6 Picnic Tips for When You’re Bringing Kids

It’s Picnic Week over on Fit Bottomed Eats, and we couldn’t let them have all the fun. (And trust me, it’s way fun!) So today I thought I’d share a few picnic tips for when you’re bringing the kids along for the party. Read on and get ready for casual picnicky kid-friendly fun! And be sure to check out all of the Picnic Week content here!

When it’s just you and your significant other, picnics can be a romantic affair. Wine, cheese, clinking glasses, smooches over chocolate-covered strawberries. But when you involve kiddos, it devolves into a sticky mess in no time! But with some planning, organization and a lot of simplicity, hitting the blanket can be a ton of fun for kids and adults alike. Check out these must-bring items and picnic tips for when you’re bringing the kids along!

1. Easy eats. Don’t get too fancy when it comes to picnic eats when kids are involved. There’s no backup kitchen, so bring crowd favorites and all of the family’s favorite finger foods. Some easy options are deli meat, whole-grain crackers and cheese slices, and fruits and veggies that are low-maintenance like apples, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, baby carrots and broccoli. It’s always fun to have a special treat, too, so pack some fun cookies or another simple dessert — preferably one that doesn’t melt.

2. Easy drinks. While you can certainly pack sippy cups, it’s way easier to bring a few bottles of water or a few juice boxes. Then you don’t have to worry about packing them back up — just ditch them in a park recycling bin.

3. Over pack. It’s better to have some leftovers than to have the kiddos still hungry after your picnic stash has been depleted. If your kids’ favorite word is “more,” it’s best to be prepared when you can’t head to the kitchen for more!

4. Bring entertainment. Head to a fun park or interesting locale for your picnic if it’s an option. Otherwise, your best bet is to bring the entertainment. Kites, Frisbees, balls and gloves, and even bean bag toss games can encourage the little ones to get running around.

5. A big blanket. Squirmy kiddos demand roomy blankets, the bigger the better. Even better, bring a couple of ample-sized blankets and designate one for the kids. That way if they spill, you won’t be stuck in the apple juice.

6. Wipes, wipes and more wipes. Spills and mess will happen. Go with it, and be prepared! Baby wipes or wet wipes are essential when picnicking with kids. Bring more than you think you’ll need — I always have the problem of having two wipes left in a pack and a big ol’ mess to clean up. The good thing about a picnic though is that you can shake off the blanket and clean-up is done — no worries about the messy floor or the kitchen table!

Do you picnic with your kiddos? What are your tried-and-true must-haves? —Erin