Pack the Ultimate Picnic (a kid-friendly snack board)

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings

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I’ll show you how to pack the ultimate picnic! An easy summer snack board spread that is portable, delicious, and kid-friendly!

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kid friendly summer cheese board overhead on wooden board on denim blanket with fresh fruit and vegetables crackers and cheese

We are more than halfway through summer and I’m in denial, you guys.

I feel like there haven’t been enough play dates, splash park runs, beach days, ice cream cones, and picnics.

Then again, I’m pretty sure I always feel this way once August hits. Like I haven’t taken full advantage of the sunshine and an open schedule.

Luckily for me, there’s 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 don’t blame them.

It helps that their favorite meal is when we just put a bunch of random things — fruits, veggies, cheese, etc. — 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 😉

kids snack board on wooden board with two children reaching for snacks

Since we are big picnic lovers (big, big lovers), I’m 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 you’re lucky enough to own one, awesome! (If not, check second hand stores or make your own!). Otherwise, a good thick blanket will do — you don’t want it too thin or you’ll 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 doesn’t 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 you’ll need will depend on what you’re 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 you’re having a grown-up picnic with people who can wield utensils while they’re not seated at a table, feel free to pack some.
two young girls having a picnic on a denim picnic blanket with trees in the background
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Tips for packing a picnic on the fly:

  • After grocery shopping, wash and slice your fruit and vegetables so they’re ready to grab and go when the urge hits.
  • Keep Arla Snack Cheese Bars on hand — they last quite a while in the fridge so they’re 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 day’s spread.

Pick a picnic location:

  • Depending on the temperature, whether you want sun or shade will vary. If it’s cool, the sun will feel nice. If it’s hot, avoid the sunburns and go for the shade. A tree, an umbrella, a picnic shelter — 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 friend’s lawn!) The portability is one of the best things about a picnic 😉

Picnic recipe ideas:

Got some extra time? These recipes make great additions to a picnic!

*This post is generously sponsored by Arla — thank you for supporting the brands that make The Recipe Rebel possible!

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The Ultimate Picnic

5 from 6 votes
I’ll show you how to pack the ultimate picnic! An easy summer cheese board spread that is portable, delicious, and kid-friendly!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Snack
Servings 4 servings
Calories 396cal

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

*The nutrition information for this recipe will obviously vary greatly depending on which fruits, veggies and crackers you choose. 

Nutrition Information

Calories: 396cal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 248mg | Potassium: 262mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 4435IU | Vitamin C: 4.5mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 2.1mg
Keywords cheese board, picnic board, picnic recipes, snack board

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Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

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