We've done all the planning for you with this kid-friendly picnic menu. There are easy recipes for bite-sized nibblies, grilled meat and dessert, too.
Photo: Roberto Caruso
If you’re not bringing devilled eggs to the party, you’re doing it wrong. Egg yolks are whipped into a frenzy with capers, mayo and Dijon then topped with crispy prosciutto. Perfecto. Get the recipe: Caesar Salad Devilled Eggs
Photo: Roberto CarusoWhat’s a picnic without a heaping helping of creamy macaroni salad? Serve it alongside that fried chicken you brought. Get the recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad
Photo: Roberto CarusoSure it’s a little messy, but these chicken legs have a built-in handle—perfect for little paws to grip so they can chow down. This baked-not-fried version gives that guilty-pleasure place (that starts with “K” and ends with “FC”) a run for their money. Get the recipe: “Fried” Chicken and Coleslaw
Photo: Erik PutzIf chicken isn’t your thing, breaded tofu is here to be your friend. It’s not bland, just make sure to press your tofu for 10 minutes before prepping to remove excess water. Get the recipe: Crispy Tofu Nuggets
Photo: Erik PutzVeggies go down easier with a marinated piece of chicken on the skewer. Get the recipe: Sweet Chili Chicken Sticks
Photo: Erik PutzListen, we’re not telling you what to do, but here is a mere suggestion: making your own hummus is a quick and painless operation. Try it instead of store-bought. If you want. Whatever, though. Get the recipe: Spiced Hummus
Photo: Roberto CarusoWhat could be better than munching a cookie on a blanket? We can’t think of much. Thanks to this big-batch recipe you made ahead of time, you just had to pull the leftover dough from your freezer, slice it and bake. Get the recipe: Big Batch Oatmeal Chocolate Raisin Cookies
Photo: Erik PutzMuffaletta is the perfect picnic sandwich because the resting time is key—the longer it sits, the tastier it is. Like its cousin the Italian sub, a classic muffaletta stars layers of meat and cheese, and loads of crunch and flavour. Get the recipe: Ham and Cheese Muffaletta
Photo: Roberto CarusoIf eating chicken off the bone is too fussy for your crew, these chicken tenders are your new fave portable protein. Dunk them in honey, barbecue sauce or, your kid’s fave, ketchup. Get the recipe: “Fried” Chicken Fingers
Photo: Roberto CarusoBrownies topped with sticky-sweet mini marshmallows? Sold. Get the recipe: Rocky Road Brownies
Photo: Roberto CarusoThese kebabs are perfect for grilling outdoors, making them a great choice for spring and summer picnics. Slide them off the skewer and tuck them inside a pita with fresh veg and tzatziki. Get the recipe: Greek Pork Kebabs
These creamy cheddar and apple bites may be unusual, but they’re sure to please any budding cheese aficionado. Get the recipe: Creamy Cheddar and Apple Bites
Look at you making your own energy bars at home. The food processor and five minutes of prep is all you need. Get the recipe: Fruit and Nut Energy Bars
Photo: Andrew GrintonParent of the Year award goes to you for making homemade crackers. These cheesy bites are a fun project to work on as a team. Get the recipe: Cheesy Star Crackers
Photo: Roberto CarusoAnything goes with a wrap. It’s easy to pack when sliced up into pinwheels. Get the recipe: Tortilla Sushi
Photo: Maya VisnyeiOnce you go salted brown butter, you never go back. Let the melted butter get all nutty and brown, and then add salt. Life changing. Get the recipe: Salted Brown Butter Puffed Rice Treats
Photo: Erik PutzRead more: 17 delicious camping recipes 20 kid-friendly salad recipes 12 essential grilled chicken recipes
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Amy is a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work can also be found in publications like Chatelaine, Toronto Life and The Globe and Mail.