We love going to parks. I feel so lucky that there are at least three parks within walking distance from our house. They’ve got everything we need for a fun day out , big open spaces, playgrounds for little ones, and paths for walking or scooting. My son and I often spend our afternoons there, and on weekends, we sometimes pack a picnic and visit a new park a little farther out.
Some parks even have live music or fun activities for kids, especially during school holidays. It feels like a little adventure, with a catch ball or frisbee in our bag, a few cold drinks, and a lunchbox filled with our favorite homemade food.
Over the years, I’ve learned what works and what ends up squished at the bottom of the bag. So here’s a list of tried and tested picnic food ideas for kids we keep going back to. They’re all easy to make, kid approved, and perfect for eating on a picnic rug under the trees.
Sandwiches and Easy Mains
Easy Egg Salad Sandwich
This one’s always in rotation when I need a quick and filling picnic lunch. The creamy egg salad is simple to make and goes well with soft bread or even in a wrap. I sometimes add a little lettuce for crunch, but honestly, my son prefers it plain and smooth. I cut them into halves or little squares to make them easier for him to hold.
Here’s a link on how to make it: Easy Egg Salad Sandwich
Easy Chicken Sandwich
Made with leftover roast chicken, this sandwich is such a time saver. I just shred the chicken, mix it with a bit of mayo or yogurt, and add a slice of cheese or cucumber if I have some. It’s filling, not messy, and holds up well in a lunchbox. Perfect for days when I want something hearty but not too heavy.
Here’s a link on how to make it: Easy Chicken Sandwich
Easy Teriyaki Salmon Sandwich
This one feels like a treat. Sweet and savory teriyaki salmon with crisp lettuce or sliced cucumbers in a soft roll or sandwich bread. It’s great for grown-up taste buds, but my son surprisingly loves it too, especially when I serve it with some grapes or crackers on the side. I make sure the fish has cooled completely before packing it in.
Here’s a link on how to make it: Easy Teriyaki Salmon Sandwich
Tuna Sandwich
A classic and always reliable. I mix canned tuna with a bit of mayo, and sometimes add corn or grated carrots for extra flavor and crunch. It travels well and doesn’t get soggy too quickly, especially if you line the bread with lettuce. I like to cut them into small triangles or roll them into pinwheels.
Here’s a link on how to make it: Tuna Sandwich
Egg Muffins with Carrot and Zucchini
These aren’t exactly sandwiches, but they make such a good main for picnics. They’re packed with veggies and protein, and easy to hold and eat without any mess. I usually bake them the night before and just grab a few straight from the fridge in the morning. My son loves dipping them in ketchup or mayo.
Here’s a link on how to make it: Egg Muffins with Carrot and Zucchini
Muffins and Sweet Snacks
Banana Chocolate Muffins
These muffins never last long in our house. They’re soft, sweet, and filled with just the right amount of melty chocolate chips. Perfect for a mid-morning treat at the park, especially after some running around. I usually pack a few extras in case we meet friends.
Here’s a link on how to make it: Banana Chocolate Muffins
Double Chocolate Banana Spinach Muffins
They taste like dessert, but they’ve got spinach tucked right in — and no one even notices. These double chocolate muffins are rich and moist, and I love that they sneak in something green without a fuss. My son calls them his “chocolatey green muffins,” and I’ll take that as a win. Great for picky eaters and perfect for picnics.
Here’s a link on how to make it: Double Chocolate Banana Spinach Muffins
Banana Raspberry Muffins
These muffins are soft and fruity, with bursts of raspberry in every bite. The mix of sweet banana and tart berries makes them feel a bit special, even though they’re so easy to bake. I usually pair them with apple slices or grapes in our picnic bag. They also make a lovely little treat for me with a cup of tea.
Here’s a link on how to make it: Banana Raspberry Muffins
Spinach and Cheese Muffins
If you’re after something savory, these are perfect. They’re soft but not too crumbly, and full of cheesy, veggie goodness. I like serving these with cut-up fruits and boiled eggs for a balanced little picnic meal. They’re also easy to make ahead and freeze.
Here’s a link on how to make it: Spinach and Cheese Muffins
Raisin Oatmeal Cookies
Chewy, hearty, and not too sweet, these cookies hold up really well in containers. They don’t crumble too easily, which makes them great for outdoor eating with kids. I usually pack a few in a small tin for those quiet moments after lunch when we’re just laying on the picnic mat. My son likes his with a box of chocolate milk.
wraps
Chicken and Cheese Wrap
This wrap is as easy as it gets but always hits the spot. I use leftover cooked chicken, a slice of cheese, and sometimes a little mayo or cream cheese to keep it soft. You can add grated carrot or lettuce for crunch, but even plain, it’s delicious. I roll it tight and slice it into halves or pinwheels, great for little hands.
Egg and Veggie Wrap
Hard boiled eggs mashed with a bit of mayo, a pinch of salt, and finely chopped veggies like cucumber or carrot make a super satisfying filling. It’s like egg salad, but wrapped up neatly and easy to eat at the park. I’ve found this keeps well, especially if wrapped in foil or baking paper. Sometimes I pack a little extra for myself because it’s just that good.
Tuna and Corn Wrap
This one is my son’s favorite when he’s in a tuna mood. I mix canned tuna with sweet corn and a small spoon of mayo, then spread it on a tortilla and roll it up tight. The sweetness of the corn balances the tuna perfectly, and the wrap holds up well even after a few hours in the lunch bag. It’s light, tasty, and perfect with apple slices or a few crackers on the side.
Cheesy Wrap Quesadilla
This is such a simple one, but always a hit. I fill a tortilla with grated cheese, easy, simple and no fuss, then fold it in half and heat it on a pan until the cheese is all melty. Once it cools, I slice it into triangles and pack it for our picnic. It’s easy to hold, not messy, and still tastes great even when it’s not hot anymore. My son loves dipping it in ketchup or sour cream on the side.
Sushi
Simple Sushi Wrap with Nori Snack Sheets
These are one of our favorite picnic snacks, especially because they’re so easy to make and fun to eat. I use the small nori snack sheets, they’re just the right size for little hands. I lay one sheet down, add a spoon of cooked rice, a bit of kewpie mayo, and whatever we have on hand, leftover chicken, salmon, canned tuna, imitation crab, carrots, or cucumber. Then I place another nori sheet on top and press gently to hold it together. We always bring an extra pack of the nori snack sheets too, because we love munching on them just as they are.
Picnic Packing Tips for a Smooth Day Out
Over time, I’ve learned a few simple things that make our picnic days easier and more fun:
- Pack everything in small containers with lids to avoid leaks or spills. I love using bento-style lunch boxes or reusable snack bags.
- Bring a small cooler bag or insulated lunch bag with an ice pack to keep sandwiches and wraps fresh, especially on warmer days.
- Wet wipes, tissues, and a small rubbish bag are a must. Parks don’t always have bins nearby, and clean-up is quicker when everything’s ready.
- Cut fruit ahead of time and bring kid-friendly cutlery if needed. I also like packing food in bite-sized portions so it’s easier for little hands to grab and eat.
- Don’t forget a picnic mat, sunscreen, hats, and water bottles. And maybe a few extras like bubbles, books, or a frisbee to keep everyone happy after eating.
