Boot Camp Picnic – Move It Move It Move It

If you and your guests are into fun in the sun and being active during the warm days of spring and summer, consider a special 'picnic boot camp' that helps get people on their feet rather than sitting around the entire day.

 So much more fun out there and getting some exercise than opting for home exercise equipment. You can even fit in some cycling and get your boy a mountain bike such as a Mongoose Montana Boy'sMountain Bike 24 Inch Wheels. Never to early to make cycling a family and friends sport.


This is the time of year when lots of outdoor events are being planned, and picnics are definitely included in that list. There are so many things to do at picnics (other than sitting around eating and socializing, that is), that the event can become more memorable just by being willing to get up and be active.  Let's take a look at some of the activities that are perfect for a picnic:

1. Have a Jungle Gym Challenge

If you are at a park with a swing set and jungle gym, take advantage of the opportunity by creating a few challenges.  Pit the grownups against the youngsters for extra giggles.  Challenge Uncle to ten chin-ups and watch Junior plot to take over the lead.  Mom has to do hand-over-hands all the way across the bar if she wants to beat Auntie's record.  Cousin and Sister are pushing as hard as they can to out swing each other, while the Toddlers do their very best to get cheers as they somersault in the grass.

You can organize this or let it be free form.  The key is that everyone participate to whatever degree they are able to and are comfortable with.  It's great fun to watch the little ones try to out perform the adults.  And, everyone gets a bit of exercise in the doing.

2. Get Inspired with Simple Kiddie Games

You usually don't find kids sitting around at a picnic.  They don’t have to be inspired to play games and run around during picnics, since they soon get bored with 'grownup talk' and long to stretch their legs or chase each other around. Kids also like to include their parents in playtime, increasing the sense of rivalry and competition, teaming up against the grownups, which is always fun.

You don't even need much special equipment to make this kind of interaction happen. A simple game of catch, hide and seek, tag, or an outdoor scavenger hunt might be enough to get people on their feet.  A game of capture the flag will definitely get everyone moving. Just tossing around a Frisbee will get you feeling like a kid again.

If there's a nice breeze in the air, a few kites could provide hours of fun for you and your kids.  Skipping rope and hopscotch are simple games that young children enjoy, and older people will find themselves giggling as it brings back memories.

3. Pick a Team and Get a Game Going

Choose up sides at your picnic featuring your favorite teams and players.  If you're lucky enough to have room for a baseball diamond, or you have a couple basketball hoops, a volleyball, or even soccer goals, have each guest bring a jersey or t-shirt with their favorite player's numbers written on it, and divide up the teams.

Other simple games to consider that are fun for all ages are Badminton, Bocce, Croquet, and Horseshoes.  Oftentimes, public parks already have one or more of these games set up for you.

Are you on a lake with a few rowboats?  Get a crew together and have a race. You'll need to schedule timeouts to let everyone catch their breath, but that's part of the fun.  Plus, the spirit of competition will improve everyone's appetite so the picnic food will taste all the better.

4. Active Picnics Call For Uncomplicated Food

With this type of picnic boot camp in session, you'll want to keep your choices for food and drinks as informal and uncomplicated as possible. Finger foods like fried chicken, sandwiches, appetizers, and a host of easy salads will likely be your best bet. Have lots of ready-to-eat fruit, like sliced watermelon, cut up cantaloupe, peeled oranges, and washed grapes on hand.  Playing this hard works up both an appetite and a mighty thirst, and fruit quenches both.

5. Here is another idea for a drink to quench the thirst you worked up with all these activities.