22 Surprising Picnic Date Ideas to Switch It Up (+Picnic foods and Essentials)

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Are you looking for picnic date ideas that aren’t just going to a nearby park? We’ve got you covered! Eric and I love picnic dates and since we tend to get bored easily, we have come up with more unique spins on your usual picnic set ups and locations.

Romantic picnics are a fun escape from the everyday rut couples can find themselves in. Whether you’re on a first date or keeping up the flame in a long-standing relationship, picnics are a blend of simplicity and adventure.

They encourage stepping outside – both literally and figuratively – offering a fresh perspective away from the usual date spots. With a picnic, you get to explore new locations, indulge in your favorite foods, and engage in deeper, more personal conversations. I

It’s a great date idea to break away from the routine, immerse yourself in nature, and focus wholly on each other, making it a perfect, versatile choice for couples at any stage.

Check out our 20+ picnic ideas for couples and our recommendations for essentials, picnic foods, picnic drinks and entertainment. It will be up to you to choose which combination makes for the ultimate picnic date.

Picnic Date Ideas

1. Color Themed Picnic

This is one of our favorite unique cute picnic ideas. We pretty much invented it as we’ve never seen anyone else talk about color-themed date ideas!

Start this adventure by picking a color at random. Your task is to gather everything in that shade – from food to decor. Let’s say you draw blue: find a spot by the water for your setting, pack blue Hawaiian cocktails, wear blue outfits, and enjoy blueberry muffins. This idea turns your picnic into a vibrant, color-coordinated experience, perfect for a fun and visually delightful day out.

2. Living Room Picnic

For an indoor picnic date, why not create a magical evening right in your living room. Begin by hanging twinkly lights to bring a romantic glow to the space.

Spread out cushions and blankets for a snug seating area. For the centerpiece, set up a movie – use a projector for a grand experience or a portable movie player for something more intimate. This indoor picnic idea is ideal for a cozy, relaxed date night without leaving the comfort of your home.

3. Picnic Under a Fort

Go back to the past by recreating childhood memories with a picnic under a homemade fort. You can use blankets to construct your cozy retreat. This fort becomes a special place for sharing stories and treats, offering a sense of adventure and intimacy.

It’s a nice way to enjoy a picnic indoors, adding a playful twist to your date night and creating a unique, personal space.

4. Cherry Blossoms Picnic

Last year, we loved chasing the cherry blossoms on a date in London. Turns out, they’re pretty perfect for a spring picnic date idea! You can add it to your list of seasonal dates.

First, choose a park where these trees bloom for a stunning, romantic setting. You can add a special touch by theming your picnic around the color pink – think cherry drinks and chocolate-covered strawberries. This is one of the picnic in a park date ideas that not only connects you with nature’s beauty but also offers a picturesque and incredibly romantic way to enjoy the outdoors amidst the breathtaking cherry blossoms.

5. Bingo Picnic

We love putting a spin on our date ideas with a Bingo. Time to turn your picnic date into a playful game of Bingo as well!

Before heading out, create a bingo list with items you’re likely to find around your picnic spot – like a certain flower, a type of bird, or a unique tree. Once you’re there, the game begins. Each of you tries to spot and tick off the items on your list.

The first to find everything wins! It’s a fun, engaging way to explore your surroundings and adds an element of friendly competition to your outdoor dining experience.

6. Scavenger Hunt Picnic

Scavenger hunts are some of our favorite fun date ideas! They can also be integrated to tweak your picnic date!

Assign categories – one of you focuses on food, while the other looks for drinks, for instance. Then, create riddles for each category. If you’re in charge of food, your riddle might lead to a croissant.

Spend time guessing each other’s riddles and collecting the items for your picnic. The fun is in seeing who can solve the most riddles and bring the right items. This idea combines the joy of a picnic with the excitement of a scavenger hunt.

7. Mystery Picnic

For a unique adventure, try a Mystery Picnic organized by a local company. This activity turns your picnic into an exciting quest. You’ll receive puzzles and riddles, which you’ll need to solve to discover the location and theme of your picnic.

It’s a fantastic way to explore your area, engage in a bit of brain-teasing fun, and enjoy a well-deserved, surprise-themed meal at the end of your journey. This experience is perfect for couples looking for an adventurous and unconventional picnic date.

8. Movie Themed Picnic

We love movies but Netflix and chill can get boring after a few years together! It turns out that there are other ways to use movies for dates and a movie-themed picnic date is one of them!

You’ll have to start by choosing a movie that both of you love. Then, craft your picnic to reflect the film’s setting, cuisine, and activities.

For instance, if you pick ‘Twilight,’ find a wildflower field for your picnic spot, enjoy Italian dishes in a nod to the Cullen family, and even play a game of baseball as seen in the movie.

9. Bathtub Picnic

Why not redefining the concept of a picnic with a bathtub twist. Fill your tub with warm water and set the scene for a cozy, intimate gathering. Prepare a board with delectable snacks like cheese, wine, or a charcuterie selection.

To enhance the romantic ambiance, add twinkly lights. This is a bit of an unconventional picnic idea but it offers a relaxing and luxurious experience, perfect for unwinding together in a unique and romantic setting. It’s the perfect picnic meets spa date idea!

10. Backyard Picnic

Who said you had to go far or spend a lot of money to make your picnic date magical? Drape twinkly lights around to create a warm, enchanting atmosphere for a free and simple picnic. Set up a movie projector for an outdoor cinema experience.Then, scatter flower petals for a touch of romance. This backyard picnic combines the comfort of home with the charm of an outdoor adventure. It’s one of our favorite at home date ideas.

11. Car Picnic

As a couple, we love road tripping to romantic destinations. But we’re not always on the go. That’s not a good enough reason to ditch a car picnic though.

You’ll have to start by setting up your vehicle for comfort: add twinkly lights for ambiance, lay out blankets for coziness, and arrange the trunk for seating. Then, drive around until you find the perfect scenic viewpoint. This could be a hilltop with a city view, a serene spot by the lake, or a quiet forest clearing.

Park and enjoy your meal surrounded by beautiful scenery. This idea combines the thrill of a road trip with the intimacy of a picnic, perfect for adventurous couples.

12. Rooftop Picnic

Rooftops elevate your view and your relationship. It’s always a nice feeling to be able to take a step back and watch life happening under you. They’re just perfect for a romantic picnic date.

Find an open public rooftop that offers a breathtaking city view. This setting is not only ideal for enjoying a meal but also great for a romantic photoshoot against the cityscape.

The combination of good food, stunning views, and the chance to capture memorable moments makes this an excellent choice for a unique and scenic picnic.

13. Drive-in Theatre Picnic

For picnic date night ideas, combine classic entertainment with outdoor dining at a drive-in theatre. Pack a picnic basket with all your favorite foods – think sandwiches, snacks, fruit, and drinks. Once at the drive-in, settle in your car or set up chairs outside and enjoy a movie under the stars.

14. Tacos Picnic

For a taste of Mexico, organize a tacos picnic. Pack all the essentials: salsa, guacamole, wraps, tortillas, and various fillers like grilled chicken, beef, or veggies.

Find a nice spot outdoors and have fun making tacos together. This picnic idea is not just about enjoying delicious food; it’s also about the experience of preparing and sharing a meal, making it a great way to spend time together and enjoy a flavorful feast.

15. Sunset Picnic

Celebrate the day’s end with a sunset picnic together for a romantic date night. This can be as simple as setting up on your balcony or finding a tranquil spot in nature. The key is choosing a location with a clear view of the horizon to fully enjoy the breathtaking colors of the sunset. It will allow you to both unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature.

16. Sunrise Picnic

The calm of the morning and the chance to observe wildlife make this one of the most serene picnic romantic ideas. Choose a scenic location where the sunrise is clearly visible. To enhance the experience, pair your picnic with a sunrise activity like a gentle hike or bird watching. This is a wonderful way to start the day together, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the quiet of the morning.

17. Stargazing Picnic

Why not go ahead an transform a regular picnic into a romantic night under the stars. Find a spot away from city lights to get the best view of the starry sky. Bring a telescope if you have one, or simply lie back and enjoy the view.

To add a personal touch, we recommend writing a romantic poem about the stars and your love, sharing it with your partner under the night sky. This great picnic date offers a magical and intimate setting, perfect for a romantic evening.

18. Botanical Garden Picnic

We love visiting botanical gardens for a date. They’re so pretty and always a good set up for a romantic time during the day.

You’ll be able to enjoy a couple picnic day surrounded by the beauty of nature with a picnic in a botanical garden. You can explore the glasshouses and enjoy the vibrant blooms, especially in spring. This is an excellent option if you’re in a city like us and looking for a green escape.

19. High Tea Picnic

Our time in London has obviously influenced us a bit! It’s time to incorporate some British elegance to your cute picnic date.

Prepare mini sandwiches, scones, pastries, and other delicacies typical of a traditional high tea. Don’t forget a selection of teas and some cute cups to complete the experience. Set up your feast on a blanket and enjoy a British-style high tea outdoors.

20. Hiking Picnic

A hike can be a great date idea if done well and with a picnic. Choose a trail that promises beautiful scenery and a bit of a challenge. As you trek up, anticipate the reward waiting at the top. Once you reach your destination, relax and refuel with a simple yet satisfying picnic.

Pack classic favorites like PB&J sandwiches and crackers, foods that are easy to carry and eat. This picnic date idea is not just about the meal; it’s about the journey and the breathtaking views you’ll enjoy together at the summit.

21. Chocolate Tasting Picnic

For more romantic picnic ideas, try a chocolate tasting adventure. Before your picnic, each of you buys a selection of different chocolates – various brands, types, and flavors. During your picnic, sample each other’s choices.

The fun part is trying to guess the specifics of each chocolate – the brand, the type (dark, milk, white), and any special additions like Oreos, nuts, or fruit. This picnic idea is perfect for chocolate lovers and adds an element of playful discovery to your outdoor dining experience.

22. Painting Picnic Date

We love the idea of a sip and paint date. This idea is perfect for artsy couples or anyone looking to try something new. Pack your art supplies – paints, brushes, canvases – and head to a scenic spot.

Once there, you can choose to paint each other, capture the beauty of the surrounding scenery, or even create abstract works inspired by your surroundings. This activity not only allows you to explore your artistic side but also encourages you to be present with each other, sharing thoughts and ideas as you paint. It’s a wonderful way to connect on a deeper level while engaging in a relaxing and creative activity.

Picnic Spot Ideas

• Beach
• Park
• Botanical garden
• River bank
• Backyard
• Living room
• Waterfall
• Mountain
• Anywhere with a scenic view
• Open field
• Hill with a view
• Sunset or sunrise spot
• Picnic table at a National Park
• Public rooftop
• Public tropical gardens
• Car

Picnic Essentials

• wet wipes
• bottle opener
• twinkly lights
• picnic blanket
• picnic basket or cooler for a summer picnic
• cloth napkins
• wine
• picnic table
• picnic glasses, plates and utensils
• zip log bags
• ice packs
• trash bag
• bug spray
• sunscreen for outdoor date ideas
• lighting 
• umbrella
• tablecloth
• portable heated blanket
• portable pocket heaters

Picnic Entertainment Ideas

• Board games for couples
• Portable speakers
• Portable projector
• Card games for couples
• List of games to play without equipment
• Sports equipments like racquets or a frisbee
• Books
• Music with headphones to play a Music Quiz
• Questions for couples
• Couple Truth or Dare

Picnic Food Ideas

Here are some of our favorite food ideas for a picnic date. Of course, you can decide which you prefer. We consider these the best picnic foods for a date as they can easily be transported in a picnic basket without getting ruined. They also don’t really need to be refrigerated and can hold well even during extreme weathers.

• Charcuterie board
• Macarons
• Bento Box
• Heart-shaped apple pies
• Wine and Cheese
• DIY Sandwiches
• Color-Colour-Themed foods
• A smore’s machine for an afternoon picnic date
• Barbecue
• High Tea
• Homemade meal
• Cheese and crackers
• Crostini bites
• Mini Quiche Lorraine
• Croissants
• Chocolate covered strawberries
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Fresh fruits
• Fruit skewers
• Caprese skewers
• Pasta salad
• Couscous salad
• Sushi
• Takeout
• Muffins
• Brownies

Picnic Drink Ideas

• Blue Hawaiian drinks (easy recipes)
• orange juice
• hot chocolate
• wine or Champagne
• drink garnishes
• water