It’s National Picnic Week, the weather has been glorious, and so why not pack up a picnic and head out as the sunny days roll in! There’s no better time to pack up the picnic blanket and head outdoors for some quality family time. And what’s a picnic without scrumptious food that will delight your little ones? If you’re in need of some inspiration, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, I’ll be sharing a variety of our go-to and delicious picnic foods for kids ideas that are not only tasty but also easy to prepare.
Sandwich Skewers:
Who doesn’t love a good sandwich? Take your regular sandwich game up a notch by transforming them into delightful skewers. Simply layer bite-sized pieces of bread, cheese, and kid-approved fillings like ham, turkey, or cucumber on skewers. It’s a fuss-free way to enjoy sandwiches without the mess!
Fruit Kebabs:
Picnics are a perfect opportunity to incorporate healthy treats into your children’s diets. Fruit kebabs are a colorful and enticing option. Simply thread chunks of watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, and grapes onto skewers. Not only do they look vibrant, but they also provide a refreshing burst of flavours. Don’t forget to pack a small container of yogurt or honey for dipping!
Mini Quiches:
Quiches are a fantastic picnic food because they’re easily portable and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Create mini quiches using muffin tins and fill them with a combination of whisked eggs, cheese, and vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Bake them ahead of time, let them cool, and pack them up for a savory picnic treat.
Veggie Wraps:
For a lighter and healthier option, veggie wraps are a winner. Grab some whole-grain tortillas and spread a generous layer of hummus or cream cheese. Then, load them up with a colorful assortment of sliced veggies like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and lettuce. Roll them tightly, slice into pinwheels, and secure with toothpicks. Voila! A nutritious and delicious finger food for your little ones to enjoy.
Pizza Muffins:
What’s a picnic without a touch of pizza? These pizza muffins are a fantastic alternative to traditional slices. Prepare a basic muffin batter and add your kids’ favorite pizza toppings—think mini pepperoni, cheese, bell peppers, or olives. Bake them until golden brown, and you’ve got a portable and kid-approved pizza treat ready to go!
Snack Mixes:
Picnics are all about snacking, and creating your own snack mixes allows for endless possibilities. Combine a variety of kid-friendly munchies like pretzels, popcorn, cheese crackers, dried fruit, and cereal. Get creative and even let your children come up with their own personalized mix. Pack them in individual snack bags, and you’re all set for a flavorful picnic adventure!
Rainbow Pasta Salad:
Make mealtime extra exciting with a vibrant and nutritious rainbow pasta salad. Cook different types of pasta (such as penne, bowties, and spirals) according to package instructions, and let them cool. Add colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, grated carrots, and sweet corn. Toss the pasta and veggies together with a light dressing, and you’ve got a visually appealing dish that kids will love.
Mini Fruit Pizzas:
Take the concept of pizza and give it a sweet twist by creating mini fruit pizzas. Start with whole-grain English muffins or small round tortillas as the base. Spread a layer of cream cheese or yogurt on each piece, then let your little ones get creative by arranging their favorite fruits on top. Options like sliced strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and banana make for colorful and delicious toppings. It’s a delightful and nutritious dessert option for your picnic.
Chicken Skewers:
For a protein-packed option, prepare flavorful chicken skewers that are easy to eat on the go. Cut boneless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and marinate them in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs of your choice. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with chunks of bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes. Grill or bake them until cooked through and pack them in a container for a tasty and satisfying picnic meal.
Rainbow Veggie Cups:
Create a visually appealing and interactive snack by assembling rainbow veggie cups. Take clear plastic cups or mason jars and layer them with colorful vegetables in a rainbow pattern. Start with cherry tomatoes or red bell peppers for the red layer, followed by orange carrots, yellow bell peppers or corn, green cucumbers or peas, blue or purple cabbage or blueberries, and finally, white or light-colored veggies like cauliflower or jicama for the top layer. Serve the veggie cups with a side of dip, such as hummus or ranch dressing, for a fun and healthy picnic option.
Homemade (Or Store Bought!) Hummus and Crudites:
Add a healthy and flavourful element to your picnic with homemade hummus and a variety of colorful crudites. Prepare a creamy hummus by blending chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until smooth. Pack the hummus in a portable container and serve it with an assortment of fresh vegetable sticks such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. It’s a nutritious and satisfying option that kids will enjoy dipping into.
Quick Homemade Sausage Wraps:
For a savoury and convenient picnic food, whip up some quick homemade sausage wraps. Start by grilling or pan-frying your favorite sausages until cooked through. Then, take soft tortillas or whole-grain wraps and spread a layer of mustard or ketchup. Place the cooked sausages on top and add any additional toppings your kids prefer, like grated cheese, sliced onions, or pickles. Roll them up tightly and secure with toothpicks or wrap them in foil for easy transport. These tasty wraps are sure to be a hit with the little ones.
With these quick and easy picnic food ideas for kids, you’ll have a variety of options to choose from and keep your little ones satisfied and happy. So, pack your picnic basket, grab a blanket, and enjoy some quality family time in the great outdoors with these fun and delicious treats.
Happy picnicking!
Note: Remember to take into consideration any dietary restrictions or allergies when preparing picnic food for your children.
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