Summer holidays are just around the corner, and with pleasant weather already here, there's no need to wait. Use those Wednesday afternoons or weekends for a spontaneous picnic. Save these recipes for later if you're busy—perfect for surprising bored kids at a moment's notice.
Six weeks (or 7.5 for teens) of holidays brings big changes. Some parents embrace it; others find it challenging. Vacations help, but even then, kids get bored. A picnic offers a fun, low-cost surprise.
Boredom builds creativity, but endless "what do we do?" moments test patience. I've been there—picnics save the day.
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Fun outings don't require much effort or expense. Head to a nearby playground (my top pick), pause during a bike ride, or picnic in your garden. Rainy days? Spread a cloth on the living room floor, use fun plates, and serve familiar foods with a twist.
Tip: Involve kids in prep—it banishes boredom and builds excitement before the feast.
Wraps are picnic staples: simple, delicious, and portable. No wraps? Make an omelet with the same fillings.
Use wraps, Philadelphia or herb cheese, lamb's lettuce or arugula, salmon, and/or smoked chicken breast. Read here how to make the salmon wraps.
Homemade pancakes are unbeatable. Bake ahead, add sugar, roll, chill, and enjoy cold. For a healthier option, try these healthy pancakes.
Get creative with fruit skewers. Prep tip: Brush apple pieces with lemon juice to prevent browning and keep them fresh-looking.
What you need for this tasty picnic recipe?
Puff pastry pie preparation:
Preheat oven to 220°C. Slice mozzarella, onion into rings, tomatoes. Lay puff pastry on baking paper. Spread with pesto, top with tomatoes, onions, mozzarella. Sprinkle basil. Bake 15 minutes until golden.
Delicious cold—ideal for your picnic basket.
Nothing beats fresh melon. Cube it, add mint for a refreshing twist kids love. Serve in a bowl at the picnic.
Sweet treats are a must, but skip overly sugary ones to avoid bugs. These options pack perfectly.
Quick chocolate cake delights kids. It's picnic-ready in minutes.
Like coffee to go, these are genius. Inspired by Laura's Bakery—practical, cute, and easy. See her guide for making and enjoying them.
Reader favorite—simple and satisfying.
For creative fun, try animal sandwiches. They wow kids and fit any space.
Transform bread into a sheep: Goat cheese face, cottage cheese wool, olive eyes, cucumber ears, tomato nose/mouth.
Wholemeal bread with lettuce, white/brown bread face, ham features, olive eyes, salami nose/tongue, tomato/pepper horns.
Crustless bread, topped with cheese/salami. Cucumber/carrot scales, olive-capped veggie eye. Swim-ready!
These recipes cover the food—now the essentials:
Tip: Cup tray prevents spills on uneven ground—a cheap fix.
Finally, a chilled Chardonnay adds grown-up relaxation.
Image used via Shutterstock
