If you’re heading out for a day hike with kids, packing a picnic is a great way to make the outing more enjoyable. Stopping mid-hike to eat can boost energy levels and raise spirits. And scoping out a good picnic spot can be a fun challenge that to keeps kids moving as you get closer to meal time.
The best picnic foods for a hike can be packed in a backpack and enjoyed at a scenic spot along the trail. Here’s 15 of our favorites.
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What to Pack for a Picnic Day Hike
Since you’ll be hiking everything in, less is definitely more. But, there are a few essential items you’ll want to bring along to help make the picnic go smoothly.
Plates & Utensils
Depending on what you’ll be serving at your picnic, you may want to bring plates, cups, forks, knives, bowls, a cutting board, etc. Think about how’ll serve the food you’re bringing along and then plan accordingly.
Food Storage
Pack your food into sturdy food storage containers with well-fitting lids that will stay put in a backpack. You may want to put delicate foods, like chips, into containers to keep them from getting crushed on the hike in.
Cooler
The advantage of day-trip meal planning is that you don’t have to keep food cold too long. In fact, if you plan to eat early on in the trip, you may not even need to bring a cooler. Perishable foods can be kept out of the fridge for about 2 hours before they become unsafe to eat. Though it should be noted that on days where its over 90ºF, food should really be eaten within an hour.
If you do need to keep your food cold on the hike, backpack coolers can be a good option. You can also fit a small soft cooler into your backpack. To save cooler space, keep drinks cold by filling insulated water bottles with ice and your beverage of choice.
Picnic Blanket
A picnic blanket may not be necessary if you plan to picnic somewhere that has picnic tables. But, if you’ll be sitting on the ground, it can be nice to have something to sit on. A water-resistant blanket is helpful when the ground is wet.
Breakfast Picnic Foods
Our family loves to get the day started by heading out early for a hike and enjoying breakfast at a scenic spot on the trail. Heading out early can also be a great way to beat the heat of the day and avoid crowds. Here are some of our favorite picnic foods for morning hikes.
Egg & Cheese Empanadas
Egg and cheese empanadas are perfect for breakfast picnics. I like to make them the night before so we can get going in the morning, without having to spend a lot of time in the kitchen before we head out.
To Make:
First, put the empanada dough together. Then while it’s chilling, make the filling. I typically just scramble up 6-8 eggs with a bit of salt and pepper, to taste. You can add sausage or veggies to the scrambled eggs too, if you’d like.
When the dough is ready, roll it out into circles. Sprinkle some cheese on the bottom half of the circle and top with the scrambled eggs. Fold the top half over the filling and use a fork to press the edges together. Repeat until all the dough and filling is gone. Then bake or fry the empanadas.
Red Pepper & Black Bean Crustless Mini Quiches
These mini quiches are a tasty, healthy breakfast option for your picnic. Make them the night before so you can get out of the house quickly in the morning. These are a little more delicate, so it’s best to pack them snuggly in a food storage container, with wax paper between the layers if you’re stacking them.
Ingredients:
- 8 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup red pepper, diced (about ½ a large red pepper)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup black beans
- Butter, to grease pan
Directions:
Combine the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Whisk together then add the cheese, red pepper, and garlic and stir well. Grease a muffin tin liberally with butter.
Spoon the black beans into the separate cavities. Then pour the in egg mixture. Bake at 350ºF for 20-30 minutes, until the quiches are golden around the edges, and the middle just barely jiggles.
Remove from the oven and let cool. Transfer to a food storage container and store in the fridge until just before you head out for your hike.
Baked Oatmeal Bars
Baked oatmeal bars are easy to make, travel well in a backpack, and are a hit with kids. As with other breakfast picnic foods, it’s ideal to make them the night before, so you can grab them and go in the morning.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ½ cup raisins
Directions:
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix until smooth. Pour into a baking pan. Bake at 350ºF for 15-20 minutes, until the top turns golden and firm to the touch.
Lunch Picnic Foods for a Day Hike
If you’re sick of the same old sandwiches, there are plenty of tasty lunch options to enjoy instead. Here’s some kid-approved foods for your next picnic hike.
Mac & Cheese Bites
These mac & cheese bites are the perfect finger food for a picnic. These are popular with both kids and adults and typically don’t last long!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (½ lb) dry macaroni noodles
- 2 Tbsp butter
- ¾ cup + 2 Tbsp flour (separate)
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs, beaten
Makes 12 mac & cheese bites
Directions:
Cook the macaroni noodles according to the instructions on the packaging. When they have finished cooking, drain out the water. Pour the noodles into a large mixing bowl and set it aside.
Melt the butter in sauce pan, then add 2 Tbsp of flour and stir until smooth. Add the milk, cheeses, and salt and mix well. Let simmer on low for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs, ¾ cup flour, and cheese sauce to the cooked macaroni noodles. Mix everything until well combined then pour into a well greased muffin tin.
Bake at 400ºF for 15 minutes, or until the tops just start to turn golden brown. Allow the mac & cheese bites to cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan.
Pizza Quesadillas
Pizza quesadillas require little effort to put together and are always a hit. My kids like just cheese and pepperoni, but you could get more creative. Other possible additions include olives, sliced onions, pickled jalapeños, deli ham, bacon, arugula, or whatever it is that you like on your pizza!
To make:
Place a tortilla on a heated skillet. Sprinkle on shredded mozzarella cheese and layer on pepperoni slices. Top with another tortilla.
Cook on medium heat until the cheese starts to melt a bit, then flip and cook the other side until browned. Cut into slices and store in containers.
Pack pizza sauce in small lidded containers to use as a dipping sauce.
Taco Pinwheels
These taco pinwheels are a fun and tasty lunch option for your picnic. They are a bit delicate, so it’s best to pack them snuggly in a sturdy food storage container and add a sheet of wax paper between the layers if stacking them.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pizza crust
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tomato, diced
- Toppings – avocado, sour cream, and salsa (optional)
Directions:
Melt butter in heated skillet. Add onion and cook for a few minutes, until softened. Then add the ground beef and garlic. Cook until browned. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and salt. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
Roll out the pizza crust into a large rectangle, about a ¼ inch thick. Spread on the ground beef mixture, then the cheese and tomato evenly over top.
Gently roll up the dough, starting from the smaller end. Cut the big roll into slices and gently lay them onto a greased baking pan.
Bake at 375ºF for 10-15 minutes, or until the dough turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool before storing in containers to bring on the picnic.
Serve with avocado, sour cream, and/or salsa, if desired.
Apple & Bacon Cheddar Grilled Cheese
Apples and bacon add a little pizazz to a favorite lunch-time classic. These grilled cheese sandwiches are quick and easy to put together, making the perfect last minute lunch for days you just want to throw together a quick picnic and hit the trail.
To Make:
Spread butter on one side of a slice of bread and place it butter-side down on a heated skillet. Layer on cheddar cheese, thinly sliced apples, and bacon. Top with another piece of buttered bread, with the butter-side up.
Cook on medium until the cheese starts to melt slightly, then flip and cook until browned. Cut in half and store in food containers or silicone food storage bags.
Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy caviar makes a great dip for tortilla chips or a quick filling for tortillas. Make it the night before so that the flavors can meld and then add the avocado just before you head out for your hike.
Tip: be sure to pack the chips on top of the backpack, or in a food storage container to keep them from getting crushed.
Easy Veggie Wraps
These colorful wraps are a tasty and simple to make. Add hummus, if you like, to help keep everyone’s bellies full a little longer.
To make:
Add avocado (use one for every 2 wraps you’ll be making) to a bowl and mash it until creamy. Stir in a splash of lime juice and some salt, to taste. Slice veggies of choice thinly. Carrots, cucumbers, and red peppers are all good options.
Spread some avocado on a tortilla wrap. Then add cheese slices and the veggies. Roll up and secure with a tooth pick, if desired. Store in food storage containers.
For the freshest wraps, make just before heading out on your hike.
Picnic Side Dishes for a Day Hike
Side dishes are a nice way to round out your picnic meal. They can also be enjoyed as snacks if anyone gets hungry before or after lunch.
Carrot Slaw
This side dish is super quick and easy to make. But, don’t let that fool you, it’s really quite delicious!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups shredded carrot (approx 2 large carrots)
- 3 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/4 cup EVO
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- About 1 Tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
Makes 3-4 servings
Directions:
Combine the ingredients in a food storage container with a tight fitting lid and shake well to combine.
Fruit Salad
This is another really easy, delicious side to bring along. To make, just chop fruit of choice into small pieces and combine in a container. Watermelon, blueberries, pineapple, grapes, and cantaloupe are all good options. Add a splash of lemon or lime juice, if desired.
Homemade Jello Cups
Make jello and pour into jars or small food storage containers. Refrigerate until just before you head out for your hike. Enjoy these healthy jello cups after lunch, or as a pick-me up later in the afternoon.
Trail Mix Cookies
These trail mix cookies are made with nutritious, real-food ingredients for a treat that has a little more substance than the average cookie. This makes them great mid-hike fuel to give little ones (and adults) a boost.
Drinks for a Picnic Day Hike
Don’t forget to pack drinks! If you’re going hiking, especially in hot weather, your family will need to sip plenty of liquids throughout the day to stay hydrated. Plain water or coconut water are great for hiking, but if you’re looking for alternatives here are two you might enjoy.
To keep your beverages cold, pour them into an insulated bottle with ice. You could also bring along a backpack cooler to keep both your food and drinks chilled.
Limeade
This is one of our family’s favorite drinks to bring along on a hike, especially on hot days, to help replenish electrolytes.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter water
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
Directions:
Combine ingredients in a water bottle and shake well to combine.
Mint Iced Tea
Mint iced tea is made with mint leaves, not black tea. It’s a cooling and refreshing beverage to enjoy while out on a hike. And it’s caffeine-free, so little ones can enjoy it too.
To Make:
Use 1 teaspoon of dried mint, or 2 tablespoons of fresh mint for every cup of water. For a quart of tea, use about 4-6 tablespoons of dried mint.
Put the mint in a jar, bowl, pot, etc. with a tight fitting lid. Bring water to a boil and pour it over the herb. Quickly cover the container. Let the tea steep for 10-15 minutes.
Strain the herbs and let cool. Then store in the refrigerator until just before you leave for your hike.
Enjoy a Picnic on the Trail
Going for a picnic hike is a great way to get outside as a family. The anticipation of digging in to lunch can be a great motivator to keep kids hiking. And the novelty of eating a meal outdoors makes the experience even more enjoyable for them.
Some of the best picnic spots can be found trailside, far from the park pavilion. There might not be picnic tables, but you might find that food tastes better when you can savor it in the great outdoors after working up a bit of an appetite.
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