CBeebies recipes for outdoor eating

Serve up a summertime spread for outdoor eating with CBeebies. Check out recipes for picnics, BBQs and camping adventures for nature-loving kids.

Do you long to cook over an open fire under the stars? Or would you prefer pre-made meals in a cold box, ready for snacking? CBeebies has a host of recipes to make ahead with your child so you can dine al fresco in the great outdoors.

Sections in this guide:

Pack a basket and a blanket for some fine lawn dining. Don't worry about grass stains, just keep the ants away from the cake...

🟢 Easy

Make lettuce more interesting by making it into a wrap! A light and tasty way to eat your five a day. Tasty wrap fillings could be:

Or you could fill your wraps, either lettuce or tortilla, with ideas from BBC Food roll ups or healthy lunchbox recipes.

For a picnic with class this summer, whip up some easy fruit scones and serve with jam and cream.

Tasty, refreshing watermelon can become a thirst-quenching drink with this simple watermelon cooler. Tip: Keep it cool by packing a DIY cool block. Freeze half a bottle of water (secure the lid well), tuck into a picnic basket or cool bag, and let the ice defrost through the morning, cooling your food and beverages for a perfect lunchtime picnic. Once melted, you can drink the water!

🟠 Moderate

Summer asparagus is thriving in the warm weather, so make it the star with these asparagus tarts. If asparagus feels too adventurous, try making tomato tart by replacing cream cheese with pesto and using sliced tomatoes.

Pair with pesto potatoes for a full spread, just don't forget to bring picnic cutlery and plates, plus napkins or cloth to clean up.

🔴 Challenging

Want a real showstopper? There's nothing yummier (or more transportable) that a Bakewell tart, just cut into slices for little hands on the go.

Fire up the grill and invite friends and family to enjoy some tasty dishes.

🟢 Easy

A veggie-packed treat, thread the skewers with care and line up these halloumi kebabs on the grill.

Stay hydrated by eating fruit and savour the season's best with a fabulous fruit salad in the shape of a frog! Ribbit ribbit!

🟠 Moderate

Season and sizzle these Indian Tandori chicken thighs for a tasty main.

For a hearty vegan option, prep some Kosovan stuffed whole peppers you're sure to run out!

🔴 Challenging

Don't forget the ice cream! You'll need some time and a freezer, so prep some raspberry yoghurt lollies in advance.

For a big treat, gather your families together to celebrate the summer with Hey Duggee cupcakes for your little Squirrels. Perfect for summer birthdays, parties or just because... A-woof!

Take a look at the recipes below for your next camping adventure.

🟢 Easy

Master chopping skills with this picnic-style salad in a jar. Add dressing to the bottom of the jar, then shake it up to combine.

Baked potatoes are a camping staple. Simply wrap in tin foil and leave in the white embers of your campfire or BBQ until soft (30-60 mins), then top with butter or cheese.

🟠 Moderate

Fuel your adventures with some delicious fruity flapjacks.

Fancy a pizza in the great outdoors? Check out this tortilla pizza recipe, which can be eaten cold or warmed by the campfire.

🔴 Challenging

Try your hand at making the ultimate travelling food: the Cornish pasty.

After a day of outdoors adventures, award your camping crew with a tasty burger. Make ahead, then pack extras like buns, salad and salsa in a cool box. Warm over the campfire and assemble a veggie burger under the stars.

Don't forget jumbo marshmallows to toast over a campfire. Thread onto a toasting fork or metal skewer, hold over the fire until golden brown, then squidge between biscuits for a sticky sweet treat. Keep sharp skewers away from fingers and little hands far from flames.

NB: Always light campfires in designated, safe areas. Before you arrive, check whether your campsite allows campfires and BBQs. Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it is fully extinguished before you leave.

If you want more foodie fun to cook up with your child, perhaps to prepare a full meal or to bake a sweet treat, check out the CBeebies Food hub. If you're looking for more recipes, look no further:

Cooking not your thing? Check out these simple snack ideas for casual grazers and taste pioneers from CBeebies Playtime Towers.

If your child likes the idea of cooking but would prefer to stay mess-free, play the My World Kitchen game. Chop, stir and roll to your hearts' content... without the clean up!

Try these kitchen safety hacks for cooking with children, and read about how cooking can help children be more adventurous with eatingand develop their language skills in this this helpful guide on how to cook with children from CBeebies Parenting.