Summer Picnic Foods for Kids

It can be tough to pry kids away from their video games and indoor entertainment, but when summer comes around, get the kids outdoors by going on a picnic. Skip the elaborate pasta salad and delicate sandwiches and bring along kid-friendly finger foods. That way the kids can run around the park and occasionally run back to the picnic for a quick bite, then get right back to playing.

Bite-Sized Fruit

Bring a bowl of blueberries, strawberry chunks, grapes, and orange slices. Cut-up fruit must be kept cold, especially if you include melons, which are at a higher risk of carrying dangerous bacteria. Bring a cooler packed with ice.

Creative PB & J

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are picnic-friendly because they do not need refrigeration. You don't have to have the same boring sandwich, though. Give your child an almond butter and blueberry jam sandwich, a Nutella and marshmallow creme sandwich, or a banana and peanut butter sandwich. The possibilities are endless with the many different varieties of nut butter and jams that are available. Check your local health food store if you can't find them at the regular grocery store.

Cheese and Crackers

Bring string cheese and bite-sized pieces of cheese such as cheddar and American. You can can also buy the cheese in block form and cut it into fun shapes with a cookie cutter. Your kids can eat the cheese along with whole wheat crackers and salami or ham slices.

Veggie Medley

Celery stalks and carrots are easy to bring along and the kids can dip them in ranch dip or peanut butter. Cut peppers into strips for dipping as well. The bright red, green and yellow peppers might get the kids' attention. You can also jazz up boring cucumber slices by drizzling them with a little Italian dressing.