105+ Most Exciting Picnic Date Ideas (& Quick Tips To Make It Easy)

*This is a unique option to check out and a great indoor picnic date as well.

5. Beach Picnic Date

Romantic beach picnic ideas are a classic choice.

My husband and I have an early morning breakfast picnic on the beach once a year. This morning tradition happens before it gets hot and crowded. And it’s an ideal time of day for quiet.

No matter the time, pack a basket with food and drinks. Then, enjoy the sound of the waves while soaking in the sun. Remember to bring a waterproof blanket, umbrella, and sunscreen.

6. Scenic Spot Picnic

Do you have an awesome scenic spot close by? Maybe a place you have never visited?

We love to do this when we travel to enjoy different views.

7. Waterfall Picnic

Having a picnic by a waterfall is the ultimate romantic spot.

8. Vineyard Picnic

Pack a basket and head to your favorite local vineyard for a picnic. Check their rules in advance. Many vineyards offer charcuterie boards that you can purchase.

9. Sunrise Picnic

Picnics don’t have to be in the afternoon or evening. Early risers may enjoy a breakfast picnic as the sun rises. Opt for easy breakfast picnic food like yogurt, granola, fruit, and muffins.

10. Sunset Picnic

Choose a scenic location where you can easily see the sunset. Bring candles or lanterns to make this memorable as the sun goes down.

11. Stargazing Picnic

Grab a telescope, spread out a blanket, and snack under the stars. Use a constellation app like Night Sky or SkyView Lite to guide you.

12. Favorite Spot Picnic Date

Do you and your significant other have a spot you love? Plan the perfect romantic picnic at this spot!

Ask these perfect date night questions too!

13. Chocolate and Dessert Picnic Date Tasting

Gather a variety of chocolate and/or mini desserts for this unique picnic. Satisfy your sweet tooth while you sample something new.

14. Boat Picnic

Take your picnic on a boat. Relax and enjoy an afternoon on the water with your loved one.

15. Surprise Picnic Date Idea

Plan a picnic for your loved one, but make it a complete surprise! Focus on your partner’s favorite foods, places, and what will make them feel comfortable. Go all out on this one!

16. Hire a Private Chef

Skip the planning altogether and leave it up to a private chef. Enjoy your picnic on your deck or in your backyard. This is the ultimate relaxing and romantic experience.

Related: Unique & Fun Date Night Gift Ideas and Questions to Start Conversations for Couples

Cheap and Simple Outdoor Picnic Ideas for Couples

Sometimes we need a simple and budget-friendly date option. Choose from these easy and cheap picnic date ideas for couples.

17. Park Picnic

This classic picnic is always a great choice because of the many places to relax at a park. Pick a spot that is scenic and not crowded. Then, enjoy nature and fresh air together.

18. Hiking Picnic

If you like adventure, a hiking picnic is perfect! Pack an easy lunch, snacks, and water in an insulated backpack. Then, explore a new trail and find a scenic spot to enjoy your picnic.

19. Arboretum Picnic

Head to your local arboretum or botanical garden with your picnic in tow.

20. Backyard Picnic

If you are looking for easy and budget-friendly picnic ideas, you can’t go wrong with your own backyard. Plus, the kitchen is close! It makes planning a picnic simple!

21. Car Picnic

Don’t have a babysitter? No problem!

Put the kids to bed early and have a date in your driveway. Pop the trunk, lay out a blanket, and enjoy a nice quiet evening out. I suggest making the food easy and getting takeout!

22. Lakeside Picnic

If you live close (or are visiting) a lake, find a secluded spot and have a romantic lakeside picnic.

23. Potluck Picnic

Divide up the picnic food between you and your partner. Each one of you plans to bring your favorite foods to the meal.

This is also a great idea when inviting friends or another couple to a picnic.

24. Bike Ride Picnic

Pack an insulated backpack and take a scenic bike ride on a trail. Find a spot to spread out a blanket and have an easy picnic.

25. Mountain Picnic

We don’t all live by the mountains, but if you do or are traveling there, make it a point to have a scenic mountain picnic.

26. Pizza and Beer Picnic Date

It doesn’t get any easier than grabbing a pizza and beer and going to your favorite spot for a picnic. Think college. The greasier and cheaper, the better!

Related: Creative Way To Say I Love You and Sweet Text Messages For Your Husband

Cute Picnic Date Ideas

Next, these cute picnic date ideas are fun ideas!

27. Coffee and Pastry Picnic Date

Grab something new from a local coffee shop and have a breakfast picnic at your location.

My husband and I often opt to do this on our back deck. Or do it on vacation to get away early in the morning before the day starts.

28. City Center

Does your city have a central gathering space? Many of these spaces include lawns, fountains, and entertainment. Check your local areas to see what events are happening. Then, plan a picnic with this entertainment.

29. Yoga Picnic

Take your daily yoga or workout outdoors with your partner. Then, catch up with a simple picnic after your workout.

30. Kayak Picnic

Rent a kayak and enjoy a morning or afternoon on the water. Take your picnic along (if you dare) or eat by the lake when you are done.

31. Bird-Watching Picnic

Grab a local bird guide and a pair of binoculars. Find a great spot to watch birds while picnicking.

32. Painting Picnic Date

For artsy couples, gather watercolors, painting supplies, and your picnic basket. Enjoy painting with your loved one.

Follow an online painting tutorial to learn to paint something new if you are a beginner.

33. Fall Picnic Date

Plan a trip to a pumpkin patch or another beautiful scenic spot to admire the turning trees while you picnic. Dress for the weather and bring a thermos with a warm drink to keep you comfortable.

See more fall date ideas to add to your list.

Related: Marriage Goals For Love That Lasts

Simple Indoor Picnic Ideas For Couples

Get cozy and have an intimate date night indoors with your partner. You won’t need to worry about the weather, making these romantic indoor picnic date ideas special for cooler seasons.

34. Fondue Picnic

Dig out the fondue pot and make this picnic fancy with melted cheese or chocolate and plenty of dipping options. Opt for a small folding table or tray to make your food easier to manage.

35. Fireplace Picnic

Create a cozy ambiance. Set the mood for romance with a picnic in front of the fireplace. Gather comfortable pillows and blankets and enjoy food and drinks by the fire.

36. Online Mixology Picnic

If you and your partner like cocktails, take an online mixology class at home. Learn how to make a wide range of cocktails.

These classes are led by top-rated mixologists. You will learn about the history of the cocktail while elevating your technique.

37. Themed Picnic Date

A themed picnic is a unique way to add excitement to your date. Choose one of the ideas below to plan your food menu, decorations, and dress attire.

• Beach/Luau
• Vintage
• English tea party
• Sports
• Mardi Gras
• Fiesta

38. Staycation Picnic

Have a ‘staycation’ picnic and recreate a place you have traveled and loved. Emulate the decorations, clothing, and food to turn an area of your house into your ultimate staycation vacation.

Related: Great Staycation Ideas

39. Bedroom Picnic Date

Throw a blanket on top of the bed or have a picnic on the bedroom floor. To enhance the romance, try out this edible body paint for dessert. Or get creative with whipped cream. This will surely lead to a romantic night!

Related: Fun Couples Challenges To Try and A Year of Date Ideas for Holidays

Family-Friendly Picnic Date Ideas

Picnics are fun experiences for the entire family! Add variety to fun activities by planning a picnic your family will enjoy. These ideas are also great to invite friends!

40. Outdoor Movie Picnic

Grab a portable projector or a white sheet. Then, show an outdoor movie. Make it fun with cozy chairs and blankets and a picnic snack with popcorn, candy, and soda.

41. Orchard Picnic

A few years ago, we went apple picking and packed a picnic to eat while we were there. Any orchard can make a fun picnic opportunity for the entire family.

42. Fishing Picnic

Going fishing? Pack a picnic and eat on the dock!

43. BBQ Picnic

Find a park or spot that has a grill and make it a picnic! To make it easy to invite others, have them bring their meat to grill and a side.

44. Camping Picnic

Camping is all about being in the great outdoors, so have a picnic by the campfire.

Related: Camping checklist for kids & Best Camping Gear for Kids

45. Indoor Fort Picnic

Bring the fun indoors on hot, snowy, or rainy days. Build an epic fort tent with your family and lay out a picnic for dinner.

46. Indoor Movie Night Picnic

Plan a night or marathon with your family. Spread out on a blanket in your living room to eat and snack while you watch your favorite movies.

We like doing this for football games too!

47. Zoo Picnic

While you are enjoying the zoo, stop in a scenic spot and eat while watching the critters around you.

48. Pool Picnic

Plan a pool day and take your food. Lay out your towels and enjoy a picnic after swimming.

49. Nature Walk or Scavenger Hunt Picnic

Pack a backpack picnic and go for a nature walk with your family. Use this awesome nature scavenger hunt free printable with your kids. Then find a place to eat your picnic.

50. Outdoor Concert or Play Picnic

Pack up a picnic and head to an outdoor concert or theatre performance.

Related: 7 Secrets to Happy Relationships for Parents

Picnic Date Food Ideas

Good food and drinks are essential for a picnic date.

When you are planning a picnic date food menu, opt for simple foods that are easy to eat when possible. Don’t forget about the drinks!

• Picnic finger foods (take a look at these unique BLT salad sticks)

• Appetizers like homemade peach salsa or corn and black bean salsa and chips

• Charcuterie board (opt for firm cheeses rather than soft)

• Sandwiches or wraps (this this 5 minute buffalo chicken wrap)

• Try a new green salad recipe

• Quinoa or caprese pasta salad

• Take out (get your favorite!)

• Themed food: tacos, greek, sushi, BBQ, Italian (try calzones)

• Fruit options

• Veggies and hummus

• Healthy snack options

• Easy-to-eat desserts (try out these picnic bars)

• Drink pairings (wine, beer, sparkling water, lemonade, iced tea, infused water, and this yummy sangria recipe)

Food safety tip: Stay away from foods that will spoil easily or need to be heated before eating. Consider your location and how you will transport, keep your food cool, and serve your food.

Things To Bring On A Picnic Date

Pack the essentials for your picnic and use these tips to set up your picnic date.

• Comfortable seating is key! Try out these lightweight and easy-to-carry seats. Add extra cushions or pillows if needed.

• Waterproof picnic outdoor blanket

• Hand towels or wipes

• Trash bags

• Picnic basket

• Insulated backpack or try this complete backpack with wine pouch, blanket, and cutlery

• Bento box or other food storage containers

• Portable wine picnic table

• Stainless steel wine glasses and portable corkscrew

• Insulated wine carrier tote

• Ice packs (I love these)

• Utensils and tableware

• Folding picnic table with bag

• Add a vase of flowers, flameless candles, or other lighting options for added ambiance

• Hats and sunglasses

Additional things you may need for a picnic date include sunscreen and bug repellent.

*Safety tip: Bring a small first aid kit containing band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and allergy medication to address minor injuries or allergic reactions.

Things To Do On A Picnic Date

You’ve planned your picnic location, food, and things to bring. Now it’s time to add in an additional picnic date activity if you want.

Here are great suggestions to enhance your picnic for couples and families:

• Picnic question games for couples (including date night questions, would you rather questions, couples challenge questions, and how well do you know me questions)

• Play frisbee

• Bocce Ball

• Badminton

• Play catch

• Ring toss

• Cornhole

• Go for a swim

• Play sand volleyball

• Make your own music playlist of favorite songs and play it on a Bluetooth speaker

• Discuss a book you’ve both read and enjoyed

• Play card games

• Make a couples bucket list (or one for your family too)

• Play an instrument

• Take photos

• Sketch the scenery

• Dance together

• Fly a kite

• Try a fun family challenge

• Take a nap

• Pick wildflowers

• Play family picnic games (including Put a Finger Down Questions, Yes or No Questions Game, 21 Questions Game To Ask Family, and Never Have I Ever Questions for Kids)

• Tell funny jokes or what am I riddles

• Try pop culture trivia

Check out more Trivia Posts:

• Summer Trivia Questions
• Teen Trivia
• USA Trivia Questions

To Consider With Picnic Date Ideas

No matter what you choose to do, a picnic date is a great way to enjoy the outdoors (or indoors) with your loved ones.

What’s next?

Read Fun Date Night Ideas for Couples to find more ways to have fun and connect with your partner. And consider adding in these interesting topics to talk about on your next date!

Picnic Date Ideas: Food, Set Up, & Things to Bring