International Picnic Day: Delicious Ideas for the Perfect Outdoor Feast

Celebrate International Picnic Day with tasty picnic food ideas, outdoor dining inspiration and tips for creating the perfect summer picnic with family and friends.

Every year on 18 June, people around the world celebrate International Picnic Day, a simple but joyful occasion that encourages us to take our meals outside and enjoy good food in the fresh air.

In an age of busy schedules, constant notifications and meals eaten on the go, there is something wonderfully refreshing about spreading out a blanket, opening a basket of homemade treats and enjoying a leisurely meal outdoors. 

Whether it's a family gathering in a local park, a romantic lunch by a river, or a get-together with friends in the garden, a church picnic, picnics remain one of life's simplest pleasures.

How about a picnic on your back garden? Or in the conservatory or orangery should the weather take a turn to the wet and windy? 

The tradition of picnicking has a surprisingly long history. The word "picnic" is believed to have originated in France during the 17th century, where diners would bring their own food to social gatherings. 

Over time, the idea spread across Europe and became particularly popular in Britain during the Victorian era, when public parks became more accessible and outdoor leisure activities flourished.

Today, picnics are more popular than ever. They offer an affordable way to spend quality time with loved ones while enjoying the beauty of nature. 

They can also be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Some people prepare gourmet spreads with artisan cheeses, charcuterie and chilled sparkling drinks, while others are perfectly happy with sandwiches, sausage rolls and a flask of tea or coffee.

When planning a picnic, food that travels well is key. Classic choices include filled baguettes, Scotch eggs, pork pies, pasta salads, quiches and fresh fruit. Sweet treats such as brownies, flapjacks and homemade cupcakes are also ideal additions. Don't forget plenty of water, especially if you're picnicking on a warm summer day.

International Picnic Day is also a great excuse to explore local parks, nature reserves, beaches and beauty spots that you may not have visited before. Combining good food with a scenic setting can turn an ordinary lunch into a memorable experience.

As more people seek opportunities to slow down and reconnect with family and friends, the humble picnic continues to prove its enduring appeal. It requires little more than good company, tasty food and a patch of grass, yet it creates lasting memories that often outshine far more expensive outings.

This International Picnic Day, why not pack a basket, head outdoors and celebrate one of the most enjoyable ways to eat and socialise?

Picnics with a Purpose: Feeding Young Minds Alongside Hungry Tummies

There’s something undeniably magical about a picnic. 

The gentle rustle of trees, the scent of grass, and the open sky make even a humble sandwich feel like a treat. 

But what if your next picnic could offer more than just food and fresh air? What if it became a learning adventure, a moment to share nature, history, and curiosity with your children?

Welcome to the idea of “Picnics with a Purpose” an easy and joyful way to turn mealtimes into meaningful moments by feeding young minds while feeding hungry tummies.

1. Choose a Location with Hidden Stories

Instead of the usual local park, why not head somewhere with something to show and tell? A ruined castle, a heritage railway station, a sculpture trail, a nature reserve, or even a local churchyard (respectfully observed, of course) can provide endless talking points. Children are naturally inquisitive — give them something to wonder about.

Idea: Picnic near a standing stone or ancient tree. Talk about how long it’s been there and what it might have “seen.”

2. Pack Curiosity Alongside the Crisps

Bring along a magnifying glass, binoculars, or even a basic guidebook to birds, wildflowers, or British butterflies. Encourage your child to observe and ask questions. What are those strange markings on the tree bark? Why do ants follow each other in a line? Why do clouds look different on certain days?

Tip: Turn it into a treasure hunt. "Can you spot something purple? Something that flies? Something older than Grandpa?"

3. Make Storytime Part of the Meal

Bring along a book related to where you are or make up a story on the spot. If you’re near a river, invent a tale about a water sprite. If you’re by an old building, imagine who might have lived there long ago. Storytelling connects children emotionally to the world around them.

Bonus: Encourage them to draw or write their own story when you get home.

4. Talk About Sustainability and Stewardship

While enjoying your sandwiches, gently introduce the idea of looking after nature. Why do we take our litter home? What happens if wildlife eats our rubbish? Why are bees important to the flowers around us?

Activity: Bring a biodegradable bag and do a quick litter pick afterwards, even just a few items. Let children feel proud of helping the environment.

5. Link Food to Nature

A picnic is the perfect opportunity to show your children where food comes from. Strawberries once hung on a plant. Bread began as wheat in a field. Cheese started with a cow. Encourage children to make these connections and maybe inspire an interest in growing their own fruit or veg.

Conversation starter: “Imagine we had to grow and make everything in our lunch ourselves — what would be the hardest part?”

6. Capture the Moment Together

Encourage your child to take a few photos or sketches of their surroundings. Not only does it slow them down to notice more, but it also gives them something to look back on later — a tangible memory of a meaningful meal.

Final Thoughts

Picnics with a purpose aren’t about formal lessons or ticking boxes. They’re about sharing wonder, sparking curiosity, and connecting as a family in the fresh air. By simply shifting your perspective and choosing your spot thoughtfully, you can create moments that nourish body, mind, and heart alike.

So next time you pack the blanket and basket, add in a little learning, a lot of laughter, and a sprinkle of storytelling. Your children may remember the jam sandwiches, but they’ll remember the magic even more.

Half Term Pancake Fun With Bonne Maman

Our friends at Bonne Maman have come up with a great Pancake Day activity. 

This February half term, why not turn your family kitchen into the heart of family fun with creative pancake-making activities?

The Bonne Maman range of fruity Conserves and indulgent Spreads are perfect for creating delicious and delightful pancake masterpieces. 

From cheerful faces made with fresh fruits and spoonfuls of conserve to adorable animal designs, let the kids layer on colour and flavour to make each bite as imaginative as it is delicious. 

Will it be a picture of Dad, a bear covered in Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, a beautiful flower with a jammy centre or a rocket ship coated in Caramelised Apple?

Half term is the perfect time to throw a Pancake Party! Set out a selection of colourful jars of Bonne Maman, some fresh fruits, sprinkles and biscuits to inspire mix-and-match toppings for the whole family to enjoy. Add laughter, creativity, and a little bit of pancake flipping flair, and you've got a recipe for memorable half-term fun!

For more inspiration, Bonne Maman has a fun booklet packed with tips, tricks, jokes and games to keep the pancake fun going all season long. Available to download free from their website: bonnemaman.co.uk/pancakes. Pancake creations shared on Bonne Maman's social media might even win a Bonne Maman Pancake Party Hamper.

Flip, flip, Hurray!