Supplies to Pack for a Successful Picnic with Kids

Planning a picnic is an event that the entire family can join in on. Because you want the day to be a success, everyone's contributions are important. If you have kids, don’t forget to pack items for fun and in case of emergencies. Let’s start with safety. No matter what the venue for the picnic, kids will be kids and accidents can always be a reality. Carry along a first aid kit for any bumps, scrapes, or bug bites. A first aid kit is also a good idea for the rest of the group.

If the picnic is later in the afternoon or early evening, flashlights are a necessity. They keep older children from wandering off and can be used by the younger ones to play a variety of games. Some added light will keep you from forgetting any of your stuff when packing up to go home.

If you are near the woods or at the beach, take along sun and bug protection along. Everyone should protect themselves from sun damage no matter how old or young they are. Waterproof sun block is less likely to wash off even when kids sweat during play. Bug spray keeps mosquitoes away at dusk. If possible, take sun visors or ball caps to keep the sun off of small faces. You can buy inexpensive visors and caps at your local craft store and decorate them prior to you family picnics.

Sticky hands are a way of life with kids. To keep their hands clean between eating and play, purchase some moist towelettes. A box of cleansing wipes will work just as well to keep hands and fingernails free of dirt and germs when soap and water is hard to come by. Check the box to see if the wipes are gentle enough to be used on the face.

Don’t forget blankets and toys. Kids may want to sit in the grass and play. A waterproof blanket provides a comfortable place to sit and play with their toys where you can see them. Sitting directly in the grass can make the skin itchy. If you frequent an area where ticks are a nuisance, sitting in the grass is not a good idea.

Since children can bore rather easy, bring a variety of things for them to do. Kids who don’t want to run around may enjoy board games. You’d be surprised at how a game of Scrabble or Monopoly can pass the time. Older children can ride bikes or roller skate if you are in a park or an area with trails.

Little Ones love to picnic. Good food and good times can occupy a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Packing a few choice supplies can keep your picnic a treasured family event.

For more excellent child friendly picnic suggestions from Christine Steendahl, "The Menu Mom", check out http://www.dinewithoutwhine.com/article-picnic-idea.html.