Picnic Ideas for Kids in the UK for National Picnic Month

July is National Picnic Month, and what better way to celebrate than by organizing a fun-filled picnic outing for your kids? Picnics allow children to enjoy the outdoors, explore nature, and bond with family and friends. Whether you plan a picnic in your garden, a local park, or even at the beach, here are some great ideas to make your picnic experience extra special and memorable.

Theme Picnic: Add a touch of excitement to your picnic by choosing a theme. For example, a pirate-themed picnic could include treasure hunts, eye patches, and pirate-themed snacks. You could also try a teddy bear's picnic, where kids bring their favourite stuffed animals for a day of fun and games.

Scavenger Hunt: Engage your kids in a picnic scavenger hunt where they search for specific items within the picnic area. Provide them with a list of things to find, such as a feather, a pinecone, or a four-leaf clover. This activity encourages children to explore their surroundings and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Build Your Own Sandwiches: Letting kids build their own sandwiches adds an element of creativity to the picnic. Provide a variety of ingredients like bread, meats, cheese, spreads, and vegetables, and let them assemble their ideal sandwich. This not only encourages independence but also ensures everyone gets a personalized meal they will enjoy.

Picnic Games: Pack a few outdoor games to keep the kids entertained. Classic games such as frisbee, sack races, and tag are always a hit. You can also try creating a mini Olympics in your picnic location with events like an egg and spoon race, three-legged race, and bean bag toss.

Nature Craft: Encourage your kids to get creative by including a nature craft activity during the picnic. Collect some leaves, twigs, and pebbles beforehand, and provide glue, paper, and markers. Let their imagination run wild as they create leaf prints, stick puppets, or painted stone creatures, which they can proudly take home as souvenirs.

Storytime: Incorporate a story time session into your picnic. Bring along their favourite books or choose a nature-themed story, such as "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" or "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." Find a cozy spot under a tree or set up a blanket fort, and let the kids enjoy the magic of storytelling surrounded by nature.

Healthy Snacks: While it's tempting to pack a variety of sugary treats, aiming for healthier snack options is a great way to ensure your kids are fuelled with energy for the day. Pack an assortment of fruits, cut-up vegetables, cheese, crackers, and homemade energy balls. Also, don't forget to stay hydrated with plenty of water or fruit-infused drinks.

Remember, the key to a successful picnic is organization and preparation. Pack a picnic basket with essentials like cutlery, plates, napkins, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit. Check the weather forecast in advance and dress appropriately. By following these tips and ideas, your kids' picnic adventure will be a guaranteed success, creating lasting memories for years to come. So, enjoy National Picnic Month and embrace the joy of picnicking with your little ones!