As any parent will testify, school summer holidays can be tough. Sure, it’s great to have the kids around for such a long period of time, but ideas can run low on the next playdate or activity pretty quickly. In other words, after the first few days, you’re scratching your head about how to be a popular parent and make the next six weeks exciting. Or at least, bearable.
Instead of rattling through different school holiday ideas, we’ll look at perfecting just one today; a picnic in the park. This doesn’t have to be expensive, uncomfortable or difficult to negotiate because, luckily, we are blessed with plenty of beautiful parks throughout the UK.
Bearing this in mind, now you’re sold on the picnic idea, let’s take a look at how you can make it the ultimate playdate for your little ones.
Location, Location, Location
Pardon the cliché, but it did bear repeating thrice; and that’s because the location of your picnic should never be understated.
What this means is that you need to know what facilities are available in the park of your choosing, in order to inform you how best to pack for your perfect picnic playdate.
Ask the big questions, or rather, enter them into Google. Is there an area specifically for a children’s party or playdate? Are these areas attached to a larger playground, or are they separate? How big is it? Are there swings and climbing frames? What about slides? For heaven’s sake, is there a toilet and perhaps even a showerhead or two? Most importantly, are there picnic benches or tables?
If possible, find out what times are busy, so you know when to avoid them. It’s always nice to have a park – or at least, a picnic bench – to yourself.
Food & Drink
Suffice to say, food and drink is the defining element of a kid’s picnic. And if you skimp on the refreshments, you’re not going to impress anyone. In fact, you can expect to see a sea of pouting faces staring back at you when you announce you’ve only brought tuna sarnies and satsumas for the gang.
That said, serving up a veritable feast for the little ones needn’t cost the earth (or at least, not too much). Here are just a few essentials:
Sarnies
Picnics and sandwiches of course go hand in hand. You can simply rustle them up in the morning, wrap them up, and forget about them it’s until it’s showtime.
Using a variety of fillings will prevent things from getting repetitive and will also cater to everyone’s tastes. Try using different types of bread or wraps; experiment with different fillings; add salad or vegetables and most importantly, get creative!
To ensure that your sandwiches aren’t disappointingly soggy by lunchtime, there are a few hacks you should be aware of. To avoid a soggy sarnie, you can, of course, construct them in situ at the park. But let’s face it, when you’re trying to keep an eye on all the kids, this solution is less than ideal.
Instead, start by choosing a robust bread like a crusty baguette, rye, sourdough or ciabatta. Next, avoid making sandwiches with warm ingredients as the condensation they give off can make the bread soggy. Instead, be sure to let any cooked ingredients completely cool before assembling your sarnie. Alternatively, just use cold cuts. You’ve also probably heard the theory that mayo is a moisture barrier for sandwiches, keeping bread dry and filling succulent. Well, it’s true!
Remember, above all else, that the best sandwiches are made with love.
Finger Food
Finger food eliminates the need for cutlery and will usually mean less mess at the end of the meal! Chop up chunks of cucumber, cherry tomatoes, carrots and celery sticks with hummus for dipping.
Or, portion mini sausage rolls or Cornish pasties for each kid to enjoy separately. In fact, snacks like this with a pastry crust are ideal for eating alfresco, with the pastry acting almost like a handle. In fact, that’s how the Cornish pasty was invented, as a complete meal housed in a convenient, edible casing, ideally suited for miners needing to eat without cutlery (plus the tight pastry casing prevents the meat from oxidising). Though you probably won’t be expecting a day’s hard labour from your minors, the logic remains.
Fruit with its readymade, biodegradable wrapping (we mean peel) is also brilliant for a kid’s picnic; those satsuma we chastised earlier, bananas, and melons, in particular.
The Sweets
Though there will undoubtedly be an ice cream van at the park, a picnic wouldn’t be a picnic without some homemade goodies. Of course, you could make your own ice cream, but even more quintessential for a picnic is homemade cake.
If you can serve up a cake that goes well with fruit (helping the little ones reach their five-a-day) then they – and you – can enjoy a little sweet treat in a guilt free fashion. Think Victoria sponge with fresh raspberries and strawberries, a chocolate brownie with fresh cherries, or even a slice of classic fruit cake.
Don’t Forget The Sunscreen & Shade
On a sunny day, it may be impossible to find shade for everyone at the park. Be sure to bring your own instead. While a popup tent or parasol will suffice, consider a portable gazebo, instead, for something more all encompassing. There are plenty of lightweight, foldable ones available – the most durable we’ve found are from TFH Gazebos.
And remember that when you’re visiting the park with young kids, you can never have too much sunscreen. Young skin is delicate and more susceptible to sunburn, so taking more than enough sun protection products is essential.
Does The Park In Question Host Its Own Events?
If so, go along! Even if you have no interest in the event itself, it makes a great playdate, as such events boast a buzz of excitement that’s often infectious. Some parks host a summer fete, family sports day or community picnic during the summer holidays, and it’s a great chance to have a laugh with your kids.
Bring Your Own Game Ideas
Instead of relying on the park to provide the entertainment, bring your own games along with you and keep things fresh and organised. You could play hide and seek, musical statues, rounders or British bulldog…most children’s games are easily adaptable to an outdoor setting. Use your imagination!
Hey, if this picnic is part of a longer holiday away from home, then we’ve got you covered on that, too; check out these IDEAL travel tips on how to holiday with children stress free.