Planning a picnic with kids is a fun way to combine outdoor play with yummy snacks. The secret to a great kid-friendly picnic is finding the right mix of fun themes and tasty, healthy foods kids will love.
Here, we share creative themes and food ideas that will make your next picnic a big hit with the little ones.
10 Engaging Picnic Themes for Children 🧺
Here are some engaging picnic themes tailor-made to captivate and entertain children.
1. Custom Luxury Picnic for Kids 📒
A picnic for kids should be full of fun, color, and comfort. At Picnic Makers, we create custom luxury birthday picnics that turn any day into something special. Each setup is carefully planned so it looks beautiful and feels easy for both kids and parents to enjoy.
We use soft rugs, cozy cushions, and pretty table settings with flowers and themed décor. The food is made for kids, with fun names and colorful touches that make every bite exciting. Parents can sit back and relax while the little ones laugh, play, and enjoy a space designed just for them.
Olga’s Note (Event Planner Insight): “When we plan picnics for kids, we think about energy and imagination. Adults usually want calm and style, while kids need movement, play, and color. We make sure our setups have both beauty and fun so everyone feels happy.”
You can see more of our setups by visiting our Pinterest boards for inspiration:
2. Color-Themed Feast 🌈🎨
Pick a color and plan your picnic around it. This theme is visually stimulating and can be educational, helping kids learn about different foods associated with that color. It’s an artistic way to encourage healthy eating by incorporating a variety of colored fruits and vegetables.
Rainbow snacks note: Emphasize the variety of foods in different shades of the chosen color to create a visually stunning and diverse picnic spread.
3. Teddy Bear Picnic 🧸
Ideal for younger children, this theme involves bringing along their favorite teddy bears or plush toys. Set up a picnic with mini sandwiches, fruit kabobs, and small treats perfect for the kids and their teddy friends.
For more fun ideas, explore our collection of the best picnic sandwiches, perfect for kids.
Bear hunt game note: Highlight the idea of organizing a teddy bear scavenger hunt as an exciting activity during the picnic.
4. Nature Explorer’s Lunch 🌳
Combine the picnic with a nature exploration. Prepare easy-to-carry, fuss-free foods like trail mix, wraps, and fruit, encouraging kids to engage with their natural environment while eating. If you’re heading to a park picnic, this theme pairs perfectly with the surroundings.”
Binocular craft note: Recommend helping kids create simple binoculars using cardboard rolls before the picnic to enhance the nature exploration theme.
5. Superhero Snack Time 🤩
Turn your picnic into a superhero mission filled with color and fun. Set up a “Hero Headquarters” with bright tablecloths, bold colors, and comic-style decorations. Add signs like “Power-Up Station” or “Hero Snack Zone” to complete the look.
Here are some easy ideas to match your superhero theme:
- Power Snacks: Fruit “energy bites,” “super sandwiches,” and colorful smoothies called “hero juice.”
- Creative Labels: Name your foods “Kryptonite Grapes,” “Lightning Lemonade,” or “Super Strength Wraps.”
- DIY Costumes: Give the kids plain capes or paper masks to decorate with stickers and markers.
Superhero training games note: Set up a mini obstacle course with cones, ropes, or tunnels. Let the kids jump, crawl, and run through it as part of their superhero “training.” If you need more playful ideas to keep the energy going, check out these outdoor games for kids that work great for any picnic theme. End the picnic by giving each child a small medal or certificate to celebrate their bravery and teamwork.
6. Pirate Adventure Picnic 🧭
Transform your picnic into a swashbuckling adventure. Use a treasure map as an invitation, and hide snacks in a treasure chest. For a maritime feel, include gold coin chocolates and “fish and chips” in your menu. Encourage kids to dress as pirates to enhance the adventure.
Pirate costume contest note: Highlight the idea of organizing a costume contest, encouraging kids to dress in their best pirate attire.
7. Space Exploration Picnic 🌌
Take the kids on an interstellar journey with a space-themed picnic. Use star-shaped sandwiches, rocket fruit skewers, and “alien” green smoothies. Decorations can include stars, planets, and space blankets. It’s a great way to combine fun and learning about the universe.
Educational space facts note: Add information about planets and space on placemats or signs to infuse a bit of learning into the theme.
8. Jungle Safari Picnic 🌴🦁
Set up a jungle-themed picnic with animal print tablecloths and paper plates. Include snacks like “jungle trail mix” and animal-shaped sandwiches. A scavenger hunt for stuffed animals can add to the excitement, making it an adventurous day out.
Face painting note: Suggest hiring a face painter or setting up a station where kids can apply jungle-themed face paint.
9. Underwater Adventure Picnic 🏞️
Create an underwater-themed experience with blue and green decorations and include foods like fish-shaped sandwiches, “seaweed,” green grapes, and “pearl” mozzarella balls. This theme can be fun and educational, sparking conversations about marine life.
DIY fish tank craft note: Recommend providing materials for kids to create their own mini fish tanks as a take-home activity.
10. Fairytale Forest Picnic ⛰️
Turn your picnic into a fairytale adventure. Decorate with flowers and fairy lights, and include whimsical foods like “magic wand,” fruit skewers, and “fairy” cupcakes.
Encourage children to come dressed as their favorite fairytale characters for added fun. You could also host a backyard picnic with fairy lights and story circles for a more intimate feel.
Story circle note: Recommend creating a cozy storytelling area with blankets and cushions where kids can share their favorite fairytales.
Plan your next luxury pop-up picnic with kids with Picnic Makers – a leading picnic company in Los Angeles, Malibu, and Orange County.
Best 10 Kid-Friendly Picnic Foods 🍽️
Planning a picnic with kids calls for a nutritious, appealing, and fun menu. Here are 10 kid-friendly picnic foods that will surely be a hit, offering both taste and variety.
1. Mini Crustless Quiches 🍴
These bite-sized egg muffins can be filled with various vegetables and cheeses, offering a nutritious and enjoyable alternative to regular sandwiches. They are easy to eat and can be made in advance.
2. Homemade Honey Grahams 😋
A healthier alternative to store-bought snacks, these homemade graham crackers are less processed and can be made in bulk for a cost-effective snack.
3. Fruit Skewers 🍍🍎
Allow kids to create their fruit skewers, providing them with colorful fruits. This activity is not only fun but also promotes healthy eating habits.
4. Chicken & Bacon Roll-Ups 🍗
A delicious way to use leftover chicken or turkey, these roll-ups are filled with flavorful ingredients and are a sure hit with children.
5. Sweet Chili Chicken Sticks 🌶️
These skewers offer a sweet and slightly spicy taste that kids love. They’re easy to make and perfect for eating on the go.
Find the best picnic food ideas here.
6. Avocado-Ranch Chicken Wraps 🥑
These wraps combine the creamy texture of avocado with the zest of ranch dressing, wrapped in a convenient and tasty package for kids.
7. Ham and Cheese Muffuletta 🥪
This sandwich contains layers of ham, cheese, and crunchy vegetables. The longer it sits, the better it tastes, making it ideal for picnics.
8. “Fried” Chicken Fingers 🍗
A healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, these baked chicken fingers are easy for kids to hold and dip in their favorite sauces.
9. Creamy Macaroni Salad 🥗
A classic picnic dish, this creamy macaroni salad is filling and beloved by kids. It’s a versatile side that pairs well with many main dishes.
10. Caesar Salad Devilled Eggs 🥚
An innovative take on devilled eggs, combining the savory flavors of Caesar salad. This dish is both nutritious and appealing to young taste buds.
A picnic with kids is an opportunity to blend fun and food enjoyably and memorably. By choosing a creative theme and pairing it with kid-friendly foods, you can ensure a delightful and satisfying experience.
These ideas are designed to spark joy and appetite, making your picnic a cherished adventure.
Health and Safety Tips for Kids at Picnics ⚠️
Planning a picnic with kids is all about fun and relaxation, but it’s essential to keep health and safety in mind to ensure everyone enjoys the day to the fullest.
Here are some key tips for keeping your little ones safe and comfortable during your next picnic:
1. Stay Hydrated ❤️
Why It’s Important: Kids can easily become dehydrated, especially when playing outside in warm weather. Keeping them hydrated is crucial to maintaining their energy levels and avoiding heat-related issues. To keep food fresh, find out how to keep food warm for a picnic with these simple tips.
What to Do: Always pack enough water for everyone, and encourage the kids to drink regularly, especially before they start running around. For extra fun, you can even pack flavored water or kid-friendly hydration options like coconut water.
2. Use Sunscreen 🛡️
Why It’s Important: Protecting young skin from harmful UV rays is essential to avoid sunburn and long-term skin damage. Remember: since kids tend to spend more time outside, they need extra protection from the sun.
Copyright ©️ Photo by Picnic Makers
What to Do: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin at least 30 minutes before heading out. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours, especially if the kids are swimming or sweating. For sensitive skin, opt for mineral-based sunscreens with natural ingredients.
3. Bug Protection 🐞
Why It’s Important: Bugs like mosquitoes and ticks can cause itchy bites or even carry diseases, so it’s important to protect kids from these pests, especially when picnicking outdoors.
What to Do: Use insect repellent that’s safe for kids and apply it according to the directions. Consider packing some natural remedies, such as aloe vera or witch hazel, for soothing any bites that may occur. If you’re picnicking in wooded areas, be mindful of ticks and check kids for them afterward.
4. Safe Food Handling ✅
Why It’s Important: Foodborne illnesses can spoil an outdoor outing, so it’s essential to handle food safely to prevent contamination and ensure everyone’s health.
What to Do: Use coolers with ice packs to keep perishable items, such as dairy and meat, cold. Avoid leaving food out for extended periods, especially if the weather is warm. Serve food within two hours of preparation, or within one hour if it’s above 90°F. If you’re packing homemade foods, use airtight containers to keep them fresh and safe.
5. Be Mindful of Food Allergies ⛔
Why It’s Important: Allergies can be a serious concern, so ensuring that all foods are safe for every guest is essential for a stress-free picnic.
What to Do: If you’re inviting other kids or families, ask ahead about any food allergies or dietary restrictions. Clearly label all food items to avoid confusion. You can even provide a selection of allergen-free foods to make sure everyone has something they can enjoy without worry.
Copyright ©️ Photo by Picnic Makers
Planning a picnic with kids is all about fun and relaxation, but it’s essential to keep health and safety in mind to ensure everyone enjoys the day to the fullest. To stay prepared for any minor bumps or scrapes, it helps to have one of the best first aid kits on hand before you head outdoors.
Parent Testimonials ✨
Real-life experiences make any guide more relatable and trustworthy, and there’s no better way to inspire other parents than by sharing stories from those who have already tried the picnic ideas.
Here’s what some parents have to say about their kid-friendly picnic experiences:
“We tried the Teddy Bear Picnic theme for my daughter’s birthday, and it was a huge hit! We had mini sandwiches and fruit kabobs, and the kids loved bringing their favorite stuffed animals. The scavenger hunt was a fun surprise!” — Karen L.
Copyright ©️ Photo by Picnic Makers
“The Space Exploration Picnic was a blast! My son loved the star-shaped sandwiches, and the alien smoothies were a big hit. We added some fun space trivia to the placemats, and it turned into a learning adventure. We’ll definitely be doing this again!” — Michael T.
“Our family picnic was a color-themed feast. We picked purple as our color and made everything from purple grapes to violet cupcakes. It was visually stunning, and the kids loved learning about the different shades of purple in their food. Such a fun and creative way to eat healthy!” — Emily R.
Your Perfect Family Picnic Awaits 🚀
A picnic with kids is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, have fun, and share delicious food. Whether you choose a storybook theme, a space adventure, or a nature-inspired feast, these ideas will make your picnic memorable.
With fun themes and healthy, tasty snacks, you’ll create moments your family will cherish for years. Let Picnic Makers plan your next stress-free family picnic. We’ll handle everything.
Book your picnic today and make your next family outing one to remember!
FAQs
What are some quick and healthy snacks for a last-minute picnic with kids?
For a last-minute picnic, grab easy-to-pack snacks like baby carrots, apple slices, string cheese, yogurt cups, and granola bars. These require little prep and are healthy and kid-friendly.
How can I keep food safe during a summer picnic?
In hot weather, it’s important to keep perishable items like dairy, meats, and eggs cool. Use insulated coolers with ice packs to keep everything fresh. Serve food within 2 hours of preparation, or 1 hour if it’s above 90°F.
What are some fun activities for kids at a picnic?
Kids will enjoy a scavenger hunt, frisbee, or a ball game. Nature bingo is fun too, or you could set up a simple craft or coloring station for younger kids to keep them entertained.
How can I have a mess-free picnic with kids?
Pack spill-proof containers for liquids and semi-liquids. Finger foods help reduce the need for utensils. Bring wet wipes for quick clean-ups and consider using a disposable or washable tablecloth for easy cleanup.
How can I accommodate dietary restrictions at a kid’s picnic?
When inviting guests, ask about any dietary needs or allergies. Provide a variety of options, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free foods. Make sure to label everything clearly so everyone can enjoy what’s available.
