Family picnics offer a great way for kids to have some outdoor fun. Instead of just packing a meal and a blanket, plan out a few fun games and activities for the little ones during your picnic.
This will keep them entertained for the whole day while creating some precious memories. Here are ten great ideas for family picnic fun.
1. A Nature Scavenger Hunt
Before you head out, come up with a shortlist of items that your kids can expect to find during your picnic. Your list might include birds, leaves, rocks, squirrels, and deer. Please print out the list on a piece of card stock and bring crayons or colored pencils for the kids to mark items off as they spot them.
2. Water Balloon Fights
On hot days, a water balloon fight is just the thing to get the kids excited. Pack a plastic storage tote with water balloons, so you don’t have to worry about finding a water source at the picnic area.
After everyone eats, bring out the water balloons. Remember to bring some towels for everyone to dry off and to protect your car’s upholstery.
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3. Water Balloon Catch
This is a more organized take on a water balloon fight. Attach a colander or strainer to the top of a bicycle or batting helmet. Choose one person to be “it.”
This person wears the helmet and attempts to catch water balloons being thrown in the colander. Be sure to take turns, so everyone has a chance to wear the helmet.
4. Three-Legged Races
Three-legged races are favorites for picnics. Today, you can find bands made specifically for this game, so you can attach yourself to one of your kids without using rope or other materials that might cut off circulation. Once you have everyone in your group matched with a partner and connected, start racing to see which group can run the fastest as a team.
5. Tug of War
Another classic picnic game is a tug of war. All you need is a rope, a flag to attach to the center of the rope, and some chalk to mark the centerline. Once you have people positioned on either side of the rope, begin pulling to see which side is the victor.
6. Egg-and-Spoon Races
Pack a few extra hard-boiled eggs and large spoons for this game. Give each player a spoon and egg and have them race toward the finish line without dropping the egg. These eggs probably shouldn’t be served with your meal after the race is over; they won’t be in perfect shape.
7. Hula-Hoop Contests
See how long everyone can keep a hula-hoop up and spin. Bring a stopwatch and enough hula-hoops for everyone to compete. You can also change this game up slightly by seeing who can walk the farthest while hula hooping.
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8. Potato Sack Races
Potato sack races are among the most popular picnic games for kids. You can find these sacks at many local discount stores, or they can be purchased online.
Be sure to get enough so that everyone can race at the same time. Each person gets into a sack and hops to the finish line.
9. One-Word Stories
This is a great game to play right after eating. It is played while sitting down, so everyone has a chance to let the food settle.
Start the game by saying one word, and take turns adding another word to the story. Pretty soon, you will have a silly story that puts everyone into a fit of giggles.
More: 9 Powerful Ways to Help Your Children Reach Their Goals in the Future
10. Beanbag Toss
The beanbag toss can be played in several ways. If you have the traditional corn hole game boards, bring them with you to the picnic area.
Everyone can try their luck to see how close to the hole they can get their beanbags. If you don’t have the game boards, you can compete with each other to see who can toss the beanbags the farthest.
These games can be played at your family picnic or for company picnics. There is no limit on how many players each game can have. Choose a few of these great games for your next outdoor gathering and watch as the little ones delight in seeing who can win each competition.
Do you have some other kid-friendly picnic game ideas?1