Picnic Activities for Preschoolers

Preschoolers are active and full of energy. They are curious about everything around them. Singing and playing appeal to preschoolers, and picnics provide great opportunities to engage them in activities that involve physical and mental exercise.

Racing on Three Legs

Divide children into groups of two. Using a scarf or soft cloth, tie the right leg of one child to the left leg of the other. Have the teams run as soon as they hear you blow a whistle. The pair that crosses the finish line first is the winner. This game is fun to play and creates a spirit of competition and cooperation in children.

Water Balloon Catch

You need water balloons for this activity. Pair up kids and give each team a water balloon. One member of the team throws the balloon and the other catches it. With each toss, the child who throws the balloon moves a step backward, putting distance between him and his partner. The team that keeps its balloon intact without bursting is the winner.

The Picnic Song

Come up with personalized songs. Start the song by singing, "I'm at a picnic. My name is Kate, and I have brought biscuits." The children repeat the song, personalizing it by inserting their names and the treats they have brought. The song passes on until all the children have participated.

Pick Picnic Items

Fill a picnic basket with random items. Some of the items should relate to the picnic, such as paper plates, utensils, napkins, cups and so on. Other items should be unrelated to the picnic, such as a toothbrush or a glue bottle. Ask each child to pick picnic items from the basket. Praise her if she gets the right one and correct her if she picks a wrong item. This activity teaches children to make connections between objects and concepts.

Set the Table

This activity is a fun way to teach math. Tell the children you need their help to set the table. Place three plates on the table and tell them that it's going to be a three-person setting. Put two napkins on the table and ask whether those are enough. Place four forks and ask if they are enough. Teach them math as you set the table with their help.