If you need some ideas for activities on the day, how about a Nature Scavenger Hunt or set a challenge for children to build a micro cubby with things they find. Set up some oversized game stations where children can play as they want – giant pick-up sticks using bamboo garden stakes; a bowling alley using recycled bottles; Twister with circles painted on the grass; a memory game using poster-size card. You could even revisit some of the old classics – sack races, tug of war, egg and spoon race – the children will love being challenged and getting physical.
Lunch Ideas 2018
Long and slow picnic
Give fast food the flick, set up the slow cookers and sit back and savour the flavours with family and friends! Your menu could include a variation of curries (keep them mild for broad appeal), pot roasts or casseroles. It is food made to share, so turn it into picnic food by serving it in takeout containers for each person. Follow it up with some picnic games the whole family will enjoy: three-legged races, sack races, relay races and treasure hunts.
Pint-sized party lunch
It’s all about the kids, so make this lunch one where they are the centre of attention. Serve everything party-themed and in pint-sized proportions. Provide low tables and chairs and mini food such as hot dogs; burgers; sausage rolls; sausages (chipolatas); mini cupcakes; jellies; and ice cream cones … the adults will love it too! Get the older children to organise some simple party games to play afterwards: pass the parcel; treasure hunt; pin the tail on the donkey; egg and spoon race; musical chairs; and hands-free donut eating … the list is endless!
Finger lickin’ good
No knives, forks or bowls allowed! If it can’t be eaten with your fingers, it can’t be on the menu. Serve the usual finger food favourites but add in a few for a fun challenge, such as who can eat the most soup/spaghetti/ice cream using fingers only (finger bowls and aprons may be required!).
Go screen-free!
No TV, computers, phones or tablets allowed! Encourage the use of voices, face to face interactions and boisterous activity. Start with a lunch that is all about sharing: top your own baked potato, make your own baguette or build your own burrito bowl. Set up long tables, bring out the board games and settle in for a competitive games bash.
Celebrating diversity
Celebrate our wonderful cultural diversity and teach children about different cuisines and traditions by choosing a food theme that your congregation or community can relate to. Examples could be German (bratwurst, sauerkraut, strudels); Italian (pasta, lasagnes, garlic bread, gelato); Greek (lamb kebabs, tabouleh, baklava); African (flatbreads, couscous, meat/fish stews); or Chinese (stir fries, fried rice, rice puddings). Whatever culture you want to celebrate, get into the spirit with relevant decorations, music and entertainment, and make sure it’s fun for the children too.
