Guest Picks: Pack a Playful Picnic for Kids
A fun blanket, bright melamine dishes and a few entertaining extras will keep the kids happy and full at your outdoor feast
Having a picnic is the best way to stop and enjoy the beauty of a summer's day. Whether you grab some snacks and sit in your backyard or pack the perfect lunch and trek to your favorite park, there's no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than lounging under a shady tree, eating favorite foods and playing together. — Mari from Small for Big
Animals Everyday Tray by French Bull
Prepack each kid's lunch with these super fun cafeteria style trays and fitted covers.
Anorak Kissing Rabbits Picnic Blanket from Anorak
These blankets include a waterproof backer and the straps to carry them everywhere, but I'm smitten with the bunnies. (It is also available with other animal prints!)
Guyot Designs Squishy Bowl and Cup Set
I'm a sucker for squishy silicone, and I think the kids would be too — squishing their potato salad as they eat it! More importantly for your picnic, these things squish flat for storage.
Lomography Mini Diana Camera by Fred Flare
While you're enjoying the sunshine, capture some family memories with an old-fashioned camera that shoots dreamy photos. This iconic Diana camera uses, gasp, film!
Multidot Storage Container Set by French Bull
I love everything French Bull does with melamine, and these nesting storage containers are a perfect summertime picnic staple.
Curved-Top Aluminum Framed Picnic Cooler Basket by Picnic Fun
Wow, picnic baskets have come a long way! This insulated version still gives a nod to the classic shape, but it adds extra storage and cooling power.
Zoku Duo Quick Pop Maker by Amazon
Before you go, whip up some popsicles in ten minutes flat; I swear they stay colder longer than the regular freezer pops too. Grab the Zoku accessories to carry them in style.
On the Lookout Binoculars by The Land of Nod
Really take time to enjoy your surroundings; help the kiddos find birds, bunnies and squirrels, or maybe just spy on the neighbors.
Melamine Trays by Mattie Luxe
These gorgeous melamine trays (they have Lucite versions too!) are customizable — you'll be picnicking in style with your very own name right on it. So classy.
Fred 9-Ounce Pick Your Nose Animal Paper Cups by Amazon
Add some laughs to your meals — bring along these paper cups with a different animal snout for everyone.
Fatboy Headdemock w/ Stand Lime Green
A quick nap in a hammock is the best way to end a big picnic lunch, and this one features a padded bed for extra comfort. Doesn't it look like a leaf?
Marimekko Picnic Blanket by SewnNatural
Marimekko's classic flowers just scream summertime. What better place to see them than on your handmade, padded picnic blanket?
Pocket Kite by Perpetual Kid
You can lounge and rest while the kids unpack their very own pocket kites. They're affordable enough to get one for everyone!
Greendale Home Fashions Round Floor Pillow by Amazon
For ultimate luxury, I'd love to add some floor pillows to my picnic style. I'm particularly in love with these chevron poufs.
Play and Freeze Ice Cream Maker by Amazon
Mmm, ice cream. Just add your ingredients, some ice and elbow grease; throw the ball until it churns the ice cream for you.
Table in a Bag
The ultimate table, this classic rolls up into a portable bag. It's just the right height for eating your picnic lunch while sitting on your blanket.
Ziggy Plate 11" by French Bull
A complete set of these melamine plates will add some colorful zest to your meal. I love the quirky take on chevrons; kids will love the rainbow colors.
Dining Table Ping Pong Set by Perpetual Kid
Put that picnic table to good use; tabletop ping-pong seems best done outside — no breakables nearby!
Fortune Cupcakes by Fred Flare
Bake some cupcakes for your picnic, then use these fortune teller liners to keep everyone guessing.
Glitter Touchabubbles by Perpetual Kid
Bubbles 2.0: These bubbles actually harden, so you can touch them, roll them, stack them, etc. I love the crazy colors and glitter.
To a Tea Set by The Land of Nod
Perhaps a full-on picnic sounds like too much work? Younger kiddos will be just as happy with a teapot full of water and this friendly tea set out on your deck.
Happy Camper Set by House 8810
Maybe these plates and cups will help the entire family be happy campers!
I wish this table came in adult sizes too; it's diamondback pattern and bright colors are a great fresh approach to the standard picnic table choices.
Next: 8 Ideas for Great Outdoor Dining
Next: 8 Ideas for Great Outdoor Dining