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These picnic features will save your summer
by Maike Schuldt-Jensen
These games fit in your picnic basket
19.7.2023
Translation: machine translated
What is part of a successful picnic besides food? Games! They should not only be suitable for outdoor use, but also small enough for your basket.
Do you like picnics as much as I do? Then you've probably already taken a look at my last article. Because there I tell you which tools you need to be prepared for this season.
Whether you're travelling with friends or family, as well as eating and drinking, it's important to have fun. That's why I've written down a few of my small, easily transportable game ideas that are sure to find a place among the wine, baguette and salad.
For the smaller basket
At the top of the list is, of course, the space-saving card game. This black 52-card set from Relaxdays, for example, is designed for poker, but can of course also be used for other classics such as Mau Mau, swimming or A*rschloch. What I find particularly practical is that the plastic cards are not only crease-resistant but also water-repellent. This means they can simply be wiped clean - should there be a spill during a picnic or the dessert still sticks to your fingers.
The classics Yatzi and Quixx, on the other hand, are great fun to play together. And if you want a large selection in your small basket, this travel-sized game collection is sure to please. The special thing is that you can swap the playing fields depending on your mood and switch between eight options such as "Ludo", "Mill" or "Checkers".
If you're prepared to leave your picnic blanket at times, you can of course also grab this mini boccia. With its space-saving dimensions and a weight of just 400 grams, it will probably fit in any bag. Not quite as small, but still easy to stow away, is the Crossboule version from Zoch.
In contrast to boccia, soft sandballs are thrown instead of balls. Editor Michael Restin has already played a larger version of this game:
These two throwing games can provide even more action. Although the ring-shaped frisbee from Johntoy has a diameter of 25 centimetres, it weighs less than 60 grams and can certainly be placed between your treats. And perhaps the Indiaca Play will also find a corner. As with the frisbee, you don't need any tools other than your hands: Because instead of using a bat, the feather ball is hit to the other player with the open palm of your hand. And can therefore provide lots of fun.
For the bigger basket
You'll need a little more space for the following games. Although the Philos chess box is folded up for easy transport, it still measures around 31 x 17 centimetres. This is due to the fact that it can be used as a playing field immediately after unfolding. When you pack your game pieces away again, they can be stored in a device inside the cassette and won't roll around.
The Velcro ball set from Schildkröt is also recommended for outdoor fun. Here, the ball is thrown to the other player with one hand while the other is in the handle of a Velcro disc. If the ball flies back, it is caught with the disc. You then release it from the Velcro disc with a ratchet and throw it back to your opponent. Pretty simple but still great fun.
If you really want to experience something, you should make room for these two games: Twister and Kubb. While the former involves tangling up with your fellow players on the colour board - which will inevitably lead to laughter - Kubb is a small version of Viking chess. The players on one team try to hit and knock over the other team's wooden blocks with their throwing sticks. At the very end, the king in the centre has to be knocked over. Admittedly, at just under four and a half kilograms, this is the biggest and heaviest game idea - but with up to 12 players, it's sure to provide plenty of excitement! So it's well worth it.
Games of skill
CHF23.70
Hasbro Gaming Twister Twister Game
Icelandic, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish
Which games usually end up in your picnic basket? Tell me in the comments!
Cover image: Shutterstock
Cat lady and coffee lover from up north. Always on the lookout for «News and Trends».
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