Juggling kids’ schedules and activities can be overwhelming, but with a little planning, feeding everyone on the go doesn’t have to be! Packing your own food for games or picnics is not only easier on your wallet than pricey concession stands, but it also means you have control over what your family eats.
This spring, amidst the cheers at my son Malachi’s high school soccer game, we enjoyed a sideline picnic. Burgers in hand, we watched the game, while also keeping a close eye on little Keith to prevent any street-running adventures. These moments, even with their chaotic charm, are truly priceless.
—> Storytime moment: Just before leaving for that game, Keith managed to break a second-story window. Let’s just say, my flip-flops nearly flipped right off my feet! <—
That same day, after the soccer game excitement, we transitioned to Justus’ choir concert. With two events and little ones in tow, being organized with food was essential. Sound familiar? Many parents can relate to the constant hustle of activities and the challenge of keeping everyone fed and happy amidst it all.
The following easy food ideas are perfect for game days, park visits, picnics, and any on-the-go occasion!
As spring and summer activities pick up, finding creative and convenient food options becomes a priority. While sandwiches are a classic, variety is key to keeping everyone interested. The focus here isn’t necessarily gourmet health food, but rather practical, budget-friendly solutions that beat the concession stand lines and prices.
Think of this as your guide to saving money and enjoying stress-free outings. Packing your own food means one less trip to the crowded concession stand, and less chance of ketchup-related toddler incidents during the trek back to your spot. Let’s be honest, we get enough ketchup messes without adding extra walking into the equation!
Ready for a list of easy, delicious, and affordable food ideas to pack? Here are some winning options for your next game or picnic!
Top 10 Easy Food Ideas for Games and Picnics
1. Hot Dogs: A Classic Crowd-Pleaser
Hot dogs are an absolute game day staple. To prep them easily, start by preparing the buns: tuck condiments like ketchup and mustard right into the bun folds. Once the hot dogs are cooked (whether on the stove or grill), place them directly on top of the condiments. This clever trick prevents messy condiment spills! Wrap them individually in foil or parchment paper, or bundle them in a sealed plastic bag. To keep them warm until game time, stash them in a thermal lunch bag.
2. Hamburgers: Portable and Satisfying
Hamburgers are another fantastic option that travel surprisingly well. For optimal warmth, wrap each burger individually in aluminum foil. They’ll stay hot for a good two hours or even longer when placed in a thermal lunch bag. If you have picky eaters or want to differentiate burgers, use a permanent marker to label each foil packet directly – problem solved!
3. Quesadillas: Fun and Customizable
Quesadillas are a versatile and kid-friendly choice. They transport best when placed on a paper plate and covered with foil. For easier eating on the go, use kitchen shears to cut them into triangles before packing. Fill them with cheese, beans, veggies, or cooked chicken for a satisfying and customizable meal.
4. Pizza: Cold or Hot, Always a Hit
Pizza is a universally loved food that works perfectly for picnics and games. Cold pizza is a breeze – simply prepare it ahead of time, slice it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to pack up. Leftover pizza works just as well! For hot pizza, slice it straight from the oven and pack it with napkins and paper plates.
5. Smoothies: Nutritious and Refreshing
Smoothies are a fantastic way to sneak in some extra nutrients while keeping everyone cool, especially on warmer days. Invest in reusable cups with lids and straws – they are a game-changer for on-the-go smoothies! Whether you choose large or small cups, they prevent spills and make smoothies easy to enjoy anywhere.
Pro-tip: Using lidded cups is also a sneaky way to hide healthy additions like fresh greens in your kids’ smoothies. They’ll never know!
6. Corn Dogs: Kid-Friendly and Portable
Corn dogs are always a hit with kids and are incredibly easy to transport. Bake a batch of corn dogs, let them cool slightly, and then toss them into a zip-top bag. Keep them in an insulated lunch bag to maintain a bit of warmth. They are perfect for little hands and require minimal fuss.
7. Chicken Sandwiches: Simple and Satisfying
Chicken sandwiches are a reliable and crowd-pleasing option. Frozen chicken patties are a great shortcut for this. Bake or air fry the patties until heated through. Prepare buns with your favorite condiments (mayo is a popular choice), place the hot patties on the buns, and then wrap sandwiches individually or pack them in gallon-sized zip-top bags. Keep them warm in an insulated bag.
8. Tuna or Chicken Salad: Crackers and Salad Jars
For a slightly different approach, try tuna or chicken salad. Pack the salad in jars and bring along crackers. Crackers act as edible “spoons,” making it a fun and interactive snack. Plus, it keeps kids occupied for a bit, giving you a few moments to focus on the game!
9. Burritos: Make-Ahead Meal Powerhouses
Burritos are fantastic make-ahead meals that are easy to pack and eat. Prepare a big batch of your favorite burritos (bean and cheese, chicken, or beef all work well). Wrap each burrito individually in foil before heating them in the oven. Once heated, transfer them directly to an insulated lunch bag to keep them warm until you’re ready to eat.
10. Chicken Nuggets: Munchable and Shareable
Chicken nuggets are always a hit, especially with younger kids. Bake or air fry a package of nuggets (or get ambitious and make homemade!). Pack them in a zip-top bag, or individual snack bags for easy distribution. Consider bringing small paper plates and some dipping sauce like ranch dressing. Carrots and ranch make a great pairing for a slightly healthier side.
Don’t Forget the Fruits and Veggies!
While convenience and cost are key, adding some healthier options is always a good idea. It’s incredibly easy to pack fruits and veggies in to-go bags. These travel well and require minimal prep:
- Apples
- Containers of Washed Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
- Containers of Washed Grape Tomatoes
- Bags of Petite Baby Carrots
- Oranges
- Grapes
- 100% fruit cups (peach, pear, pineapple, or mixed fruit)
- 100% fruit applesauce cups or squeezable pouches
- 100% Fruit Leather
Other Fun On-the-Go Snack Ideas:
- Veggie Straws
- Pretzels
- Yogurt Squeezable Tubes
- Muffins (endless options! Check out recipes online)
- Omelet Muffins (protein and veggies in one!)
- Cheese Sticks
What are your go-to Easy Food ideas for games and picnics? Share your favorites in the comments below!
