Introduce your children to the wonders of a picnic…grab the picnic basket and a blanket. But food is still the most important picnic ingredient:
What to pack: (Always consider age-appropriateness!)
- Easy-to-transport veggies: baby carrots, celery, cucumbers, peppers
- Bottled water or sippy cups with water
- Trail mix: Make your own. Include nuts, raisins, pretzels, dried fruit, and coconut.
- Fresh fruit: Slice it or cube it and put it in small individual containers.
- Pre-sliced cheese and whole-grain crackers.
- Pre-cut sandwiches: Peanut butter and banana or cream cheese and cucumber on whole grain bread.
- Plastic utensils.
Picnics are a great family outing, and can become a treasured family memory. Plan your picnic according to your family dynamics to ensure a pleasant experience.
- Does your toddler need a nap at two? Then make it a brunch picnic so you are home in time.
- Does your preschooler need high-energy activity before sitting down to a yummy lunch? Bring a Frisbee, a few balls, and maybe a kite – play first, and eat later.
