As summer winds down, it’s a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy a family picnic. My husband, Steve, our toddler daughter, and I love taking advantage of the warmer days by setting up in a scenic spot for an outdoor meal. To keep things simple and healthy, we aim for nutritious foods that are easy to pack and eat while also including options that suit our vegan lifestyle. This post will share some of our favourite picnic ideas – with activities, eco-friendly tips, and plant-based food options that make picnicking enjoyable for all.
1. Choosing the Perfect Picnic Spot
Finding a location that suits both kids and adults can make the whole experience much easier. We love heading to places with a mix of open space, shaded areas, and nearby facilities. Local parks, community gardens, and beaches often have great amenities, like picnic tables, playgrounds, or paths that are perfect for an after-lunch stroll. Our daughter enjoys exploring new spaces, so we make sure the area is safe and has interesting natural elements – like flowers, trees, or even a pond – for her to discover.
Consider these types of locations:
- Local parks: With play areas and open spaces, these are ideal for picnics and easy for little ones to explore.
- Beaches: Nothing beats a picnic with a seaside view. Plus, toddlers often love the sand and sea.
- Botanical gardens: Beautiful scenery and walking paths make botanical gardens perfect for a family picnic and a post-lunch wander.
Pack a sturdy picnic blanket, reusable plates, and cutlery, and don’t forget a small rubbish bag to clean up after yourselves. This keeps the area pleasant for the next visitors.
2. Packing Nutritious and Easy-to-Eat Foods
When it comes to food, we aim for fresh, simple options that are easy to eat outdoors. Vegan food can be incredibly picnic-friendly, and we’ve found some crowd-pleasers for everyone to enjoy. Finger foods, wraps, and fresh salads work well, as they’re convenient and don’t require a lot of utensils.
Some family-friendly vegan options include:
- Mini Sandwiches and Wraps: We make mini wraps with hummus, cucumber, shredded carrots, and avocado for a refreshing and nutrient-packed meal. For something heartier, try wraps with falafel, lettuce, and a tahini drizzle. Mini wraps are easy for toddlers to hold and less messy than larger ones.
- Fruit and Veggie Skewers: For a bit of fun, we thread fruits like watermelon, pineapple, and grapes onto skewers. For veggies, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and colourful peppers work well. Our daughter enjoys nibbling on these, and they’re a great way to keep things colourful and healthy.
- Plant-Based Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad made with whole-wheat pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, and vegan feta is delicious and easy to pack. Adding fresh herbs like basil and a splash of olive oil gives it a refreshing taste. This is a great option for little ones too, as it’s soft and easy to eat.
- Homemade Mini Vegan Muffins: Savoury vegan muffins, made with grated courgette, carrots, or spinach, are perfect for a picnic. Sweet options like banana and blueberry muffins make a nice treat as well. Mini muffins are easy to pack and enjoy for both kids and adults.
3. Incorporating Fun and Games
To make our picnics more than just a meal, we include games and activities that our daughter can enjoy. Simple outdoor games turn our picnic into a fun family day out, giving everyone something to look forward to beyond the food.
Here are a few ideas we enjoy:
- Frisbee and Ball Games: Bringing along a frisbee or a soft ball can make for endless fun. Simple games of catch or rolling the ball to our toddler keep her active and engaged.
- Nature Scavenger Hunt: We often bring along a small list of nature items to find, like leaves, a feather, a flower, or a rock. This encourages her to explore and connect with nature. For older children, you can add more challenging items to the list, making it a full-fledged scavenger hunt.
- Bubble Blowing: A bubble wand and some bubble solution are always a hit with toddlers. Our daughter loves chasing and popping bubbles, giving her plenty of movement and giggles.
- Storytime: Bringing along a favourite book or two for a post-picnic storytelling session is a nice way to wind down. Reading outside feels different from the usual bedtime story, and it’s a lovely way to end the day as a family.
4. Keeping it Environmentally Friendly
Since we’re outdoors, we’re conscious of reducing waste and being eco-friendly. Small changes in how we pack and prepare can make a positive difference for the environment:
- Use Reusable Containers: Instead of plastic bags, we use containers for our sandwiches, snacks, and salads. It keeps everything fresh and organised without creating unnecessary waste.
- Reusable Plates and Utensils: We bring our own lightweight, reusable plates, cutlery, and cups. These are easy to clean and durable enough to use for future outings.
- Bring a Bag for Rubbish: Even if we don’t expect to make much waste, a small rubbish bag is always useful for any packaging or wipes. We also bring a few reusable wipes for sticky fingers, which saves us from using single-use napkins or tissues.
5. Timing Your Picnic for Maximum Enjoyment
With a toddler in tow, timing is key. We usually head out mid-morning, allowing us to enjoy the cooler part of the day and avoid the midday heat. Morning picnics are perfect for families as parks and beaches are generally quieter, making it easier for little ones to explore. Evening picnics are also lovely, offering a chance to watch the sunset together, which can be quite magical.
Conclusion
Making the most of the late summer days with a family picnic is one of our favourite ways to spend time together. With a bit of planning, you can create a picnic experience that’s nutritious, engaging, and eco-friendly. Including a mix of tasty, plant-based foods, outdoor games, and beautiful scenery ensures everyone has a memorable day out. So grab your picnic basket, pack some family favourites, and enjoy these final sunny days with your loved ones!
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