Activities & Days Out / 31 July, 2019 / My Baba
Everything tastes better al fresco — it’s a fact. If it’s not, it ought to be. Picnics are one of the easiest (and most inexpensive) ways to get everyone outside enjoying the summer weather and spending some quality family time together. Whether you’re escaping to the countryside, setting up in a shady spot at your local park or relaxing in your back garden, a picnic will forever be a hit with the whole family. While you’ve probably got the picnic basics down, here are the best ways to take your picnic game to the next level.
It’s all about location, although picnics aren’t picky where they’re pitched up. The UK has so many idyllic picnic spots to offer: from coastal beaches and rolling countryside hills to calming lakes and streams, there are plenty of beautiful vistas to sit beside. Yet, sometimes it can be just as favourable to set up in your garden — ideal for preparing things in the oven, grabbing ice creams from the freezer and dashing to the loo. Remember to make sure whichever spot you choose has shade, toilet facilities and, ideally, somewhere for the children to play.
If you know the spot you’re visiting will be popular (generally, places with kids’ playgrounds and splash pads), get there early to secure your picnicking space. It’s easy to lose track of days during the holidays, so don’t forget that weekdays will be much more relaxed and quieter than weekends. It’s best to time picnics around your regular meal times, as not to disrupt your children’s routine too much, otherwise cue irritability and grumpiness! If timing things ‘just right’ isn’t possible, be prepared: make sure you’re stocked up on healthy snacks to keep the kids content until feeding time.
Picnics don’t need lots of preparation, so don’t stress the small stuff if it’s a last-minute thing. It’s super-easy these days to nip into the supermarket for sandwiches, snacks and fruit. If you do have more time, whip up a delicious spring pasta salad or prepare meat ahead of time in the oven or slow cooker; this delicious slow-roast lamb in pitta recipe is perfect for a picnic. A cool box or bag with ice is always recommended if you’re upping the ante from everyday sandwiches. Be sure to pack lots of small snack foods, such as fresh fruits and carrot sticks to spread out throughout the afternoon. For your little baba, baby food pouches are a brilliant option for popping into your picnic basket. Piccolo has a good range of organic fruit and veg pouches, suitable for babies from 4 months old.
If they’re going to be eating the food at the picnic, why not let them pitch in on the preparation? This squashed picnic ciabatta recipe is a good one for the kids to assemble. Simply load up a ciabatta with favourites like prosciutto, artichokes, spinach and mozzarella. Picnic prepping is a good chance to teach children about a balanced diet and the importance of fruit and vegetables that will make them healthy and strong. It’s always much more satisfying to unpack and snack on the picnic you’ve prepared yourself.
It’s smart to picnic near a playground or splash pad, somewhere that will keep the kids entertained for hours, but if you’re after somewhere more idyllic and peaceful, you’d better pack some activities. Keep it simple with a ball or skipping rope; crayons and colouring books are a good (and calming!) activity. For older children, set tasks for them to find different types of wildlife and explore the countryside.
Keep things simple with a picnic basket, cool box and blanket are the bare essentials. Don’t worry if you don’t have a basket, tote bags are ideal too. Have the little ones load up their backpacks with colouring books, crayons and busy bags for the journey and wherever you end up.
Top 15 Arts and Crafts Sets for Kids This Summer
13 Best Ways To Entertain The Kids In London This Summer
Make sure you bring plenty of water, or bottles to top up at water fountains, and ensure the children drink plenty of water while they’re enjoying the sunshine. Get everybody lathered in sunscreen before you head out and have some on you to top up every few hours. We also recommend an umbrella, initially for the unpredictable British weather but also to protect youngsters from the sun if there is little shade. If you’re pitching up near a fountain or stream, a small towel will come in handy. Take a bin bag to clear up afterwards.
One final piece of advice: Always have your picnic basket to hand for those last-minute moments where you’re in need of yummy food, fresh air and family time.
For on-the-go, Piccolo offers a range of healthy food and snacks for babies and young children.
The organic puree pouches designed for the weaning phase are brilliant for when you’re out and about: they’re pretty compact and pack in the essential nutrients and minerals. The pouches are suitable for children from four months old and there’s a huge range of flavour options that can introduce your baby to a variety of ingredients and textures.
Snacks should be quick and simple. Piccolo keeps the ingredients simple too with its teething wafers. The Piccolo Squares range is made from organic puffed cereal wafer with rice, chickpea, buckwheat, quinoa and fruit —and that’s it!
Piccolo products are stocked in all major supermarkets and health food stores. Find out where to buy here.
Top 15 Arts and Crafts Sets for Kids This Summer
Super-Fun Day Out Products That’ll Score You Some Serious Parent Points
Independent gift retailer, Bumbles & Boo knows how special it is when a newborn baby enters the world! To help mark the occasion, Bumbles & Boo has a vast selection of hand-designed gift hampers that really have the ‘Wow’ Factor. From their New Mum Collection, this ‘Dreamy Organics’ Hamper is filled to the brim with a gorgeous selection of luxury gifts for mum and organic gifts for baby, from tried and tested brands.
Activities & Days Out / 2 October, 2023
Car Seats & Travel / 28 September, 2023
