Getting out in the fresh air is so important for children - not just in terms of getting physical exercise and bolstering their sensory development, but also in building solid, healthy habits that will carry them through into adulthood. If your little ones enjoy time outdoors as children, they may be more likely to prioritise it when they grow up.
Unfortunately, keeping up a steady stream of things to do outdoors can be a challenge for parents, particularly in times like the summer holidays when children are free to play all day every day. That’s where picnics come in - they’re a simple concept to organise for, taking advantage of something you as parents already have to take care of meals!
To make planning a picnic even easier, we’re going to discuss the best things to bring with you for a successful, enjoyable day, from food and drink to the ideal clothing and shoes to wear. Keep reading to learn more.
Preparing lunch to be eaten at a picnic can be a little more complex than putting something together to eat on the sofa - but a bit of forward planning can make it easy. The first thing to do is to consider where you’re going for your picnic. If you don’t have to travel too far, you may be able to use a cool box or bag in lieu of a fridge for things like dips, yoghurts or anything else that won’t last in outdoor temperatures.
If that’s not available, then it’s best to stick to the kinds of things your children could take in a packed lunch for school. Avoiding liquid foods can be helpful, especially with younger children involved, as these can get messy both during transit and while you’re eating them.
Simple, easy-to-prepare items you could bring include:
Don’t forget to pack paper or plastic plates, plus hand sanitiser or wipes to keep little hands clean!
Once you’ve sorted out what foods you’ll eat, it’s time to think about drinks. Whether you’re opting for plain water or making up some fruit-flavoured squash, it’s generally best to bring some ice packs or cooling materials with you to keep the drink tasting cool and fresh for longer.
It’s a good idea to steer clear of milkshakes as they don’t tend to do well in the heat, but if your little one insists, try to ensure they drink it early in the day. Milkshakes left out in the heat all day are much more likely to cause tummy upsets.
Top tip! If you’re heading somewhere you know there will be free access to drinking water, consider taking a bottle of concentrated squash or cordial with you. That way, you can have lots of refreshing, tasty drinks without having to carry litres and litres of liquid around with you.
Eating is, of course, the main event of a picnic, but kids love to have things to do when they’re out and about. When it comes to deciding what toys and games to bring with you, you’ll want to consider something that:
You know your children best, so you probably have a few ideas in mind of things they’ll enjoy that won’t be a pain to carry around. But if you’re looking for additional options, why not consider simple printable activities like word searches or spotter’s guides?
Last but not least, it pays to take a little time to think about what your kids should wear on a picnic. Hopefully, the weather will be bright and sunny for you, so you may simply need a jumper or cardigan for your little ones to keep them warm if it begins to cool off. However, if there’s a threat of rain, it’s wise to bring a light raincoat, plus some wellies - you never know when you’ll have the opportunity to go puddle-jumping!
For most picnics, however, summery canvas shoes or trainers will likely be the ideal footwear - perfect for keeping little feet cool and refreshed while protecting them as they run around and explore. If the temperatures are very warm or you’re heading to the beach, then sandals are also a great option to support and protect your child’s feet without hindering their adventurous spirit.
Author: Click Consult, published 20-08-2024.
