A picnic at a nearby park—or even in the backyard—is a great family activity. But it does require a bit of planning, especially when there are little ones involved. Keep things simple with these tips for having a successful kid-friendly picnic!
Picnic Basket or Cooler
Depending on how far you go, choose either a picnic basket (fine for the backyard) or a cooler to store the food and drinks. A cooler on wheels is a great idea to free up a hand and lighten the load.
Food + Drinks
Use cookie cutters to slice fruit into fun shapes. Pack peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, string cheese, fruit snacks—any little finger foods your kids love. Toss some popsicles in the bottom of the cooler for a nice summer treat. You'll also need lots of water to keep the kids hydrated, but juice boxes are OK in addition to water.
Sunscreen + Insect Repellent
Finding a spot in the shade to set up the picnic is a must, especially with little ones in tow. Be sure to apply sunscreen and insect repellent before getting into the car; that way, you won't have to wrangle the excited kiddos before they arrive at the park.
Toys + Games
Have the kids work up an appetite with a game of whiffle ball. Bring bubbles, a beach ball or even a deck of cards to keep them entertained.