Looking for fun picnic game ideas for kids? These 10 Picnic Blanket Games are perfect for keeping kids entertained and active!
How many times do you pull out your picnic blanket each summer? At my house, that same blanket comes out for ball games, fireworks, playdates at the park, sleepovers under the stars… and for picnics, of course!
Here are some fun and easy picnic game ideas for kids that will turn that well-loved blanket into more than just something to sit on – and they’re all great for promoting motor development too!
Picnic Game Ideas: 10 Fun Picnic Blanket Games
1 || Make a human BURRITO!
What child doesn’t love to be rolled up tight inside a blanket? Increase the tactile and proprioceptive experience by rolling them up on the grass. Will they feel the tiny prickles through the fabric or the cold, dampness of the summer morning dew?
Have your child lie down on the very edge of the blanket and have her hold onto that edge with her inside arm. Roll her up or have her roll on her own. Roll fast or roll slow! Can she stand up once she’s wrapped up tight? Can she jump and keep her balance?
2 || Create a tent!
Grab a few chairs or find a tree branch that’s low to the ground. Drape that picnic blanket up and create a shady spot for reading books or playing games. Have kids work together to test their teamwork and cooperation skills!
3 || Use it as a parachute!
Everyone grab an edge or a corner and raise it high, send it low. Shake it fast and shake it slow. Can you find some pinecones to shake around on that parachute? Have one or two kiddos take a seat underneath and feel the cool breezes created by the waving blanket! Here are some other great parachute ideas!
4 || Use it as a home base for tag!
Spread it out wide to make it easier or fold it up as small for more of a challenge and let them run loose! Make it to the picnic blanket and you’re safe! Check out these fun tag games for kids!
5 || Make it a swing!
This one works best if there are two adults on hand. Have your child lie down in the center of the blanket and have each adult grab two corners. Lift the kiddo up and gently swing the blanket back and forth. This is an absolute favorite at my house! Swing slow or fast, lift up and down, wiggle the blanket and listen as they hum and feel the vibration of their voice. What an awesome vestibular experience!
6 || Use it as a jump rope!
Keep that blanket rolled up, have two people hold either end, and swing it around for a third person to jump over! Try some of these fun jump rope games for kids!
7 || Create your own roller coaster ride!
8 || Limbo!
Roll the blanket up and have two people hold it on either end while a third person tries to bend backward and walk underneath. How low you can go?!
9 || Play tug of war!
You’ll get a little muscle building action with this one! Roll up the picnic blanket so it’s as long as it can be. Have one child grab each end. Find something to use as a line in the middle and start pulling! The first one who gets pulled over the line loses!
10 || Become a superhero!
Drape the blanket over your kiddo’s shoulders and tie a loose knot in front. Just because everything’s a little more fun when you’re wearing a cape!
For Virtual Sessions
Ask caregivers to have a blanket on hand for your virtual session. Lead the child and caregiver through the different activities above as a warmup for other therapy activities or to target specific skills like throwing, heavy work, and jumping!
More Picnic Game Ideas & Activities
Picnic Alphabet Mats from ABCs of Literacy
Picnic Drawing Activity from The Inspired Treehouse
Hand Clapping Games for Kids from The Inspired Treehouse
20 Best Picnic Games from The Pioneer Woman
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