Children’s Picnic Shopping List

A children’s picnic needs more than sandwiches and fruit. Plan food and drinks for the number of children and adults attending, then add serving equipment, shade, seating and simple activities. Pack separate vegetarian portions and label dietary requirements before shopping. Keep chilled food in cool boxes with ice packs, and bring reusable plates, cups and cutlery so the picnic is easier to serve and clear away.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Picnic tablesqty 8
Foldable tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 40
Picnic blanketsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Serving bowlsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 10

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 8
Coolersqty 6
Ice packsqty 24
Thermos flasksqty 4

Equipment

Portable speaker
Extension cordsqty 2

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 3
Frisbeesqty 6
Skipping ropesqty 8
Soft ballsqty 10
Conesqty 20
Ring toss setqty 2
Sidewalk chalkqty 12

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 6
Table décorqty 8
Name stickersqty 100

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Handwashing stationsqty 2
Cleaning bucketsqty 2
Washing-up tubsqty 3
Towelsqty 12
First aid kit

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Whole wheat wraps - 40 pieces
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Mini pretzels - 5 bags
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Applesauce - 4 jars
- Yogurt drink - 50 bottles
- Hot chocolate - 20 liters
- Orange juice - 15 liters
- Apple juice - 15 liters
- Lemonade syrup - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 crates
- Sparkling water - 3 crates
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Ice lollies - 100 pieces
- Allergy-free cookies - 6 packs
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Plan 2–3 drinks per child for the first few hours, plus extra water for active games and warm weather. Use cool boxes and enough ice packs to keep drinks and chilled food cold until serving.
Buy about 1½ sandwich or wrap portions per child, then add fruit and one small snack per child. Keep vegetarian and allergy-safe portions separate from the start rather than sorting them at the buffet.
Allow one picnic table or table section for every 8–10 people, and bring a few extra seats for adults supervising activities. Pack picnic blankets as a backup for children who prefer sitting on the ground.
Set up at least one party tent or shaded area before food arrives. Test the portable speaker and extension cords at home, and keep cords away from walkways and play areas.
Pack one activity option for every 4–6 children, such as balls, frisbees, skipping ropes, cones, ring toss or sidewalk chalk. Bring name stickers and markers so children can identify cups and belongings.

Frequently asked questions

What food do I need for a children’s picnic?: Plan about 1½ sandwich or wrap portions per child, one piece of fruit and one small snack per child. Add separate vegetarian and allergy-safe portions based on the replies you collected, rather than guessing on the day.
How many drinks should I buy for a kids’ picnic?: Allow 2–3 drinks per child for the first few hours, including water, and add extra water if the weather is warm or the children will be running around. Keep everything chilled in cool boxes with ice packs.
How many plates, cups and utensils do I need?: Bring one reusable plate, cup and set of cutlery per guest, plus at least 10% extra for dropped or misplaced items. For 20 guests, that means at least 22 of each item.
When should I buy and prepare food for a children’s picnic?: Buy shelf-stable items 1–2 days ahead and shop for chilled food no more than 24 hours before the picnic. Wash and cut fruit, prepare sandwiches and chill drinks on the day, preferably 1–2 hours before guests arrive.

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