Planning a picnic at the park? Here are 15 cheap picnic ideas, and all of them are delicious family favorites! Make these recipes for easy picnic sides and main dish meals to enjoy with family or friends on your fun day out!
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Our Favorite Cheap Picnic Ideas
Having a picnic at the park is a great way to spend quality time with family and friends without breaking the bank. With some simple planning, you can create a fun and memorable experience without spending a lot of money.
One of the best ways to save money is by bringing your own food! Using leftovers is an easy way to put together some cheap meals.
Consider making a crock pot brown sugar ham recipe or dutch oven pulled pork recipe , then use the leftovers for Dutch oven pulled pork sliders or sandwiches. This is a kid-friendly, delicious, and budget-friendly idea.
You could also take along a few of your favorite portable desserts. Just be sure to pack them in a cooler to keep them fresh.
For cheap picnic ideas, consider simple snacks like fresh fruit, nuts, and crackers. You can create a DIY trail mix by combining your favorite roasted nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips or candies like M&Ms.
When it comes to picnic side dishes, there are plenty of options! Some of our favorite easy picnic sides are cold salads and pasta side dishes like cowboy salad and zesty Italian pasta salad. These dishes are not only easy to make, but they can also be made ahead of time, so you don’t have to worry about preparing them on the day of your picnic.
Why We Love These Recipes
- Budget-friendly picnic recipes let us savor delicious meals without straining our wallets.
By opting for simple and inexpensive ingredients, we can whip up tasty and nutritious dishes perfect for sharing with family and friends, making every picnic both delightful and economical.
- Easy picnic recipes are designed for hassle-free preparation, making them perfect for busy schedules or last-minute plans.
With minimal prep and cooking time, we can spend more moments enjoying each other’s company and the great outdoors, rather than being tied up in the kitchen.
- These recipes are wonderfully adaptable.
Allowing us to tailor them to our personal tastes, dietary restrictions, and even what’s in season. This flexibility means there’s always something for everyone, making our picnics more enjoyable and inclusive for all.
5 Cheap Picnic Ideas for Your Picnic at the Park
- Make and bring your own food.
- Pack simple snacks.
- Bring along games and activities that everyone will enjoy.
- Find ways to enjoy the great outdoors.
- Go geocaching or have a scavenger hunt.
If you’re looking for some park picnic ideas, consider bringing some games and activities to keep everyone entertained. You can bring a frisbee, a football, or even a board game to play. Another fun idea is to bring a kite and fly it in the open space.
With these tips, you can create a fun and budget-friendly picnic experience that everyone will enjoy.
Picnic Side Dish Ideas That Are Easy to Make in Bulk
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5 Easy Picnic Sides with Fruit
Think outside of the bowl here- fruit doesn’t necessarily have to be in the form of a salad to be portable!
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
When planning your next picnic, don’t forget to bring a lightweight, portable cutting board and a sharp knife! These tools are super handy for slicing fruits, cheese, and even sandwiches on the spot. Not only will this keep your food fresh and delicious, but it also adds a touch of gourmet flair to your outdoor feast.
Main Dish Recipes for Your Picnic at the Park
Supplies to Take Along
Love Outdoor Recipes? Here’s More…
If you tried these easy and cheap picnic recipes or any other recipe on my website, let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
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Tara says
Oooh, such a wonderful collection of picnic ideas! I especially love the White Cheddar Mac and Cheese and German Apple Cake.
Kathleen says
Budget friendly, family friendly and they all look fabulous. Will definitely be making some of these for our next picnic and bookmarking for future reference.
Harriet Young says
Love these recipes, especially the garlic sourdough bread! Can’t wait to try more.