Preschool-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Teddy Bear Picnic Day 

If your child’s teddy bear could talk, today would be their favorite day of the year! Teddy Bear Picnic Day is here, and it’s the perfect excuse to slow down, pack a basket, and enjoy some screen-free fun with your little ones and their furry friends. From backyard adventures to cozy classroom picnics, there are so many playful ways to celebrate. 

And here’s a fun little fat you should know. Teddy bears got their name from President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt! Over 100 years ago, he showed kindness to a bear cub on a hunting trip and that moment inspired a toy maker to create the very first “Teddy” bear. That’s how our favorite plush pals got their name and became a classic part of childhood ever since. Now let’s explore ways you can celebrate Teddy Bear Picnic Day!  

A Little Teddy Bear Picnic Day History 

Teddy Bear Picnic Day was inspired by the classic children’s tune The Teddy Bears’ Picnic, written in the early 1900s. The song’s gentle melody and whimsical lyrics captured hearts and over the years, it grew into a real-life tradition. Today, families across the United States celebrate July 10 by heading outside with their kids and favorite plush bears in hand. It’s a simple but magical way to spark pretend play, enjoy the outdoors, and create a little wonder in the everyday. Give it a listen!  

Fun Family Picnic Ideas for Preschoolers 

Planning a teddy bear picnic doesn’t have to be fancy. Just spread out a soft blanket in the backyard or at the park, and pack a few favorite books, some bubbles, and easy snacks. A small table with mini chairs can turn your setup into a full-on teddy bear tea party, or let your child take the lead with a storytime just for their bear guests. This is also a great chance to sneak in some fun learning. Bring along bear-themed books like We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson, or Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle. You can add simple bear-themed coloring pages, scavenger hunts, or silly games like “Teddy Says,” a preschool twist on Simon Says, to keep little ones happily engaged. 

Easy and Adorable Teddy Bear Picnic Food 

No picnic is complete without snacks, and little hands love to help in the kitchen. Choose simple, tasty treats that your preschooler can help prepare to make the fun start before the picnic even begins. Teddy bear–shaped sandwiches are always a hit—use cookie cutters to shape peanut butter and jelly, turkey and cheese, or even cream cheese and strawberries into cute bear faces. Fruit kabobs with grapes, strawberries, and banana slices are colorful, healthy, and easy for little ones to assemble. Add cheese cubes, crackers, and mini muffins to round out the picnic basket. For a sweet surprise, try baking “bear paw” cookies using chocolate chips and a large chocolate candy as the paw pad. Or decorate plain cupcakes with frosting and use mini cookies or candy pieces to make bear faces—kids love helping with the decorating, and it’s a great way to tie in the theme. 

Don’t forget the drinks! Pack juice boxes, or make a pretend tea station with cups of chilled water and lemon slices. You can even add a splash of apple juice and call it “bear blend tea.” To keep things mess-free, use small reusable containers and cloth napkins—bonus points for anything with a bear print! Creating a special teddy bear picnic food menu doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little imagination, snack time becomes just as fun (and memorable) as storytime and games. 

Hosting a Teddy Bear Tea Party 

Take the picnic up a notch by hosting a cozy teddy bear tea party. Lay out pretend teacups, set the table with play dishes, and let your child serve their bears like real guests. You can send out handmade invitations to make it feel extra official—whether you’re inviting neighbors, besties, or keeping it small with siblings and stuffed animals. Encourage your preschooler to dress up their bears (and themselves!) for the occasion. It’s all about turning an ordinary day into something a little magical. 

Where Every Day Feels Like a Bear-y Special Adventure 

At Creative World School, we love turning everyday moments into magical learning experiences just like a teddy bear picnic! Our classrooms are designed to spark imagination, encourage curiosity, and make every child feel right at home. If your little one loves hands-on fun, storytelling, and themed adventures like this, they’ll fit right in. Schedule a tour at a Creative World School near you and come see how we bring learning to life, one playful day at a time.