Simple Picnic Setup Ideas That Feel Like a Mini Vacation

Simple ways to turn outdoor meals into an adventure—whether you’re in the backyard, at the park, or at the beach, here are some simple picnic setup ideas!

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With summer just a few weeks away and the kids being out of school, it’s time to start thinking up some fun summer ideas.

We love having picnics outdoors. Especially with our new Giant Bean Kids Outdoor Table!

Now when I see a sunny day on the forecast, we try to plan a picnic. These five picnic setups feel like a getaway, even if you’re just a few feet from the house.

You don’t need anything fancy. Just a little prep, a good location and food that doesn’t require a microwave (unless you’re close enough to the house that you can cheat).

Let’s make your next picnic feel like a mini vacation!

Why We Love a Good Picnic

Outdoor picnics are truly the best. It’s a change of scenery, it’s less mess in the kitchen, and for some reason… the kids seem to eat more and complain less.

The best part is it’s just nice to be outside and it turns a normal day into something a little more special. Below are a few fun picnic ideas you can do with your kids this summer break.

Backyard Brunch Picnic

Start your day off with an outdoor brunch picnic!

It’s a great way to kick off the weekend or even do it during summer break.

Set up a soft blanket or playmat in the shade, add a few pillows and a few trays to place the food on.

Some great food options for a brunch picnic include muffins, yogurt parfaits, fresh fruit, delicious pastries, and juice boxes.

Have your kids bring their stuffed animals and turn them into a cute cafe picnic!

Bonus: Have your kids stay in their pajamas to make it even more fun.

Park Playdate Picnic

This one is a family favorite.

We try to coordinate with some friends at a local park and let the kids run wild!

Grab a shady spot and bring some bento boxes filled with sandwiches, chips, fruit, cheese, and a little dessert.

Or even bring a snacklebox and make their park picnic extra fun with lots of yummy snacks and treats!

Don’t forget to bring water bottles, wipes, and hand sanitizer!

Bring bubbles, chalk, or a ball to keep them entertained. We usually stay until someone starts melting down (adults included).

Beach Blanket Dinner Picnic

Planning a beach trip anytime soon? Have a beach picnic! Some things to pack: pasta salad, sandwiches, fruit, chips, cookies, juice, and water in a cooler bag.

Lay down a large towel or do the fitted sheet beach hack to keep sand out. Then use a small basket for napkins, utensils, cups, and wipes. The best part is watching the sunset while the kids dig in the sand nearby.

Theme Picnic (Tea Party, Taco Tuesday, etc.)

This one is all about fun.

Have your kids either agree on a theme or have one kid pick a theme one day and another kid pick a different theme for the next picnic day.

Below are a few fun ideas:

Paris Café: Mini croissants, grapes, cheese cubes, sparkling lemonade. Bring out a tea party set too!
Taco Tuesday: Build-your-own tacos, guac and chips, and a blanket in the grass.
Sports Tailgate Picnic: Bring mini hot dogs or sliders, pretzels, and fruit kabobs. Pack a ball, frisbee, or cornhole game and let the kids burn off energy!
Movie Picnic: Popcorn, finger foods, and a projector for a driveway movie night.