. Easy to make, with all the fun of a barbecue. No knives or forks needed, and you can season them however you like.
Garlic bread, made from leftover French baguette. Chop garlic and mix it into softened butter (a food processor makes quick work of this). Slice the baguette, tuck a knob of the butter into each cut, then pop it in the oven to toast and melt. For kids who aren’t keen on garlic, just use plain butter instead.
Seedless grapes. Easy to eat, no cleanup, and no cutting needed. Freeze them before you leave for a cool, refreshing snack that also helps keep kids hydrated.
Carrot sticks. Simple, healthy, and easy to eat with no fuss.
Homemade flapjacks — a nice, easily transportable dessert that travels well.

You might also enjoy some of these picnic recipes:

#6. Prepare the Picnic Together

Let the children help prepare the picnic — you’ll be surprised how much they learn from these simple, everyday tasks. Remember, learning is fun, and it doesn’t need to be rushed.

By doing these tasks hands-on, children grasp ideas and remember them far longer than they would from a worksheet.

Washing fruit and vegetables is a job for all ages. Older children can help with cutting, while younger children can tear — both are great for developing motor skills.
Counting out napkins or other items is a simple, real-world maths exercise. Ask how many more are needed to have enough for everyone — a type of problem children typically meet around age 7–8, and one that’s more complex than it sounds.

#7. Relax and Have Fun

Don’t overcomplicate things. Picnics are about relaxing and switching off, so keep it as simple and stress-free as you can. The kids will happily run around and play outdoors — so sit back, enjoy your own lunch, and let the fun happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the easiest food to pack for a picnic with kids?

Finger foods work best — think chicken skewers, carrot sticks, grapes, and homemade flapjacks. Anything that doesn’t need cutlery or plates cuts down on mess and makes cleanup much easier.

How do I keep picnic food cold without a fridge nearby?

A good-quality cool bag is essential. Freezing juice cartons ahead of time and packing them alongside your food is a simple trick — they keep everything chilled and will have thawed out nicely by the time you’re ready to eat.

Should I feed my kids before we leave for a picnic?

It’s a good idea, especially for younger children. Kids often get so absorbed in outdoor play that they forget to eat, so having a proper meal beforehand takes the pressure off and lets everyone enjoy the snacks at their own pace.

How can I get my kids involved in picnic prep?

Simple tasks like washing fruit, tearing lettuce, or counting out napkins are perfect. They double as gentle, hands-on learning moments — for maths and motor skills alike — while getting everyone excited for the day out.

Enjoyed This?

If picnics are your thing, browse our full collection of family food ideas and days-out inspiration for more easy recipes and outdoor fun to try with the kids.

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Practical Picnic Ideas for The Perfect Day Out with Kids