There’s something so simple yet magical about having a picnic with kids. Fresh air, a cozy blanket, and an assortment of snacks they can grab and munch on—what’s not to love?
I recently took my 4-year-old and 3-year-old cousins out for a picnic, and let me tell you, figuring out what to pack was an adventure of its own.
I wanted food that was easy to eat, wouldn’t create a huge mess, and, most importantly, that they’d actually enjoy.
Here’s what worked and a few tips to make your next picnic stress-free!
1. DIY Mini Charcuterie Boxes
I quickly realized that my cousins prefer snacking over eating one big meal—so why not make it fun?
I packed small bento-style boxes with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, crackers, and some turkey slices.
It was basically a kid-friendly charcuterie board in a box, and they loved it! Everything was bite-sized, which meant no messy hands, and they could pick and choose as they pleased.
Picnic Tip: Use silicone cupcake liners to separate different items in the box. It keeps everything neat and makes the meal feel extra special.
2. Cucumber & Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Tea sandwiches aren’t just for fancy events; they’re perfect for a picnic!
I made simple cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches using soft whole wheat bread. The 4-year-old was a fan, but the 3-year-old mostly licked the cream cheese off—still a win in my book.
These sandwiches are light yet filling, and they hold up well even if you’re out for a while.
Picnic Tip: Cut the sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters. Hearts, stars, or even dinosaurs make them extra appealing!
3. Caprese Skewers
My cousins LOVE cherry tomatoes, so I made tiny Caprese skewers using mozzarella balls, basil leaves, and tomatoes.
I left out the balsamic drizzle to keep things neat, but they still tasted amazing. Something about food on a stick just makes it more exciting for kids!
Picnic Tip: If the kids are younger, use lollipop sticks instead of wooden skewers to avoid sharp points.
4. Fruit Cones
Instead of bringing a bowl of fruit (which always ends up tipping over), I filled waffle cones with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and grapes.
The kids thought they were getting dessert, and I loved that it was a no-mess way to serve fruit.
Picnic Tip: If it’s a hot day, freeze some of the fruit beforehand. It’ll keep everything cool and be extra refreshing when you eat it!
5. Pinwheel Wraps
For a fun twist on regular sandwiches, I made pinwheel wraps with turkey, cheese, and lettuce rolled up in a tortilla.
Then, I sliced them into bite-sized pieces—perfect for little hands. The 3-year-old unrolled them before eating, but hey, at least he ate!
Picnic Tip: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or hummus on the tortilla before rolling it up to help keep everything together.
6. Potato Salad (Without the Mess!)
I debated bringing potato salad but didn’t want to deal with spoons and bowls. The solution?
Serving it in small disposable cups. This way, the kids could scoop it up with their fingers or even use veggie sticks as dippers.
Picnic Tip: Use mini mason jars or plastic cups with lids if you want to prep them in advance and avoid spills in your picnic basket.
7. Homemade Granola Bars
I wanted to bring a sweet but wholesome snack, so I made homemade granola bars with oats, honey, peanut butter, and chocolate chips.
They were a hit! The bars held together well and gave the kids an energy boost without a sugar crash.
Picnic Tip: Wrap the bars individually in parchment paper for easy grabbing and less sticky fingers.
8. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs might sound too simple, but they’re a great picnic snack! I peeled them ahead of time and added a little salt and pepper in a small container for dipping.
They’re packed with protein and surprisingly mess-free.
Picnic Tip: If your little ones don’t like plain eggs, try slicing them in half and adding a tiny bit of mayo or hummus for extra flavor.
9. Veggie & Hummus Cups
Since my cousins love veggies, I packed individual cups with hummus at the bottom and veggie sticks standing up inside.
Carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers worked perfectly! This way, there was no double-dipping, and cleanup was easy.
Picnic Tip: Use small mason jars or clear plastic cups with lids to keep everything fresh and prevent spills.
10. Cheese & Apple Slices
Cheese and apples are a classic combination! I sliced up some crisp apples and paired them with cheddar cubes.
The sweet and savory mix was a favorite, and it kept them full longer than just fruit alone.
Picnic Tip: Squeeze a little lemon juice on the apple slices to keep them from browning too quickly.
Final Thoughts
Picnics with little ones don’t have to be complicated! The key is to keep everything bite-sized, easy to grab, and, when possible, utensil-free. Bringing a mix of fruits, proteins, and fun little extras makes the meal feel special without a ton of effort. And most importantly—don’t forget the wipes and a trash bag!
What’s your go-to picnic food for kids? Let me know in the comments!