Overview

Picnicking is an easy, accessible way to shake up the day to day routine and offer a new space for self-reflection and communication. Family meals can serve as a safe space for children and adults to share their thoughts and feelings and talk about events and observations in their daily lives. Establishing these open lines of communication at the dinner table help to foster children’s confidence and ability to communication their thoughts and feelings. The best part about picnics? They can happen year-round, indoor or out, with just a little creative thinking!

Take Action

Pick a Safe Location

You don’t have to travel far to have a great picnic! As long as there is room to sit, relax, and play, you can picnic almost anywhere! If the weather permits, opt to picnic in your backyard, walk or bike to a neighborhood park, or even your driveway. If the weather has you stuck inside, have your picnic on the living room or kitchen floor.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a location to picnic is to choose a safe space. If you are traveling to a nearby park, make sure children are accompanied by an adult and take a well-known and safe route (also an opportunity to talk with children about walk or bike safety). Be mindful of your surroundings and choose a space that is clear of foot traffic and a safe distance away from any roads.

Come Prepared

• Whether you picnic outdoors or in your home, treat this “outing” just as you normally would by packing up a picnic basket to make the experience more memorable. Find a reusable tote, empty box or basket and gather your picnic essentials: Picnic blanket or towel
• Hand sanitizer or wet wipes to keep messes at bay.
• Journal, coloring books and crayons, small games or cards, outdoor toys (e.g. jump rope, soccer ball, bubbles, chalk), etc. to send some time connecting and playing together as a family.
• Healthy snacks and plenty of water. Some simple picnic favorites:
  • Grapes, apples, oranges, apples
  • Baby carrots
  • Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches
  • Turkey and cheese sandwiches
  • Crackers
  • String Cheese
  • Trail mix
• Sunscreen and/or bug spray if outdoors

Incorporate a Theme

Incorporating a theme into your picnic can be a fun and easy way to shake things up and use the imagination. Imagine you are going on a jungle safari and are camping underneath a rainforest tree. Travel to the bottom of the ocean as mermaids, mermen, and fish! Get creative with the snacks you prepare, the games you pack and maybe even dress in costume for the occasion! The possibilities are endless when you use your imagination!

For more activities and ideas like this one, be sure to sign up for our news and updates. And if you like what you see, please donate to support our work creating more ways to help build a healthier future for kids.