Want to make great memories with your kids? These simple picnic activities will keep your preschooler happy and busy outside. They’re easy to set up and lots of fun! Just grab a picnic basket, a blanket, and try these ideas.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Kids love finding things! Make a simple list of items to find like:
- A smooth rock
- A yellow flower
- A funny-shaped stick
- A big leaf
- Something soft
Give each child a paper bag to collect their treasures. Keep kids in sight and pick a safe area. Let them add their own ideas to the list too.
Outdoor Art
Pack some art supplies for your picnic! Bring:
- Washable paints
- Big paper
- Paintbrushes
- Wet wipes for cleanup
Let kids paint what they see at the park or picnic spot. They can also use sticks, leaves or feathers as natural paintbrushes. When they finish, lay out all the artwork on the blanket for everyone to see.
Storytime Outside
Bring a few picture books to read outside. Make it more fun by:
- Using different voices for characters
- Adding sound effects
- Bringing simple props (like a teddy bear for stories with animals)
- Asking kids to act out parts of the story
Reading outside makes regular stories feel special.
Simple Games
Bring a ball, frisbee or bubbles for active play. Try these easy games:
- Roll the ball: Sit in a circle and roll a ball to each other
- Follow the leader: Take turns being the leader who makes funny moves
- Freeze dance: Play music on your phone and freeze when it stops
- Simon says: Play the classic game with simple actions
Join in the games yourself – kids love when adults play too!
Simple Science Fun
Kids love seeing cool reactions! Try these easy science activities:
Baking Soda Volcano:
- Bring a small plastic bottle
- Put it on a paper plate
- Add 2 tablespoons baking soda to the bottle
- Pour in 1/4 cup vinegar and watch it fizz!
Leaf Boats:
- Find big leaves
- Fold the sides up to make a boat shape
- Add a stick for a mast
- Float them in a puddle or stream
Always ask kids “What do you think will happen?” before each activity.
Mindful Moments in Nature
Amidst all the fun, taking a moment for mindfulness can be refreshing.
Guide your little ones through short breathing exercises or simple meditations focusing on the sounds and sights of nature. This helps instill a sense of calm and appreciation for their surroundings.
Create a nature journal where children can sketch or write about what they observed. These mindful moments encourage relaxation and reflection, valuable qualities for their growth.
Steph Simmons is a passionate outdoor mom and founder of Wild Bloom Families. When she’s not writing about outdoor family adventures, you’ll find her camping with her kids, crafting with natural materials, or advocating for more wild spaces in her community.
