'International Picnic Day', June 18

Simon O'Donovan
23 hours ago
2 min read

International Picnic Day – Introduction

International Picnic Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate one of life’s simplest pleasures: enjoying good food, fresh air and great company outdoors. Whether it’s in a park, by the seaside, in the countryside or simply in the back garden, picnics often bring back happy memories of family outings, school trips and summer holidays. Today’s activities encourage conversation, reminiscence and plenty of smiles as we share our favourite picnic experiences.

Facts About International Picnic Day

Celebrate International Picnic Day by discovering how this much-loved tradition has evolved over the centuries. From Victorian hampers and riverside excursions to today’s beach barbecues and park lunches, picnics have always been about relaxing together and enjoying the outdoors. Along the way, explore famous picnic foods, customs and quirky facts from around the world.

Standout Picnic Memory

Everyone has a memorable picnic story. Perhaps it was a family gathering, a romantic afternoon, a school outing or a holiday by the sea. Share your happiest picnic memory, who you were with, what you ate and what made the occasion so special.

Things That Can Go Wrong!

Not every picnic goes according to plan! Wasps steal the jam, seagulls swoop for sandwiches, rain arrives unexpectedly, the blanket gets left behind or ants invade the cake. This light-hearted discussion invites everyone to laugh about those little mishaps that often become the best memories.

Name As Many Picnic Foods and Drinks As You Can

How many classic picnic treats can you think of? From sandwiches, sausage rolls and pork pies to strawberries, crisps, lemonade and flasks of tea, this activity is a fun way to stimulate memory, vocabulary and conversation while celebrating favourite foods from past and present.

Plan Your Day Trip

Imagine you’re organising the perfect day out. Where would you go? Who would you invite? What would you pack in your hamper? Would you head for the beach, the countryside, a beauty spot or a favourite local park? This activity encourages planning, creativity and sharing personal preferences.

CST Song of the Day – “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic”

This charming childhood favourite has delighted generations with its magical vision of teddy bears enjoying a secret woodland feast. It’s a perfect song to spark memories of treasured toys, family singalongs and early childhood adventures.

CST Song of the Day – “The Happy Wanderer”

With its cheerful yodelling chorus and celebration of walking through hills and countryside, “The Happy Wanderer” is ideal for discussing favourite walks, scenic views and the pleasures of spending time outdoors.

CST Song of the Day – “Day Trip to Bangor”

Made famous by the Fiddler’s Dram in 1979, this upbeat song recalls a carefree seaside excursion to Bangor in North Wales. It provides a wonderful prompt for talking about memorable day trips, holidays by the coast and the simple joy of getting away for the day.