Enjoy an Outdoor Picnic

Enjoy a picnic outdoors with the ideas for families, friends, and couples below.

Going on a picnic with your family, friends, or as a couple is a lovely way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. My family loves to pack up our cooler, get on our bikes, and head out for the day to one of our many favorite spots to chow down and enjoy the outdoors.

Best Places for a Picnic:

• Beaches
• Parks
• Lakes
• The top of a mountain after a nice hike up
• Beside a river
• Meadows
• Forests
• Deserts
• Rest stops in the middle of a road trip

The options are endless. You can even have a picnic in your backyard if you wish. Below is a picture of a picnic my family went on many years ago. It’s not the best picture ever; the lighting is awful, and I didn’t stylize it, but it’s real. I took it with my cell phone to show a friend what we were up to that day while my husband and daughter were enjoying a swim.

After I took this photo, I joined them in the water. We were at Sycamore Pool in Bidwell Park in Chico, CA. It’s a lovely place if you ever find yourself in the central valley of Northern California. After enjoying the water, we enjoyed a lovely picnic in the park.

Easy Picnic Tips:

• Prepare everything ahead of time.
• Use a soft cooler or insulated backpack to keep food and drinks nicely chilled.
• Bring a cutting board and a knife; they always come in handy.
  • We usually bring one sharp folding blade and a butter knife for safe travel.
• Don’t forget spoons and forks if what you’re eating requires them.
• Bring wet wipes for easy hand washing.
• Wrap sandwiches in paper so they don’t fall apart.
• Pack lots of fruit and finger foods – mason jar meals are another great option.
• Pack drinks in mason jars with lids, canteens, or an insulated thermos.
• Invest in a quality picnic blanket or make your own. Open sleeping bags are another great option. Whatever you use, ensure it doesn’t allow water to seep through so you stay dry when the ground is damp.
• Find a shady or partially shady spot – too much sun will ruin anyone’s day.
• Don’t forget the sunblock and bug spray.
• If you plan to stay a while, bring a game or a deck of cards and something for the kids to keep them entertained.
• Bring a bag to put your trash in.
• Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
• Enjoy yourself!

Picnics are one of the easiest ways to get outside & connect regularly. They are always a good time and never get old. Plan one today! You might also enjoy these outdoor activity ideas.