Planning a family day out? Whether you’re heading to the beach, a local park, or exploring somewhere like Devon or Somerset, having a well-prepared picnic can make all the difference.

Not only does it help you save money on eating out, but it also means you’ve got food your kids will actually enjoy—no last-minute queues or expensive café stops needed.

These easy picnic food ideas for family days out are designed to be simple, practical, and stress-free. No complicated recipes—just real food that works when you’re out and about with kids.

1. Sandwiches & Wraps (The Picnic Staple)

You really can’t go wrong with sandwiches. They’re easy to make, easy to pack, and easy to eat wherever you are.

Family-friendly ideas:

• Ham & cheese
• Egg mayo
• Chicken & lettuce
• Tuna mayo
• Jam or peanut butter for younger children
• Soft tortilla wraps (great for less mess)

Wraps are especially useful if you’re travelling—they hold together better and are less likely to get squashed in your bag.

Top tip: Cut sandwiches into halves or quarters so little hands can manage them easily, and you can mix and match flavours without waste.

2. Cold Picnic Proteins (Keep Everyone Fuller for Longer)

Adding protein to your picnic helps keep everyone satisfied—especially important on busy days out packed with walking, playing, and exploring.

Easy, no-fuss options:

• Cooked chicken drumsticks
• Sausage rolls
• Scotch eggs
• Cocktail sausages
• Sliced cooked chicken or ham

These are all foods that can be eaten cold and don’t require reheating, making them ideal for family picnics.

Tip: Store these in a cool bag with an ice pack, especially on warmer days.

3. Fresh Fruit (Refreshing & Kid-Friendly)

Fruit is a must-have for any picnic—especially during the warmer months. It’s refreshing, hydrating, and a great alternative to too many sugary snacks.

Easy picnic fruit ideas:

• Grapes (always cut lengthways for younger children)
• Strawberries
• Apple slices (add a little lemon juice to stop browning)
• Watermelon chunks
• Blueberries

For something a bit more fun, try making fruit skewers—they’re colourful, easy to grab, and a big hit with kids.

4. Snacky Bits & Picky Food (The Fun Part!)

If your kids prefer to graze rather than sit down for a full meal, this is where picnics really shine.

Build your own picky plate with:

• Cheese cubes or Babybels
• Crackers
• Breadsticks
• Mini pork pies
• Crisps or popcorn

You can pack everything into a lunchbox-style container so kids can pick and choose what they want.

Tip: This is also a great way to use up bits you already have in the fridge.

5. Veggie Snacks (Simple & Balanced)

Adding vegetables to your picnic doesn’t need to be complicated. Keep it simple and familiar.

Quick ideas:

• Carrot sticks
• Cucumber slices
• Cherry tomatoes
• Sweet pepper strips

Pair them with small pots of hummus or cream cheese for dipping to make them more appealing.

6. Sweet Treats (Because It’s a Day Out!)

No picnic is complete without a little treat. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—just something that feels special.

Easy options:

• Flapjacks
• Brownies
• Cupcakes
• Biscuits
• Rice crispy cakes

These are easy to prepare ahead of time and travel well in containers.

7. Drinks (Don’t Forget These!)

It’s easy to forget drinks when focusing on food, but they’re just as important—especially for active days out.

What to bring:

• Reusable water bottles
• Juice cartons
• Diluting juice in bottles

💡 Top tip: Freeze a bottle of water overnight—it will keep your food cool and be ready to drink later in the day.

What to Pack for a Family Picnic

Alongside your food, having the right extras can make your day much easier.

Essentials to bring:

• Picnic blanket
• Cool bag with ice packs
• Wipes and napkins
• Hand sanitiser
• Rubbish bags (leave no trace)
• Reusable plates and cutlery

If you’re heading somewhere like the beach or countryside, you might also want:

• Suncream
• Hats
• Extra layers (UK weather!)

How to Prep a Picnic Without the Stress

One of the biggest challenges with family picnics is the prep—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Here’s how to make it easier:

Prep the night before
Make sandwiches, chop fruit, and pack snacks in advance so you’re not rushing in the morning.

Keep it simple
You don’t need Pinterest-perfect food—just stick to things your family already enjoys.

Use containers
Reusable lunchboxes or divided containers keep everything organised and reduce mess.

Plan for the location
Think about where you’re going—mess-free foods work best for beaches and outdoor adventures.

Budget-Friendly Picnic Tips

Picnics are one of the easiest ways to save money on family days out.

Here’s how to keep costs low:

• Use what you already have at home
• Buy supermarket own-brand items
• Avoid individually packaged snacks where possible
• Make your own treats instead of buying them
• Reuse containers and bottles

Even a simple picnic can easily save you £20–£50 compared to eating out as a family.

Picnic Ideas for Days Out in Devon & Somerset

If you’re planning a day out locally, these picnic ideas pair perfectly with:

• Beach days along the Devon coast
• Exploring Dartmoor or Exmoor
• Local parks and playgrounds
• Family attractions and countryside walks

A Quick Reminder: Leave Only Footprints

When you’re enjoying a family picnic—whether that’s at the beach, a park, or somewhere like Dartmoor—it’s so important to help protect these beautiful places for everyone.

Always remember to leave only footprints, not litter.

Take everything you brought with you back home, including food packaging, wipes, and leftovers. Even small bits of rubbish can harm wildlife and spoil the environment for others.

If you’re visiting rural or countryside areas, especially during warmer months, be extra mindful:

• Avoid leaving any waste behind
• Don’t use disposable BBQs unless clearly permitted
• Be aware of fire risks in dry conditions
• Respect wildlife and natural habitats

Teaching kids to care for the environment while they’re young makes a huge difference—and picnics are the perfect opportunity to show them how.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to easy picnic food ideas for family days out, it’s all about keeping things simple, practical, and enjoyable.

With a bit of planning and a mix of family favourites, you can create a picnic that’s:

• Affordable
• Stress-free
• Kid-friendly
• Perfect for any adventure

Whether you’re heading out for a full day exploring or just a quick trip to the park, a well-packed picnic can turn a good day into a great one.