Healthy picnic ideas for kids

Planning a picnic? Keep the food colourful, healthy and nutritious with these deliciously healthy picnic ideas that the whole family can enjoy.

As a family we love a good picnic. The kids enjoy the novelty of eating everything with their hands.

And as a parent I like the novelty of shaking out the picnic rug and not having to clear the table!

Whether we're on the beach, in the park, or even just in the garden a picnic lunch or tea suits us all.

Keeping things healthy at a picnic

It can be tricky to make sure that the food stays healthy at a picnic. I've been amazed at just how many crisps, cakes and biscuits my kids can put away at a picnic.

Here are a few tips I've learnt over the years to keep things healthier.

Bring lots of fresh fruit and veg - choose things you know your kids like.
Think about what you really want your kids to eat - if it's the vegetable sticks and hummus, or the sandwiches, put them out first.
Keep the sweet things in the picnic basket or bag until they've had some savoury food.
Make a few homemade things. If you're making things from scratch then you know exactly what's in them.

Healthy picnic ideas for kids

These recipes are all vegetarian and mostly vegan or easily adapted to be so.

Savoury picnic recipes

Healthy and colourful vegan pasta salad for kids

This kids pasta salad is easy, healthy and colourful. Easily adaptable and great for lunchboxes, meals at home and picnics.

Check out this recipe

kids pasta salad in yellow and orange bowls

Baked cauliflower falafel

Love falafel but wish it was a bit healthier? Baked rather than fried, this cauliflower falafel will make all your healthy falafel dreams come true.

Check out this recipe

Really easy pizza pinwheels recipe

This really easy pizza pinwheels recipe is made with ready rolled puff pastry, delicious tomato sauce and cheddar cheese. Perfect for snacks, lunch boxes and picnics.

Check out this recipe

Easy vegetable samosa

Make your own vegetable samosa with this easy recipe. Using filo pastry makes samosa making a breeze. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Check out this recipe

Easy vegetable filo samosas recipe on board

Puff pastry cheese straws with butternut squash

These butternut squash puff pastry cheese straws are easy to make and are a great way of adding a portion of hidden veg to a savoury snack.

Check out this recipe

butternut squash cheese straws on cooling rack

Rainbow wraps

Make a healthy change to your lunch box this week with these rainbow wraps. Packed full of crunchy, colourful vegetables this is one way to ensure you're eating the rainbow.

Check out this recipe

Sweet potato flatbread

Three simple ingredients - sweet potato purée, flour and water, with a pinch of salt if you like - combine to make the most delicious sweet potato flatbreads or wraps.

Check out this recipe

stack of sweet potato flatbreads with curry in background

Homemade hummus for babies

This recipe for homemade hummus for babies contains all the ingredients you'd expect to see in the traditional chickpea and tahini dip - minus the salt. Perfect for baby led weaning, toddler snacks and baby lunches.

Check out this recipe

hummus on white plate with cucumber in background

Pesto and cheese puff pastry twists

Delicious puff pastry twists made with pesto and cheese. Great for lunch boxes, a quick kids tea or parties. Suitable for vegetarians and easily made vegan.

Check out this recipe

Humita empanadas

These corn empanadas are based upon little crescent-shaped pastries from Argentina. Usually known as humita, the corn filling is creamy and delicious.

Check out this recipe

Beetroot dip

A delicious and creamy beetroot hummus dip with a beautiful vibrant colour and a wonderfully earthy taste. Suitable for vegans

Check out this recipe

Sweet picnic recipes

Spiced sweet potato muffins

Vegan sweet potato muffins, flavoured with spices and great for kids and adults alike.

Check out this recipe

sweet potato muffins in yellow cases on board

DIY watermelon pizza

Is there anything more refreshing than watermelon in summer? Try this easy recipe for DIY watermelon pizza - choose your own toppings and decorate your watermelon however you please. A guaranteed crowd pleaser with the kids.

Check out this recipe

Rainbow fruit salad

A fun, easy and healthy way to make fruit more appealing, this rainbow fruit salad is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. A great one to make for birthday parties.

Check out this recipe

Chocolate peanut butter energy balls

Packed full of energy-boosting, nutritious ingredients these chocolate peanut butter energy balls are a delicious vegan snack. Also perfect for hungry kids.

Check out this recipe

chocolate and peanut butter energy balls on plate

Healthy vegan banana bread

A delicious and healthy banana bread recipe that is full of flavour without any of the added refined sugar. Suitable for vegans

Check out this recipe

healthy vegan banana bread on slate plate, sliced

Healthy flapjacks for kids

These healthy flapjacks are free from refined sugar and are perfect for kids. They make great picnic or lunchbox fillers, or a healthy dessert for small people.

Check out this recipe

Healthy flapjacks recipe for kids by Sneaky Veg

Pin healthy picnic ideas for kids for later

photos of healthy kids picnic food - pasta salad, beetroot dip, empanada, hummus, rainbow fruit salad, pesto twists, watermelon and wraps

HAVE YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE?

If you loved this recipe why not let me know by leaving a comment below? Alternatively you can let me know on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

KEEP IN TOUCH

Subscribe to get recipes and news straight to your inbox. Read more about Sneaky Veg

This post may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosure for more information.

Page contents

Keeping things healthy at a picnic

Healthy picnic ideas for kids

Savoury picnic recipes

Sweet picnic recipes

Pin healthy picnic ideas for kids for later

HAVE YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE?

KEEP IN TOUCH

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Footer