Pack A Basket Full of Fun for National Picnic Month

Jul 3

Reading Time: 3 mins, 30 secs

mixed family sitting outside having a picnic

July is here, which means it is National Picnic Month! Summer picnics are the perfect time to leave the screens and schedules behind for a day of laughter, adventure, and quality family time.

Whether you’re in a park, on the beach, or in your backyard, picnics are a simple yet delightful way to create lasting memories. Embrace the picnic spirit with these fun and fuss-free tips that will keep the celebrations going all summer long.

1. Plan Together

Start by involving your kids in the planning process. Let them help choose the location, decide on the menu, and even pack the picnic basket (or bag!). This builds excitement and instills a sense of responsibility and ownership.

2. Get Creative with Food

Picnics are all about delicious finger foods, so encourage your kids to get creative in the kitchen. From sandwiches and wraps to fruit skewers and salads in jars, the possibilities are endless. You can even turn meal preparation into a fun activity by having a mini-cooking session before the picnic.

Try this! Make a watermelon fruit salad bowl.

Cut a watermelon in half.
Use a melon baller tool to scoop out the melon and put the balls into a bowl. (great activity for kids)
Add grapes, berries, and other favorite fruits with the melon balls, and add a squeeze of lime. For even more flavor, add shredded coconut!
Put your mixed fruit salad into the empty watermelon shell and wrap it tightly with an eco-friendly covering like beeswax wrap or a cloth towel.
When you are done enjoying your fruit salad, your eco-friendly “bowl” can be composted or donated to a friendly squirrel.

Remember to pack reusable or compostable plates, cups, and utensils to enjoy your picnic snacks!

3. Bring Entertainment

Whether at the beach, the park, or tailgating in the back of your car, it's always a good idea to have some fun activities on hand. Pack a frisbee, a soccer ball, or a kite for some outdoor play. Or set up an obstacle course with jump ropes, extra blankets, and boxes for everyone in the family to enjoy a little friendly competition!

For some relaxed downtime, a picnic is the perfect time to read aloud from your favorite book or to practice mindfulness with your kids.

Here are a few of Lou’s favorite reads to enjoy together:

From The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
(1967, 2007) by E.L. Konigsburg
The classic story of a sister and brother finding adventure and solving a mystery in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Where the Sidewalk Ends
(1974, 2014) by Shel Silverstein
Poems and illustrations to delight kids and adults of all ages.

The Important Book
(1999) by Margaret Wise Brown
Rhythmic words and vivid pictures help kids notice important details about their everyday surroundings.

Bonus!

Try a round of Lou’s Mad Libs to keep the family giggling all day long.

4. Embrace Nature

Use this opportunity to teach your kids about the environment and the importance of conservation. Take a nature walk, point out different plants and animals, and discuss ways to protect our planet. Bring an extra paper grocery bag and encourage them to pick up any litter they see to leave the picnic spot even more beautiful than when you found it.

Young Caucasian father eating sandwiches with son on picnic blanket in a park

Earth-friendly tip: Instead of wrapping picnic food in plastic wrap or purchasing individually wrapped items, try using beeswax wrap to keep items fresh and plastic out of landfills.

Too Hot to Go Out?

When the weather doesn't cooperate, or you simply want to change things up, bringing the picnic indoors can be just as delightful. Try these fun ideas for ‘carpet picnics’.

Blanket Fort Picnic: Have your kids build a blanket fort in the living room, then lay a picnic blanket inside. Add a lantern and pillows for an extra cozy atmosphere. Serve snacks in jars and muffin tins for an easy “buffet.”
Popcorn and Popsicle Bathtub Picnic: Lay a picnic blanket and comfy pillows in the (empty!) bathtub. Serve your favorite popcorn along with an assortment of popsicles, and rinse the mess away when you're done!
Pajama Breakfast Picnic: Instead of enjoying breakfast at the table, serve juice, french toast sticks, and bacon on a cozy blanket on the living room floor. It’s a more relaxed and fun way to start the day!

Picnics offer the perfect opportunity to slow down, unplug, and enjoy simple pleasures with your kids. And because you don’t need anything fancy or a lot of advanced planning, you can picnic almost anytime.

So gather your blankets, snacks, and smiles, and enjoy a delightful picnic adventure outside or in! 🍉☀️