Picnic with Children

We've chosen recipes specially suited for a sunny day outdoors with the kids.

"These flavorful sandwiches can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for later." -- JCAFELD, recipe submitter

Here are a few tips to help make an outing with the kids run smoothly.

• Active kids with fast metabolisms and small-capacity tummies need between-meal pick-me-ups on a regular basis. Pack nuts and dried fruit for healthy snacks.

• Involve your older children in the food selection process and they'll be more likely to eat what you pack.

• Provide kids with choices when it comes to snacking. If the choices you give them are reasonably nutritious, then everybody's happy: your kids get to pick their snacks, and you get to ensure they're eating healthfully.

• Kids love anything they can dip. A baggie full of carrot and celery sticks, cucumber and bell pepper slices, sugar snap peas and cherry tomatoes will disappear like magic if there's a tub of dip to go with them.

"Cinnamon adds a flavor twist to a favorite snack kids love to make themselves with celery sticks, peanut butter and raisins." -- arizonacrazy, recipe submitter

"These are the best chocolate muffins you will ever have!" -- Marais Leon, recipe submitter