Summer Snacks for the Perfect Picnic

Sponsored Post (By Brianna Kelly)

A summer picnic is a great way to spend quality time with your kids and family. The first step to having a perfect picnic is to organize your ideas by making lists of supplies needed and summer snack options. Choose snacks that are kid-friendly, but healthy. 

Have a cooler properly prepared with ice to keep your picnic foods from spoiling. Also, make sure to have activities planned to keep your kids entertained. A favorite picnic activity amongst kids is the animal in the clouds game.

To have a perfect picnic not only will you want to make great summer snack choices, but you will also need to bring dinnerware, utensils, extra chairs, blankets and tents for shade. Pack a bag that contains picnic necessities like bug spray, wet wipes and a first aid kit. 

Make sure to pack your kid's favorite games and toys. Pack extra clothing to be prepared for weather changes during your picnic.

Cookie cutter sandwiches are a great snack choice for summer picnics. Choose a sturdy bread like a baguette for your sandwiches. Have your kids help you cut out two cookie cutter shapes from the center of each piece of bread. You can use the leftover pieces to make a scrumptious bread pudding for your picnic. 

The tried and true peanut butter and jelly is always a favorite with kids, but you could also use meat and cheese for your sandwiches. Fruit parfaits with layers of whipped cream in single serving sizes makes a yummy summer snack choice for a picnic. 

Use a low fat whipped cream and crushed walnuts sprinkled throughout the parfait for a healthier option. Mixing whipped cream with fruit is a great way to entice kids to eat this healthy snack. Another summer snack option for a picnic is kabobs made from your favorite fruits like chunks of watermelon and pineapple. 

Remember to bring plenty of water and homemade punch flavored with real fruit to keep the kids hydrated during your picnic.

Use summer snacks as rewards when playing games during your picnic. Fill baggies with nuts, dried fruit, granola and wrapped candies. Put some stickers on the front of the bags to make them look special. 

Another fun picnic idea is to have a scavenger hunt with wrapped picnic snacks. Some great snack choices for this game would be individually wrapped cookies, chips and nuts. Covered mini dishes of homemade pudding mixed with nuts or peanut butter is a great sit down snack for kids resting in between their picnic activities.

These summer snacks can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. If you are making cookies or brownies for your picnic, you can make and freeze them a couple of weeks ahead of time. Take the goodies out of the freezer and wrap them a day before your picnic. 

Wrap your cookie cutter sandwiches with wax paper before refrigerating to keep them from getting stale. Have your kids help you prepare the food so they can give their input on what summer snacks they would like to bring to your picnic.

About the Author: Brianna Kelly writes on a regular basis for Giraffe, who have 18 locations based in Dublin, Ireland. She has over 5 years experience publishing articles on childcare education and parenting.