Hobbies And Interests
Lawn Games
Croquet is a game that people used to play often. Invest in a croquet set. They don't cost that much money, but will provide entertainment for years to come, for young and old alike. Teach kids how to play croquet and you'll be surprised at how much they enjoy it.
Frisbee is a game that several kids can play at the same time. Teach them how to properly throw the disc back and forth to each other. Set up a game of Frisbee golf where the kids need to follow a set course and hit objects by throwing the Frisbee. Just make sure the objects they are throwing at are not breakable.
Have a sack race. Use pillowcases for the sacks. Set up a starting point and an end point and use a whistle to start the race.
Water Games
There is no better game to play on hot summer picnic days than the water balloon toss. Have the kids each choose a partner. Start each child standing across from each other about a foot away. Have them toss the balloon back and forth, each time, taking a step backwards.
Water balloon fights are a great game as well. Give everyone the same number of balloons. The winner is the one who gets the wettest. Squirt guns are so inexpensive. Fill a couple of buckets of water for gun refills and let the kids run around squirting each other.
Team Games
Baseball or softball is a game for all ages. Split the group evenly into two teams, making sure to not have all the big kids on one side and the little kids on the other.
Hold a picture scavenger hunt. Before the picnic, make up clues for the children to follow. Divide them into teams. Give each team a digital camera. Have them follow the clues and take pictures of the objects. The first team to return with correct photos is the winner. Make the clues as hard or as difficult as your space allows. For example, one clue could be to take a group picture next to a blue car that does not belong to a member of the picnic.