Host a Family Reading Picnic
A Reading Picnic is a fantastic way to make reading egg-stra special. This activity combines the joy of books with delicious snacks and cozy spaces—what could be better?
No matter the weather, your family can enjoy a reading picnic! If it’s warm, head outside for some fresh air and sunshine. If it’s chilly, build a cozy indoor fort for an adventure in reading!
Step 1: Pick the Perfect Spot
Outdoor Picnic:
Find a patch of grass in your backyard or visit a local park. Bring a picnic blanket, pillows, and a basket of books.
Indoor Fort Picnic: If it’s too cold outside, build a cozy reading fort! Use blankets, pillows, and fairy lights to create a magical reading space in the living room.
Step 2: Choose the Books
Encourage children to pick out their favorite books or explore new ones together. You can even choose a theme for the picnic, such as:
- Adventure stories – Books about exploring, traveling, or magical journeys.
- Springtime tales – Stories about animals, flowers, or the changing seasons.
- Silly and fun books – Rhyming stories or laugh-out-loud picture books. Dr. Seuss books are a great option for this category and did you know that Read Across America day is also Dr. Seuss’ birthday!?
Image of an indoor book nook at The Nest Schools.
Step 3: Pack Fun & Healthy Snacks
A picnic isn’t complete without tasty treats! Here are some healthy and kid-friendly snack ideas:
- Fruit Kabobs – Skewer bite-sized pieces of strawberries, grapes, and melon.
- Rainbow Veggie Cups – Serve carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers with hummus or yogurt dip.
- Mini Cheese & Crackers – Create fun shapes with small cookie cutters!
- Cinnamon Popcorn – Lightly sprinkle plain popcorn with cinnamon for a tasty twist.
- Banana “Sushi” – Spread peanut butter or almond butter on a whole banana, roll in granola, and slice into bite-sized pieces. (For instructions on how to make Banana Sushi, check out our blog post about it here!)
Did you know that we have an entire blog series with kid friendly recipes you can make?
Check it out here if you’d like some more snack ideas!
Step 4: Make It Extra Fun
Themed Pajamas or Costumes – Dress up as your favorite book characters! Act It Out – Take turns acting out scenes from your stories.
Flashlight Reading – If inside, turn off the lights and read by flashlight for extra adventure!
Step 5: Enjoy the Moment!
Snuggle up, munch on snacks, and dive into the magical world of books. Whether you’re inside your cozy fort or basking in the sunshine, a reading picnic is a wonderful way to encourage a love for reading and spend quality family time together.
Image of an outside book nook at our Gastonia school.
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