All year Picnic - Exciting Picnic Ideas for this year

A picnic isn’t just a summer tradition—it’s an adventure you can enjoy all year round! Whether you’re soaking up the sun, embracing the crisp autumn air, bundling up for a cozy winter outing, or welcoming spring with a basket full of fresh flavors, there’s always a perfect way to dine outdoors. This year, take your picnic game to the next level with creative themes, delicious menus, and unexpected locations. From breakfast picnics at sunrise to floating feasts on the water, here are exciting ideas to make every season a reason to pack a basket and head outside!

Remember when you were young, and the family would go to the beach for the day…. or when your family went on road trips: The stop on the side of the road, and the picnic tables with the best food ever? Hmmmm…yes, it’s always a good time for a picnic.

These days picnic pictures are all about expensive cheese and wine, etc. But remember when we were kids, the best picnic of all was the basket that had your mom or granny’s meatballs, plain sandwiches, cooked eggs, chicken pieces, and sweet coffee. I bet you can almost smell and taste it now as you are reading, and I bet it brings back good memories.

It’s all about creating memories and sharing those special moments.

New and Exciting Picnic Ideas for this year

Sunrise Breakfast Picnic (Start your day)

Start the day with a peaceful breakfast picnic as the sun rises. Imagine enjoying flaky croissants, fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and a hot thermos of coffee or tea while watching the sky transform. Find a quiet spot in the park or on a hilltop, and let the morning calm set the tone for your day. This peaceful picnic is a perfect way to recharge before a busy day ahead.

Grazing Board Delight

Who says picnics have to be simple sandwiches? Create a lavish grazing board full of your favorite cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, and dips like hummus or guacamole. You can even add a few sweet treats like chocolate or pastries for an extra indulgence. This approach allows everyone to pick and choose their bites while enjoying a relaxed, no-fuss meal. Pair it with a refreshing drink, such as sparkling water or wine, and you’ve got an effortlessly stylish picnic.

Picnic & Paint

Combine creativity with your outdoor meal by hosting a picnic and paint session. Pack snacks, wine, and art supplies like canvases, brushes, and paints. Bring along a foldable table and set up your own mini art studio in the middle of nature. It’s a relaxing way to unwind while enjoying great food and expressing your creativity.

If you are living in a part of our beautiful world that currently has summer:

Go out and enjoy the fresh air. Have a family picnic in your own backyard garden or a park.

Always clean up after yourself. Leave the area beautiful so you can enjoy it again and again.

Ideal picnic spots – Summer:

The local town or city park
On the beach
If you have kids, in a playpark
Nature reserves (if allowed)
Along a hiking trail
And obviously your own backyard

Idea: In many countries pizza shops nearby, deliver to the beach… (saving you time to make food).

Floating Picnic on the Water

If you’re near a body of water, take your picnic to the next level by floating it! Pack your meal in waterproof containers and set off on a paddleboard, kayak, or boat. Whether you’re enjoying a calm lake or an ocean breeze, dining while drifting is a relaxing and unique way to enjoy the outdoors. Bring light, easy-to-eat foods like wraps, fruit, or sushi to avoid any mess.

Sunset Dessert Picnic

Sometimes, all you need is a sweet escape. Skip the traditional meal and focus on desserts for a sunset picnic. Think chocolate-covered strawberries, mini cheesecakes, macarons, or cookies. Pair these treats with a chilled bottle of prosecco or lemonade. Choose a spot with a beautiful view to watch the sunset, and enjoy a moment of indulgence as the day fades away.

Campfire Picnic

For those with access to a campfire-friendly location, this is a picnic with a twist. Bring marshmallows for roasting, hot dogs, and skewers for grilling, along with baked potatoes wrapped in foil and seasoned with salt and herbs. A campfire picnic feels like a throwback to childhood and adds a layer of coziness to your outdoor dining experience. Whether you’re toasting marshmallows for s’mores or simply warming up by the fire, this picnic is a nostalgic way to enjoy the great outdoors.

Movie Night Picnic

Who says picnics are only for daytime? Take your picnic into the evening with an outdoor movie night. Set up a blanket, bring a portable projector, and screen your favorite film under the stars. Pack movie-themed snacks like popcorn, nachos, candy, and cold drinks. With cozy blankets (if needed) and the glow of the screen, this is a picnic that’s perfect for a fun, relaxed evening with friends or family.

If you are living in a part of our beautiful world that currently has winter:

Surprise your family with a picnic on the Livingroom carpet.

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Ideal picnic spots – Winter:

The local town or city park – on a sunny day (for example in Cape Town South Africa you have stunning winter days – perfect for family outings and picnics.
In areas with mild winters – you often find hiking trails with beautiful viewpoints. Warm up with a nature walk and picnic with a view.
And obviously on your very own living room carpet. (It can be very romantic or a great family night.)
If you have kids, build an indoor tent with chairs and blankets, and pretend to be camping while enjoying your picnic.

Winter Warmth Picnic

When the temperatures drop, a winter picnic is a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while staying warm. Pack thermoses of rich soups, stews, or hot chocolate, and bring crusty bread or hearty sandwiches to complete the meal. Bundle up in cozy layers, and bring a blanket to sit on. A winter picnic might be a bit chilly, but with the right comfort food and a hot drink in hand, it’s an unforgettable way to enjoy the season.

Taco Picnic Party

Tacos are the ultimate picnic food, and making a DIY taco bar is a fun way to bring everyone together. Pre-cook seasoned meats, beans, or grilled vegetables, and bring along an assortment of toppings like salsa, guacamole, cheese, and fresh cilantro. Pack tortillas and let everyone assemble their own tacos. It’s a flavorful way to picnic with endless customization options!

Pizza Picnic

Nothing says “picnic” like a pizza party, and this one’s perfect for sharing. Bake personal-sized pizzas ahead of time, then wrap them in parchment paper for easy transportation. Once you’ve set up your picnic spot, top them with fresh toppings like arugula, mushrooms, or prosciutto. To add a fun twist, let everyone create their own mini pizza with their favorite ingredients before heading out.

DIY Sushi Picnic

Bring a taste of Japan to your picnic with a sushi spread! Make your own sushi rolls or grab some from a local market, and pair them with sides like edamame, seaweed salad, and miso soup in a thermos. Add a bottle of sake (if permitted) for an authentic touch, and find a beautiful park or waterfront to enjoy your sushi feast.

It doesn’t have to be expensive

When it’s time for a picnic, use what is in your cupboards. Here are a few things – just to get your creativity going:

Cold meat
Leftovers from last night – meat or chicken, you can make sandwich fillings with it.
Cooked eggs
Cheese cut into cubes (any cheese)
Fruit
Yoghurt
Hotdogs
Hamburgers
Potato salad – or any salad
Pizza slices
Salty biscuits
Dips (homemade)
Quiche
A salad (Try our recipe for a Sweet and Sour green salad)
Pancakes
Something to drink

A romantic picnic can be as easy as a basket filled with Champagne, chocolates, flowers and something like figs or strawberries…

Winter picnic idea: Anywhere with a beautiful view. Coffee and ready-wrapped sandwiches (you can decide if you need a campfire as well…)

A Romantic Picnic for two

Although doughnuts and coffee – sound nice to me, you might have something ‘more romantic’ in mind.

Easy things to pack for a romantic picnic are:

Croissants
Wine / Champagne
Fruit like grapes / figs / strawberries…
Cheese
…and something sweet (for dessert)

Looking for that romantic picnic spot? Check out our article on the Most Romantic Destinations in the World.

A picnic for two somewhere in a park is always a romantic gesture. Combine that with flowers and tasty food and you have a winning combination. These days there are many places that will deliver your picnic basket or even set up your picnic. Then you can just bring the love of your life to the venue and enjoy. Sounds romantic to me.

Or how about a sunrise or sunset picnic?

Tip: Some of these companies do offer personalization of the picnic. So you can ask them for those special touches or something you know your loved one will enjoy. They often also know of picnic spots that you might not have thought about…so ask them.

Starlit Garden Picnic

Set up your picnic in a garden or secluded outdoor space, either at home or at a nearby park. Bring a picnic blanket, cozy cushions, and decorate the area with string lights or candles to create a soft, romantic glow. Pack a meal of charcuterie, gourmet cheese, crusty bread, olives, and chocolate for dessert. As night falls, you can enjoy stargazing together, making it a magical, intimate experience.

Vineyard Picnic

If you’re near a vineyard or wine region, plan a romantic picnic in the midst of grapevines. Bring a selection of cheeses, fresh fruit, and a bottle of local wine to complement the setting. Sit on a blanket in the vineyard, enjoy the peaceful views, and toast to the moment. Some vineyards offer private picnic areas, so you can enjoy a relaxing and peaceful escape.