School’s out and summer is here, which means it’s finally time to relax and have fun in the sun with family and friends, and what better way is there to pass a lazy summer afternoon than picnicking! Find out how to plan a picnic! International Picnic Day is June 18th, 2021!
National Picnic Day
Park It
The first order of business when planning a picnic is to figure out who wants to come. Once you have some pals interest when and where to go are next on the list. For example some of your friends may want shy away from the sun and hang out in the shade if they sunburn easily, other people may have their heart set on tossing the ol’ frisbee around or swimming. Most importantly, you all have to be able to get there! If your perfect picnic spot is far out in more ways than one, see if you can carpool. Picking a picnic place and time are half the battle!
Your local park is a great place to picnic
Summer Snacks
The key to picnic success is to have even more snacks than you may need and have fun with finger food. One of the best things about summer is all the fresh fruits and veggies, so take advantage and make some healthy homemade treats to munch on. Make things that are easy to carry and can last all day in cooler, and if possible have as little garbage as possible (remember, it’s your responsibility to leave your picnic area pristine). Here are some suggestions:
- Homemade Ice Tea
- Water
- Sandwiches (you can either pre-make them or bring the ingredients)
- Cut vegetables
- Dips (hummus, salsa, tzatziki)
- Sliced watermelon
- Peaches, apples, oranges, nectarines, grapes…you get the idea!
- Potato chips
- Bread
- Cheese
- Potato or pasta salad
- Bean salad
- Pickles
- Trail mix
Remember, you don’t have to do this all yourself, ask your friends or family to bring an item each so that everyone can try each other’s snacks (and you don’t get stuck with all the work)!
What is the best picnic food?
Awesome Activities
Spending all day on a grassy knoll is idyllic, but it can turn into being bored while you bake in the sun if you don’t have any activities. Consider bringing a soccer ball, a baseball and bat, a frisbee or any outdoor game that you love! If you and your friends aren’t sporty you can always while away the day reading a book, bring a pack of cards or bring an ipod and dock so you can listen to tunes while you chill out.
Picnic Checklist
- Transportation
- Bathing suit (if you’re near water)
- A sweater…it may be sweltering in the day but by the time the sun goes down you’ll be reaching for something warm
- Food
- A cooler or a picnic basket
- A blanket or towels to sit on
- Cutlery, paper plates, napkins
- A garbage bag (for any wrappers you may leave behind)
- Activity equipment: books, balls, cards etc
- iPod and dock
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Your friends!
Wherever you go just make sure to relax and have fun!
