The ultimate summer picnic checklist
Don't worry if you don't know what you need for a picnic party, let us whet your appetite with these perfect picnic ideas for kids!
What do I need for a picnic?
A picnic wouldn't be the same without a picnic blanket and a picnic basket filled with delicious food. Don't have a basket? Just grab a bag, you could also use ice packs to keep your feast cool.
Where should you eat your picnic? You could head to the park or the maybe the beach, find a picnic bench or stay close to home and have a picnic in your garden or on your balcony.
Don't let bad weather put you off, it's perfectly acceptable to have a 'carpet picnic' in your living room in front of CBBC!
What food and drink should I bring to a picnic?
We're so glad you asked. Food is THE most important part of a picnic!
Classic picnic food ideas for kids
Picnics usually include sweet or savoury sandwiches - why not try these fantastic jam sandwiches, they'll go down a treat!
Mix it up with the classic sausage roll (either meat or meat-free), chicken drumsticks, quiche or breadsticks with dip.
Bring plenty of water and if you want to be extra fancy, try your hand at squeezing your own lemons for home-made lemonade.
Healthy picnic food ideas for kids
Nutritious recipes
Want something a little healthier? Grab a jam jar and try out a pot noodle with a difference!
Skip the potato crisps and make vegetable crisps with added CRUNCH!
Or go simple with boiled eggs, salads, bread and fruit.
To drink, don't miss these super green smoothies!
Vegan recipes
Hungry for plant-based picnic recipes? Try these fab samosas, falafels, tortilla chips and salsa, fruit pizza or brownies! Yum!
Bakes to take to a picnic
Baked treats work brilliantly for a picnic, we've got easy recipes for cupcakes and biscuits.
Just need a little snack? Try these energy balls, they may be small but they pack a mighty punch.
What games can you play at a picnic?
Stumped for picnic games and activities ideas? We've got you!
Grab a frisbee, football or a pack of cards and work up an appetite with some friendly competition.
Elevate your humble picnic with some summer bunting and reuse your old fabric scraps or an old t-shirt (check with a grown-up first).
Budget picnic activity ideas for kids
Grab some paper and make your own fun with paper cranes or flying planes.
Set up a race and challenge your guests, the winner gets a tastymedal!
Can you make a daisy chain, build your own den or write a story in the sun?
Top tips for the perfect picnic
Don't sit near a bin! You'll be in the way when people are trying to recycle or dispose of rubbish and it's exactly where wasps and flies gather! Avoid the sights (and smells) of the rubbish bin and you'll have a better picnic.
Bring a sunhat and wear sunscreen! It's easy to forget and enjoy the good weather, but the sun's rays can be damaging. Make sure you load up with SPF 20 or above and keep reapplying it throughout the afternoon.
Freeze your water bottle! Freeze a half filled water bottle while it is lying on its side. Then top it up with fresh water and take with you on your picnic. As the ice melts, it will keep your water deliciously cool and keep you hydrated too!
Can't wait for your next picnic?
Why not plan your perfect picnic in advance? Play our CBBC picnic picker and make your dream picnic a reality!
Heading off on an adventure?
Don't forget the picnic when you explore the great outdoors this summer! Need some inspiration? Explore the UK's national parks this summer with our handy guide.
Got your own picnic hacks?
Comment below and spread the top tips!
