It is summertime and what better way to spend time with those we love than in the outdoors enjoying a picnic and some games? We have brought together a collection of ideas, including our own experiences, to produce a picnic guide filled with planning tips, family-friendly activities, and picnic necessities to help keep it stress-free and enjoyable.
Tip 1
You may want to organise the picnic yourself to keep things simple, or how about encouraging the kids to be involved in the planning and organising? This gives them opportunities to talk about what they want to do and explore their own ideas.
Picnics are exciting for children especially if they have been stuck inside feeling ‘bored’ over the holidays. Make lists together about what food they would like to take and a list of other things that you might need such as a picnic basket/bag, picnic blanket, sun cream or jumpers and coats!
Bring the kids along for a picnic shopping trip and let them use their own shopping lists. On picnic day, encourage them to join in making the picnic, such as creating their own sandwiches, cutting veggies, and finding containers for the food. By getting them involved, they'll have even more fun, and it will also help expand their chances to learn.
Finally, assign each member of the family a packing task. Kids will enjoy being responsible for packing picnic blankets or selecting books and games. Remember to make sure that everything is packed before you set off so nothing is accidentally left behind!
How about: Before you head out and stock up on expensive throwaway picnic staples like plastic cups, throwaway plates, utensils and napkins, ditch needless plastics by using reusable stainless steel containers, bottles and reusable cotton napkins.
Tip 2
Choose where you are going to go before setting out. Knowing where you're headed will help you plan and pack efficiently. Will you be walking or cycling? Will you be exploring a forest, wood, or nature reserve? A picnic packed in a backpack will be easier to carry. For a beach outing, pack towels as well, just in case. How about a trip to the park, or even just the back garden? A simple lunch and picnic blanket (preferably with a waterproof backing) can be all that’s needed.
How about: Create a theme for your picnic, like “Teddy Bear Picnic” for the little ones.
Tip 3
Check the weather forecast before heading out. It’s no fun getting caught in the rain if you’re not prepared for it. If it's raining, create a makeshift tent in your sitting room with sheets, blankets, and sofa pillows. For little ones, this can be as much fun as being outdoors.
Tip 4
Keep foods simple! Stick to easy foods which aren’t too messy like sandwiches, rice cakes, organic finger foods, cheese sticks, fruit and vegetable sticks, dips, organic snacks they love and bottled drinks. Cut everything up beforehand and a cutting board and knife won’t be needed, and doing without plates, cups and other utensils will also mean less to carry and keep the clean-up easy and straightforward. Napkins can be used as plates if necessary.
How about: If you are making sandwiches and cutting off the crusts, don't waste them! Instead, cut them up, bag them, and take them with you to the park or any place with ducks. They are perfect for feeding to our feathered friends (wholemeal or seeded bread is better for them), and the children will love it too.
Tip 5
Keep drinks simple by using individual bottles such as drinks bottles usually taken to school, or cartoons of juice. On a hot day opt for cool refreshing drinks, if it’s colder weather, pack a thermos with hot chocolate.
How about: Add frozen fruit to the water to keep the drinks cool and add a little flavour.
Tip 6
A rubbish bag is always useful. Opening it up in the emptied picnic or cooler bag means it can be used straight away keeping mess to a minimum, especially if it’s windy. It also helps to keep things simple when it's time to go home. Other handy items include insect spray for soothing wasp and nettle stings, an ointment for bruises and grazes, hand sanitiser and wipes for hands and faces - check out our natural first aid collection. Don’t forget sun cream and hats for protection if it’s sunny, or a jumper if it’s cooler.
Tip 7
Let them play and have fun. There are many simple activities that don’t require any toys such as hide and seek, treasure hunts (for example looking for pine cones, flowers, shells), building dens and climbing trees. Alternatively, bubbles, frisbees, a ball for playing catch or a kite will keep the kids entertained once they have finished exploring. With all the running around they’ll probably want to snack again, so don’t pack everything up straight away. It’s part of the fun of a picnic. And finally, save a few treats like biscuits or cakes to enjoy at the end of the picnic before it’s time to pack up and go home. This will help to keep moods cheerful!
How about: MOGLi have some great creative game ideas for children this summer. Click here to read their blog.
Experience the joy of a picnic with your family, surrounded by nature and delicious food. Don't wait - grab your basket and little ones and head out for an unforgettable day!