Picnics aren’t just for spring and summer. There are plenty of opportunities for winter picnics too. In fact, these winter picnic ideas will be a warming treat on your next family walk. Picnics are great outdoor activities for children. With a little bit of thought and preparation, your family can enjoy picnics all year round.
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Winter picnic ideas
First, you’ll need to decide where you will be going for your winter picnic. Perhaps you’ll stay close to home for your first one and try a picnic in your garden? Or my favourite is to take a picnic on a winter family walk. My kids always get hungry on walks so a picnic is definitely a good idea. It will warm you all up and mean you can walk for longer. You could also take a picnic on your next day out to keep the costs down.
Wherever you decide to picnic put a little thought into the food you pack and the equipment you need to pack so your picnic is a fun winter adventure.
Winter picnic food
Choosing the right food for your winter picnic is key. Warm food is the best as it is bound to warm you up on a cold day but you could still take sandwiches for example if that’s what your family enjoys eating. If not, here are some warming winter picnic ideas.
Hot drinks
Hot drinks like tea and coffee are a staple part of any picnic for the grown-ups in your group but in winter why not take a flask of hot chocolate for all the family to enjoy?
Soup
Soup is a really simple hot food to enjoy on your winter picnic, Simply heat it up at home and fill a flask with it. Make sure you pack something to serve the soup in and eat it with (see the equipment section below for ideas). I also like to pack some bread for dipping in the soup too.
Stew
If you want something a little more than soup, how about packing a stew? Again you need to heat the stew at home and then transport it in a food flask. Don’t forget to pack bowls and cutlery for all the family.
Sausage rolls
My kids love sausage rolls. If your family enjoy them warm you could try wrapping them in tin foil after heating them and keeping them in an insulated picnic bag.
Chilli
Similar to stew, you can take a preheated chilli with you in a food flask. Serve with bread, nachos or even jacket potatoes (see below).
Hot dogs
Another favourite with my kids is hot dogs. Simply cook your sausages at home and transport them in a food flask to keep them warm. Don’t forget to pack some bread rolls and tomato sauce for the perfect hot dog that all the family will enjoy.
Jacket potatoes
You can cook jacket potatoes at home and then wrap them in foil before storing in an insulated lunch bag to keep them warm.
Winter picnic equipment
There are a few things that will make winter picnics easier and more fun for all the family. You’ll need to think about what you’ll sit on, how you’ll transport warm food, what you will serve it in and what cutlery you will need.
Picnic blanket
Every picnic needs a blanket for you to sit on. We love these Pacmat picnic blanket map prints. They’re lightweight, compact and machine-washable. Perfect for keeping in your adventure backpack. * Get yours here.
Single picnic blanket patches (Pacmat patch)
I have to admit, in the depths of winter, spreading a blanket on the ground isn’t that appealing. Picnic benches and even logs are a better option but often they are damp. That’s where these fantastic individual patches come in useful. They pack up really small and much like the standard Pacmat picnic blankets, they are machine-washable and lightweight. They are even insulated to feel warmer. Such a great addition to a family winter picnic. * Find out more here.
Hot drink flasks
We love our Kleen Kanteen Vacuum-insulated TK Wide for hot drinks. For soups, stews and sausages you might be better of with a Thermos flask.
Food flasks
As well as the larger Thermos flask above, you might want to consider investing in a set of * food flasks for your family.
Cutlery
You’ll definitely need some basic cutlery if you are taking soup or stews. You don’t want to be carrying around loads of heavy metal cutlery so how about a * 3 in 1 Spork?
Insulated picnic bag
An * Insulated picnic bag makes such a difference too.
Kelly kettle
If you want to make a real adventure out of your winter picnic, have you considered a * Kelly kettle?
Activities to enjoy with your winter picnic
I’m sure you’ll combine your winter picnic with a family walk. So don’t forget to pack our free Winter scavenger hunt printable.
If you need more Outdoor activities for kids in winter then you need to read this post.
Find more seasonal activities for kids here.
Where to go for your winter picnic
Find details of some of the best UK family days out here.
If you want inspiration for your next family walk then you need this post if you are in the North West (of England) The best family walks North West. Better yet, join my Facebook group.
Join the Family walks North West Facebook group to be part of a community sharing the best walks for families across the region. Click here.
More tips for winter picnics
Dress for the weather with this amazing heated jacket – GAMMA: The all weather heated jacket *Review
Here is another coat that will keep you warm this winter.
Find loads of ways to stay positive in winter here.
Find out How to create Cosy Winter Interiors here.