Picnic Bag Essentials: A Checklist For Every Parent

It’s fall season! Do you know what that means? It’s sweater weather with the most beautiful sky and cloud views. It’s the perfect season to spend outdoors with your family because it’s not too cold yet. You can put on a coat and head outside to enjoy nature. After the last couple of years, with the pandemic disrupting our everyday life, stepping outside might seem like a luxury — which is exactly why it makes sense to get super excited if you’re planning to have a picnic with your family. However, if you’re a parent and have kids who need your constant attention, you might be wondering if a picnic is the right way to go. We say it is because we are here to help you with a checklist you’ll need to make the picnic memorable for both you and your kids!

With a picnic bag full of essentials, your day out can be an absolute delight! So, without further ado, let’s dive in and look at some picnic bag essentials that every parent must have when they venture into the outdoors:

In This Article

1. Picnic Basket

Picnic Basket
share button

Image: Shutterstock

Not to state the obvious, but a picnic basket is a no-brainer. Having a basket helps you organize everything you’ll need during your time outdoors. You can also pack snacks, water bottles, juices, napkins, and other things that you’ll need to have a good time. The best part about picnic baskets is how spacious they are, which helps you arrange everything as per your requirement.

2. Blanket

Blanket
share button

Image: Shutterstock

If you’re planning to go out this season, you know that it can get chilly! So, carrying a blanket just makes sense to keep you and your family warm. Besides, only a blanket can make a good picnic spot complete when you lay it on the ground over the grass. Remember to carry one big enough to fit all your family members in, including your furry baby (if you have one).

3. Disposable Cloth

Disposable Cloth
share button

Image: Shutterstock

Now that you’ve laid out your blanket and placed your picnic basket on the side, it’s time to get out those yummy snacks you packed. But wait! Before that, put a disposable cloth over your blanket to avoid any food spills that could wreck your favorite blanket. A disposable cloth is great to keep the food and drink stains at bay.

4. Plates And Other Utensils

Plates And Other Utensils
share button

Image: Shutterstock

If you’re an environmentally conscious person, you won’t want to use plastic or generate unnecessary waste. However, you must pack some utensils, including plates, spoons, forks, knives, glasses, and bowls. You may also want to pack a cutting board in case you have fruits or vegetables. Also, remember to carry an extra bag to dump all the used cutlery into after you’re done.

5. Food And Drinks

Food And Drinks
share button

Image: Shutterstock

What’s a picnic without home-packed food? Incomplete! Picnics are all about fun and games but also loads of food. You can pack foods that are easy to eat and do not make a mess. Sandwiches, fruits, burgers, sausage rolls, brownies, eggs, and biscuits are common picnic foods. Don’t forget to carry some delicious beverages — lemonade, fruit juices, ginger ale, iced tea, fruit punch, etc., make amazing additions to your picnic basket. You could also carry a few beers for yourself but be responsible about drinking around kids.

6. Tray

Tray
share button

Image: Shutterstock

You might be wondering why you need a tray, but if you don’t have one, you’ll end up holding all your kids’ drinks in your hands the whole time. Pack a lightweight tray in your picnic bag and avoid the hassle of spilled drinks. Place the glasses on the tray, and you can be sure that they’ll be safe.

7. Paper Towels

Paper Towels
share button

Image: Shutterstock

Paper towels are always a necessity! They can be used as napkins for your kids and are perfect to help you clean up too. The versatility of paper towels is what makes them an essential addition to your picnic bag.

8. Wet Wipes And Sanitizer

Wet Wipes And Sanitizer
share button

Image: Shutterstock

A standard instruction to every parent out there: do not step out without wet wipes when you’re out with your kids. If they make a mess while eating, playing, or running around, wet wipes could be your saving grace. Also, don’t forget to pack hand sanitizer. You might find it hard to find a decent spot to wash your hands if you’re setting up a picnic in the middle of nowhere. Therefore, hand sanitizers can really help!

9. Sunscreen

Sunscreen
share button

Image: IStock

Your kids need protection from the sun, so pack sunscreen and apply them to your kids every three to four hours, especially if the sun is out and beaming. You don’t want them to end up with sunburns after a good day outdoors.

10. Tons Of Games

Tons Of Games
share button

Image: IStock

The objective of a picnic is usually to enjoy the outdoors. So, let your kids run around and smell the flowers. Allow them to explore the place but keep an eye on them so that they don’t wander away too far. Let them climb trees, play in the mud or stream and jump on the dry leaves. While all this is an experience of a lifetime, you can also carry some games that will enhance your outdoor picnic experience. Pack some items like a ball (a few sizes), badminton rackets, and perhaps a frisbee. While your kids enjoy their time outdoors, you can also play some of these super cool and easy games.

Picnics are fun, no doubt! But when you have kids, they are a big responsibility. However, if you plan ahead and pack all the things you’ll possibly need to make the experience a fun one, you’re bound to have a good time. Also, remember to carry a first-aid kit in case your little one gets cuts and scrapes. Did we miss out on any picnic bag essentials? Let us know in the comments below if this was the ultimate checklist for every parent who wishes to go on a picnic with their kids!

Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.