Packing for a Picnic

Plan a picnic with your child and stimulate your toddler’s brain—along with his appetite! Decide together when you will have your picnic. Will you have a picnic for dinner, lunch, or even snacktime!?

Involve your toddler in picnic preparation by having him help you decide where to have your picnic. Look at a map together (you can draw it yourself if your destination is nearby) and decide if you want to go to the playground, the backyard, the living room, or anyhwere else.

Make a list together of food, drink, and the other supplies you will need for your picnic.
Ask him to help gather or shop for items and pack the basket. While packing, help him count how many things go into your picnic basket. Say: We have four people coming to our picnic and each person needs a plate. Do we have enough plates?
Continue counting when you set up you picnic and unpack your basket. If ants or other insects come to your picnic, count them, too!