A blanket in the grass, a full picnic basket and friends enjoying the afternoon — a picnic is pure relaxation. And with the right drinking games, a cosy get-together turns into an afternoon that flies by. At a picnic, the games that work best are the ones you play relaxed on the blanket: sociable party, role-play and guessing games that need no movement and bring the whole group together. Here you'll find the best picnic drinking games with full instructions.
Last updated: 6 June 2024
What makes a good picnic drinking game? A game that works sitting on the blanket and brings the relaxed group together — usually a role-play, guessing or observation game that needs hardly any equipment. Ideal when you want to enjoy the afternoon at an easy pace and still laugh together.
💡 By the way: that's exactly why we built the wooden mini skis — combined with a glass and a binding, they become the original wearable ski. More on that further down ↓
Picnic Drinking Games: Party Games for the Blanket
Werewolf (Picnic Edition)
The popular role-play game for larger groups: using dealt cards, everyone secretly becomes a villager or a werewolf. At night the werewolves "devour" a fellow player, and during the day the village discusses who looks suspicious and votes. Anyone unmasked as a werewolf, or wrongly accused, takes a sip. A game full of bluffing, discussion and laughter — perfect for a sociable round on the blanket.
Wink Murder
A wonderfully subtle game: a "murderer" is secretly chosen (for example by drawing a card). They "kill" others by winking at them unnoticed — whoever gets winked at has to (after a short delay, so as not to give the murderer away) take a sip and is then "out". The others try to unmask the murderer. Whoever wrongly accuses someone drinks themselves. Quiet, tense and ideal for a picnic.
The Speed Quiz
For a quick round in between: the quizmaster fires off questions at a fast pace, and everyone has to answer straight away, taking turns. Whoever hesitates, gets it wrong or stumbles takes a sip. The topics can range from general knowledge to "Who knows who best?" — whatever suits the mood of the group.
At the Outdoor trade show in Riva for B2B, then afterparty and Aperol … – @apresallstars
Good to know: the wooden mini skis really come into their own with a glass and a binding — that's when they become the wearable original ski.
Calm Guessing & Storytelling Games
I'm Going on a Picnic
The classic memory game in its summer version: "I'm going on a picnic and I'm taking …", everyone repeats the list and adds one more item. Whoever forgets one or mixes up the order takes a sip. After a few rounds, guaranteed laughs.
Two Truths and a Lie
Perfect for getting to know the group better: taking turns, everyone tells three things about themselves — two are true, one is made up. The others guess which one is the lie. Whoever gets it wrong drinks. Guaranteed to bring out some surprising stories.
The Cloud Bet
A relaxed game for looking up: everyone picks a cloud and says what they see in it. The group votes on which interpretation is the most creative — the most boring one takes a sip. A game that fits perfectly with the laid-back picnic mood.
How to Make the Picnic Perfect
A successful picnic thrives on a relaxed atmosphere, and that comes together with just a few ingredients. What matters is a large, weatherproof blanket (ideally with a tarp underneath in case the ground is damp), enough space for everyone and a basket of easy finger food you can eat without cutlery. When it comes to drinks outdoors, the rule is: unbreakable cups and bottles instead of glass, because in the grass you can easily miss broken shards. Since a picnic often means sitting in the sun for hours, sun protection, a shady spot (or a parasol) and plenty of water are essential. The games featured here are deliberately calm, so they match the relaxed mood and don't rush anyone — a picnic, after all, is about enjoying yourself. And if you're in a public place, remember to pack up all the rubbish again at the end, so the meadow stays nice for everyone. With this mix of good food, calm games and a bit of consideration, the picnic afternoon becomes exactly what it should be: pure relaxation.
Good to know: the wooden mini skis really come into their own with a glass and a binding — that's when they become the wearable original ski.
Tips for the Picnic Party
- Choose calm games: role-play and guessing games suit the picnic mood better than frantic competitions.
- Unbreakable materials: outdoors, sturdy cups and wooden gadgets belong instead of glass.
- Sun protection & water: when sitting in the sun for hours, apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
- Weatherproof blanket: a tarp underneath the blanket keeps out damp ground.
- Play alcohol-free too: all the games work just as well with spritzer or juice, so everyone can join in.
Tip from experience: labelling one of the four blank discs on the Miniski Roulette with just your own inside jokes turns every evening into a game of your own.
More Drinking Game Inspiration
You'll find more game rules at Drinking Games Without Equipment and The Best Drinking Games. For the park, check out the Park Drinking Games, and for a relaxed day the Summer Drinking Games.
FAQ
Which drinking games suit a picnic?
Calm party and guessing games like Werewolf, Wink Murder, the Speed Quiz, "I'm Going on a Picnic", "Two Truths and a Lie" and the Cloud Bet. They work in a relaxed way on the blanket.
Which games work sitting on the blanket?
All role-play, guessing and observation games: Werewolf, Wink Murder, Two Truths and a Lie, and the Cloud Bet need no movement and fit perfectly with the picnic mood.
What is Wink Murder?
A quiet game in which a secret "murderer" "eliminates" others by winking at them — whoever gets winked at drinks and is out. The group tries to unmask the murderer.
What should you watch out for at a picnic?
A weatherproof blanket, unbreakable cups instead of glass, sun protection and plenty of water, and taking your rubbish with you again in public places.
Which drinking gadget suits a picnic?
Compact, unbreakable wooden gadgets like Miniskis to wear around your neck or a Miniski Roulette. They fit in the basket and need no power.
Do the games work without alcohol too?
Yes, all picnic drinking games work just as well with spritzer, juice or water. That way everyone can join in, including those who don't drink or are still driving.
Related articles:
Drinking Games Without Equipment ·
Park Drinking Games ·
Summer Drinking Games