It’s spring in the Jing and that means picnics are back! Between the food, the drinks, the folding chairs, and the blankets, there’s a good amount of lifting and hauling involved in any good picnic, and you can’t forget to bring a few things to keep the kids busy. But how can you add fun without the extra bulk to cart around? Here are my go-to, easy, portable, and lightweight toys for your Qingming Festival picnic.
before you make your plans, here‘s how to check if the park you want to go to is open.
Frisbee: An oldie but a goody, frisbees are flat, light, and inexpensive. Plus, they are a two-for-one kind of toy. If you bring four they can serve as safe bases for games of tag or kickball.
Beach Balls: Beach balls are flat, light, and inexpensive (sensing a theme here). There are also a billion games you can play with them, and if they break or get lost they, well, they were only RMB 2.5 each. For a switch-up on kickball that even your smallest friends can play, have the kids kick the lightweight ball from a still position (instead of pitching it) and run the bases.
Bubbles: Who doesn’t love bubbles? But don’t bring a massive, heavy bottle. Instead, bring one or two of the tiny party bottles that can fit easily into any pocket. They are the exact right amount of liquid for 30 minutes to an hour of bubble fun, which is all you really need anyway.
Tissue Box: This is a great hack for entertaining your toddler I learned years ago from a friend. You will need to bring tissues on your outing anyway. Once you arrive at your picnic area, pull the tissues out of the box or bag and set them aside. In the empty tissue box put small manipulatives like key chains, small toys, a spoon, a leaf, a rock, etc. Then give it to your toddler and tell them it’s a surprise box! Let them reach in and pull the toys out one at a time. Then they can refill it with their own small treasures. It’s object permanence, fine motor skills, and will keep them entertained for 15 min while you unpack.
Chalk: Just don’t get the massive and heavy jug of 50 pieces. The small box is fine and the kids will have fun. If there is no concrete around, have them color on rocks they scavenge or on paper plates.
Spot It: I love this game for the entire family. It’s simple to learn but surprisingly addictive, and I would bet money your kids will beat you at it. If the kids do get bored there are alternate ways to play, and if a few cards get lost the game is still usable.
We wish you a laughter-filled and ant-free day in the fresh air!
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Images: TaoBao, Canva
