Festidy
Plan a party

Kids' birthday theme

A picnic party

Gingham blankets, lemonade in cups, and games on the grass.

Plan this partyFree printables

Picnic invitations

Free designs with an RSVP link that tracks every reply. Tap one to start yours; your names, date and place fill in, and you can change the design any time.

Picnic in the park invitation, Park table designPark tableUse this designPicnic in the park invitation, Marching ants designMarching antsUse this designPicnic in the park invitation, Fruit print designFruit printUse this designPicnic in the park invitation, Gingham designGinghamUse this designPicnic in the park invitation, Kite day designKite dayUse this designPicnic in the park invitation, Basket designBasketUse this design

Ideas for your picnic party

Pick one or two from each and keep the rest simple.

Decor

  • Red gingham blankets spread on the lawn
  • Picnic baskets and wooden crates for serving
  • Red, yellow and white foil balloons tied to chairs
  • Paper pennant bunting strung between two trees

Food

  • Mini sandwiches cut into small squares
  • Pasta salad in paper cups
  • Watermelon slices and quartered grapes
  • Lemonade in cups with lids

Cake

A white cake with red gingham buttercream and a picnic basket of sugar strawberries on top.

Favors

One small, useful or fun thing per child beats a bag of extras. How many to buy.

Colors

DeepBrightPopSoft

Pick one bright color for balloons and napkins, and keep plates plain.

Games and activities for your picnic party

How to play and what you need. Pick them in your plan and the supplies go on your shopping list.

Blanket parachute

Ages 1 to 6 · 10 min

Everyone holds the edge of a big blanket and lifts it up and down while soft balls bounce on top. Toddlers can hold on, sit under it or watch.

You’ll need: A big blanket or parachute, Soft balls

Sack race

Ages 4 to 10 · 15 min

Racers hop to a cone and back in a pillowcase. Cheer for everyone; the last to finish picks the next race.

You’ll need: Pillowcases or sacks, Cones

Nature hunt

Ages 3 and up · 15 min

Hand out a checklist: something round, something yellow, a feather, a smooth stone. Look and point, and leave the flowers where they grow.

You’ll need: Printed checklists, Crayons, Paper bags

Giant checkers

Ages 4 and up · 20 min

Draw a big checkerboard on a tarp with tape. Use paper plates in two colors as pieces and play in teams.

You’ll need: A tarp, Painter's tape, Paper plates in two colors

Shop the picnic look

Plates, decor, favors and a cake idea in the theme's colors. The Shop counts each one for your guest list.

PlatesCupsNapkinsBannerBalloonsFavor bagsPhoto propsCake

Open the picnic shop

What to do and when

The plan for a birthday party, counted back from the party day. Festidy puts real dates on it. A free birthday party planner keeps the invitation, the replies and the shopping in one place.

  1. 6 to 8 weeks out

    • Pick a date, a start time, and a backup date
    • Set a budget and choose your big two
    • Write the guest list
    • Choose a theme together
    • Lock in the location and a rain plan
    • Note food, accessibility, and comfort needs

  2. 4 to 6 weeks out

    • Decide: hire an entertainer or run your own games
    • Book rentals if you need them
    • Send the invitations
    • Order the cakeCake idea: A white cake with red gingham buttercream and a picnic basket of sugar strawberries on top.
    • Ask helpers and give them roles
    • Make one contact and confirmation list

  3. 2 to 3 weeks out

    • Order decor, tableware, and favorsDecor idea: Red gingham blankets spread on the lawn
    • Plan the menu and check allergiesMenu idea: Mini sandwiches cut into small squares
    • Plan 3 or 4 activities, plus a backupActivity idea: Sack race and three-legged race
    • Follow up on RSVPs
    • Build your one-stop shopping list

  4. The week before

    • Confirm every vendor
    • Lock the headcount and shop for food and drinks
    • Prep favors, decor, and a playlist
    • Write the party-day schedule
    • Send the final party note

  5. The day before

    • Pick up the cake and set up what you can
    • Pack a party-day kit
    • Charge devices and share the run sheet
    • Make the final weather and space call

  6. Party day

    • Set up an hour before
    • Run the party and finish on time
    • Reset the space and check for left-behind items

  7. After the party

    • Share photos and settle any remaining balances
    • Send thank-yous
    • Save photos and notes for next year
    • Leave a quick note for your future self

Party-day run of show

For a 2-hour party starting at 2 pm.

  • Final setup and safety checkSetup crew gets food, activities, and the entrance ready.
  • Arrivals and free playKid wrangler greets kids and keeps an eye on arrivals.
  • Main game or entertainerEntertainment lead runs the planned game or entertainer.
  • Snacks and drinksFood lead puts out snacks and checks dietary labels.
  • Cake and candlesPhotographer gets the group shot before serving.
  • Craft, favors, and goodbyesThe host ends on time while energy is still high.
  • Quick resetCollect gifts and check the space for left-behind items.

Free picnic printables

Print at home on letter paper or card stock.

You're invitedFill-in invitationTwo to a sheetThank youThank-you cardsFour to a sheetWelcomeDoor signOne full pageBingoPicnic bingoFour cards and a calling sheet

More kids' birthdays themes

DinosaurSpaceUnicornMermaidRainbowOceanSuperheroConstructionJungle safariPirateGarden tea partyRace carArt studioWinter wonderlandSportsBerry sweetPrincessVideo gamePop starBowsPuppySpa dayRodeo roundupFarmBugs and butterfliesGlowBubblesSleepoverSlimeCampingWizardParisDiscoCircus and carnivalDetective mysteryLuauPool partyFiestaLittle pumpkinBackyard cookoutWildflowerCelestialTeddy bearBuilding bricksBookwormCode clubWoodlandSunshineFairyThrowbackGame night