Hosting an indoor picnic is one of the ways to break the routine and add a touch of adventure to a family day together. One of the ways you can create a memorable indoor picnic experience with your loved ones this summer is by having an indoor picnic together with your family:

Some things and materials need to be in place before planning a picnic in your home.

Materials Needed:

• Basket (a laundry basket or any large container)
• Picnic foods (juice boxes, water bottles, packets of raisins, string cheese, sandwiches, etc.)
• Paper plates and napkins
• Blanket or large sheet

Steps to Create an Indoor Picnic:

1. Gather Your Supplies: Start by collecting everything you need for the picnic. These supplies include the basket, food items, paper plates, and napkins. Get your kids involved in this step to make them feel part of the process.
2. Choose a Picnic Spot: Select a cozy spot in your home, such as the family or living room for your picnic area.
3. Prepare the Basket: Give the basket to your kids and have them fill it with picnic foods. It could include juice boxes, water bottles, packets of raisins, string cheese, and other snacks they enjoy. This activity is not only a fun one but also teaches them about organizing and preparing meals.
4. Spread the Blanket: While the children prepare the basket, lay a blanket or large sheet on the ground at your chosen picnic spot as your picnic area.
5. Make Sandwiches: Quickly assemble some sandwiches for everyone. You can make simple ones like peanut butter and jelly. Or something more elaborate, depending on your family preferences.
6. Unpack and Enjoy: Once the basket is packed and the blanket is spread, gather everyone together and unpack the basket. Lay out the food on the blanket and dig in. This is a great time to relax, chat, and enjoy each other’s company.
7. Clean Up Together: After the picnic, involve everyone in the clean-up process. This teaches responsibility and ensures the fun doesn’t end with a mess.

Parenting Tips for a Successful Indoor Picnic:

• Make it Fun: Turn the preparation into a game. For example, you can have a “packing race” to see who can pack their items the fastest.
• Get Creative: Add a bit of playful elements like fake bugs or flowers to create a more outdoor picnic vibe.
• Healthy Options: Remember to incorporate healthy snacks such as fruit slices, vegetable sticks, and yogurt to keep your meals nutritious.
• Story Time: Bring a few storybooks and have a mini-story session after the meal to extend the fun.
• Music and Games: Plan some gentle background music and arrange a few easy games after the meal, such as charades or a scavenger hunt in the living room.

An indoor picnic is a simple yet delightful way to spend quality time with your family. It breaks the monotony of everyday meals and adds a touch of creativity to your routine. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to teach kids about meal preparation and cleaning up, all while having fun together.