Iโll show you how to pack the ultimate picnic! An easy summer snack board spread that is portable, delicious, and kid-friendly!
We are more than halfway through summer and Iโm in denial, you guys.
I feel like there havenโt been enough play dates, splash park runs, beach days, ice cream cones, and picnics.
Then again, Iโm pretty sure I always feel this way once August hits. Like I havenโt taken full advantage of the sunshine and an open schedule.
Luckily for me, thereโs still time.
I swear, my kids eat so much better when we picnic than when I try to get them to sit at a table. The summer sun makes them a little stir crazy, and I have to say I donโt blame them.
It helps that their favorite meal is when we just put a bunch of random things โ fruits, veggies, cheese, etc. โ on a plate and snack. And I love that it takes me little time to prep, zero cook time, and they’re loading up on food that is actually good for them (without a fight!).
When we’re getting fancy, I like to make a kid-friendly snack board with Arla Snack Cheese Bars plus whatever fruits, veggies, crackers, nuts, meats we have in the fridge.
It’s an easy way to enjoy good foods with simple ingredients, breathe in some summer air and let the stress of a busy day melt away. Instead of spending half an hour slaving over the stove (who wants to do that in the summer anyway?!?), we’re spending our extra time together, and I’ll have fewer dishes to wash after they head to bed ๐
Since we are big picnic lovers (big, big lovers), Iโm going to share my tips for creating the ultimate picnic.
Picnic essentials:
- A good picnic blanket. My Grandma made me a denim picnic blanket that I will cherish forever and we use it all the time. If youโre lucky enough to own one, awesome! (If not, check second hand stores or make your own!). Otherwise, a good thick blanket will do โ you donโt want it too thin or youโll feel every rock and stick and piece of grass through.
- A vessel. I have a small not-super-stylish cooler bag that is super functional. It gets hot here in the summer, and you want something that will keep your food cool so it doesnโt spoil. If you’re staying closer to home, feel free to get a little fancier. Lay the food out on a nice board, get some sparkling apple juice and enjoy a relaxed summer dinner al fresco!
- Plates (hold the utensils, please and thanks). Obviously, what youโll need will depend on what youโre serving, but I try to pick strictly finger foods and avoid utensils. Eating food on plates with utensils while you have young children sitting on the ground is just kind of tricky. If youโre having a grown-up picnic with people who can wield utensils while theyโre not seated at a table, feel free to pack some.
Tips for packing a picnic on the fly:
- After grocery shopping, wash and slice your fruit and vegetables so theyโre ready to grab and go when the urge hits.
- Keep Arla Snack Cheese Bars on hand โ they last quite a while in the fridge so theyโre perfect for stocking ahead!
- Keep a selection of crackers, spreads, dips and drinks on hand to mix and match and let the kids add some to the dayโs spread.
Pick a picnic location:
- Depending on the temperature, whether you want sun or shade will vary. If itโs cool, the sun will feel nice. If itโs hot, avoid the sunburns and go for the shade. A tree, an umbrella, a picnic shelter โ any will do.
- Try a new location! Go to a new town, a new park or pack up a picnic and camp out on the lawn (or a friendโs lawn!) The portability is one of the best things about a picnic ๐
Picnic recipe ideas:
Got some extra time? These recipes make great additions to a picnic!
- Pizza pinwheels
- Lemon Blueberry Energy Bites
- Strawberry Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
- Blueberry Lemon Muffins with Cream Cheese Swirl
- Frosted Lemon Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
*This post is generously sponsored by Arla โ thank you for supporting the brands that make The Recipe Rebel possible!
The Ultimate Picnic
Ingredients
- 1 cup assorted berries
- 1 cup assorted veggies
- 1 cup assorted crackers
- 8 Arla Snack Cheese Bars
- 1/2 cup pretzel sticks
- 1/4 cup peanuts
- 1/4 cup whole almonds
Instructions
- Assemble all ingredients on a wooden board or in a large sealable container for transport as desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information
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Chibi says
Me and My friends loved it!