Top Tips for Fun Family Picnics!
Hasn’t the weather been perfect summer picnic weather so far? I am probably tempting fate by writing this, but Summer, so far has been listening to cheesy summery music in the car, hanging outside until dusk, picnics in the garden, picnics in the park and ice lollies.
*These gorgeous colourful picardie glasses are from Tescos.*
I was raised on a diet of picnics and gingerbeer. Not literally but hours were spent reading The Famous Five, Swallows & Amazons and Wind in the Willows’ where the characters disappeared for the day with picnics to make mouths water and marvellous adventures to be had. I don’t think there is a single Famous Five story which doesn’t contain a picnic and Enid Blyton got it right when she had George (the tomboy in the story) say ‘I don’t know why, but the meals we have on picnics always taste so much nicer than the ones we have indoors.’
We are a big fan of the picnic. I love picnics, there’s just something about eating outdoors that makes ordinary food seem special. So much so that my lovely mother’s day present from Mr M last year was a picture of all of our welly boots with the phrase ‘Eating picnics in dodgy weather since 2006’. This harks back to all of the slightly soggy picnics we’ve had since we’ve been married. Loved best of all, by mutual agreement, is the woodland picnic where we find some tree stumps and dens to play in and have our picnic.
We made the most of the lovely weather this week and had a little garden picnic followed by one at a park the next day. It was just the littlelies as the bigger two were at school but it was fun for them to spend some together – they are becoming quite a pair! Archie doesn’t really let Orla out of his sight and follows her around the garden, demanding a game or a song. They enjoyed trying some new picnic food like these yummy Geosticks from Traidcraft which are super healthy crisps that are gluten and dairy free, and made with Fairtrade rice and a selection of cheese straws and oaty thins from Arden’s (their Gruyere and Spinach twists were a hit!) and they have lots of scrummy things that are easy to pack for picnics!
I love how Orla and Archie at aged 4 and 22 months are really loving playing together, they have become closer these past few months as I guess Archie can do more now. They like to play ring-a-rosies, chase each other scarily down the slide and make countless rounds of petal tea from the garden. Orla is such a good big sister and shares secrets with Archie (even when he doesn’t fully understand!) I guess as daughter number three, she relishes in a time when she can choose the games and organise the playing after years of being bossed around by her older brother and sister!!
Here’s to hoping the weather stays sunny and we can have plenty more picnics this summer! If you’re planning on having a picnic or two this Summer – consider these top tips for make your picnic even more special! Dig out your picnic basket and air your blanket – summer is here so it’s the perfect time to enjoy a picnic!
Top Tips for Family Picnics
- Take an empty matchbox for each of the kids and set them the challenge of seeing who can find the most nature to fit in the matchbox. Judging will be at the end of the picnic. Will keep them busy and entertained. Works for all ages.
- Bring teddies to have a teddy bears picnic complete with play cutlery for the teddy’s too, the kids love it and it certainly keeps them occupied! (www.mummysdiary.co.uk)
- We freeze our drinks and pop them in the picnic bag/basket to keep the food cool (lighter than an ice pack). By the time we’re ready to drink them they’re usually melted and icy cold. (www.porridgeandparenting.com)
- I take a surprise bag of toys – a cloth bag with a zip that I fill with different things. Our little one can then pick a toy every now and then and it will be a total surprise what it is! www.happyfamilyhub.co.uk
- Take a football and bring some outdoor games – try this interesting new skittle game called Molky that looks perfect for picnics! (www.tantrumstosmiles.co.uk/2018/05/molkky-wooden-skittles-from-tactic.html
- Make sure you all have comfy clothing and shoes so you can go on a walk before (or after) your picnic. We love these gorgeous Chipmunk Sandals. Super cute and comfortable. We’ve tried lots of sandals before but these ones are definitely blister free and comfortable on little feet!
- Spontaneous picnics are the best. Especially with the British weather – so garb any opportunity including having winter picnics! Worse case scenario – there’s nothing wrong with having a picnic in the car!
- If it’s more on the chilly side – try these winter picnic ideas!
- If you’re vegan – you’ll love these vegan friendly picnic ideas.
*We received the selection of snacks, picnicware and sandals in exchange for an honest review. All words, thoughts and photos are my own.*
