reading time – 4 min
Primary school picnic: our easy packed lunch ideas
The school trip is coming up and you need to prepare your little one's packed lunch. Between what they'll actually eat, what won't leak all over the bag, and what will hold up until midday without turning to mush… we've all been through the puzzle! So we've gathered all our ideas for simple, balanced recipes that are above all approved by little foodies.
Our savoury picnic ideas
the timeless sandwich
The sandwich is the classic staple of the picnic and it still has a bright future ahead. The trick to making it as tasty as it is balanced? Go for wholegrain bread for lasting energy, and a filling that holds up: ham, cheese, crunchy raw vegetables, mashed avocado… Avoid sauces that are too runny and make the bread soggy before lunchtime.
the little salad
A pasta, rice or quinoa salad is a great alternative to the sandwich for a bit of variety. Easy to prepare the night before, it travels well in an airtight container and is easy to eat with a fork. Add diced cheese, sweetcorn, cherry tomatoes or tuna according to your child's tastes and you have a complete, colourful meal that makes quite an impression at the picnic table!
Crunchy vegetables
Carrot sticks, cucumber, radishes, cherry tomatoes… Crunchy vegetables are practical, fresh and healthy. Served in a small box with a cream cheese dipping sauce, even the most reluctant vegetable eaters will be won over. And it keeps little hands busy while waiting for the rest of the meal!
For a sweet touch
Seasonal fruit
Simple, fresh and naturally sweet, seasonal fruit are the kings of the picnic. Strawberries, cherries, melon, raspberries… whatever the season, there's always something delicious to slip into the box. Cut them into pieces in advance for younger children, and place them in an airtight container to prevent them from getting squashed in the bag.
A homemade cake
A madeleine, a slice of chocolate cake or a homemade muffin made at the weekend — that's the kind of simple easy dessert that makes eyes light up at picnic time. The advantage of homemade? You know the ingredients, you avoid additives, and it's usually much better. Wrap it up so it doesn't get damaged on the way.
A homemade cereal bar
Oats, honey, chocolate chips… Homemade cereal bars take 20 minutes to make and keep for several days. They're the perfect snack to slip into the bag: easy to eat, not too sweet and genuinely filling. And kids love making them with you at the weekend!
The essentials for a successful picnic
The lunch bag
The airtight container
To transport salads, cut fruit, crunchy vegetables or cake, an airtight container is essential. It protects the food, prevents leaks in the bag and stores easily without taking up too much space. It can even be personalised with your child's name! The airtight container will quickly become their favourite lunchtime accessory!
The water bottle
Staying hydrated during a school trip is essential, especially when it's hot and children are running in all directions. The insulated water bottle keeps drinks cold for several hours and withstands drops and bumps. Personalised with your child's name, it's impossible to mix up with a classmate's!
The backpack
To carry it all without it ending up in a jumble at the bottom of the bag, a good backpack makes all the difference. Roméo and Diego are our two perfect models for a school trip with a packed lunch. They easily fit the lunch bag, the water bottle and the snack box with room to spare for a small jacket if needed. Their straps don't slip, they are machine washable after the inevitable mess of an outdoor meal, and they can be personalised with your child's name. The perfect duo to make sure your child arrives at the picnic with everything in great shape!
Mistakes to avoid
We finish with the classic pitfalls of the school picnic, because we've all been there at least once!
- An overstuffed sandwich: the XXL sandwich overflowing on all sides is tempting to make but a disaster to eat for small hands. Go for portions suited to your child's appetite — two small sandwiches are better than one enormous one they won't be able to finish.
- Forgetting cutlery and napkins: it seems obvious… and yet! A fork for the pasta salad, a spoon for the fruit, and a napkin for little hands makes all the difference. Slip them systematically into the snack box so you never forget them. And to avoid stained clothes, think of the personalised table napkin from Petit Picotin — it slips on in two seconds thanks to its elasticated neckline and provides effective protection.
- Food that doesn't travel well: some foods can't handle being transported for several hours — for example, cut tomatoes that release water, crushed crisps, runny cream desserts… Opt for solid foods and wrap them separately in appropriate containers.
- A meal that is too heavy: a school trip picnic is a normal meal, not a banquet! Keep portions reasonable and focus on variety rather than quantity.
Things your little ones say
« I'm thirsty to drink! »
– Zacky, age 5
« Mum, it's so yummy, could I please have another
little bit of chicken? »
– Paulin, age 3
« Mackerel (Macron) rillettes are delicious! »
– Nolann, age 5
AUTHOR
Hello, moi c’est Capucine ! J’espère que cet article vous a plu. Passionnée par la rédaction et spécialisée dans les contenus autour de la petite enfance, je fais partie de l’équipe éditoriale de Petit Picotin. Au fil du blog, j’explore les questions du quotidien des familles pour vous partager conseils, idées et inspirations, en m’appuyant sur des recherches, des sources spécialisées et l’expertise de notre équipe.
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