Successful Family Picnics

Picnics are a great activity at every age, and can range from a simple sack lunch at the park, to a family barbecue at the beach. Whether with little kids, the entire extended family, or just as a romantic afternoon date, picnics can be fun and relaxing, if you are prepared.

• Check the Weather Forecast: It may seem obvious, but is often forgotten. Picnics are never quite as fun when it gets too hot or starts to rain. If it looks like rain but you are still determined to go, think about bringing umbrellas.
• Pick an Appropriate Location for your Family's Specific Needs: Remember that different locations are better for different types of picnics. Do you have little kids? Choose a location with a playground or a swingset for them to play on, and perhaps some bathrooms nearby. Are you wanting an afternoon of quiet solitude for your current book, or a park with a big field to play soccer on? Would big shady trees help keep the heat off on a sunny day, or is the air outside chilly enough that you would prefer open spaces to get some sun?
• What to Bring: Food is the most essential element to a picnic, so don't forget it! Picnic food can range from PB&J to barbecuing up hotdogs and hamburgers. Just remember to bring any necessary utensils, coolers, or cooking tools, as well as napkins and a garbage bag to clean up afterward (and maybe handwipes if the food will be messy). For entertainment, bring frisbees, balls, croquet, scrabble, books, or anything else that could possible be fun. If you are planning on sitting on blankets, consider bringing folding chairs for older grandparents or family members who have a hard time sitting on the ground. And of course, don't forget your camera!
• Other Ideas: If it gets hot in the afternoon, why not try a morning picnic? Pick up a box of donuts or bagels on the way, and enjoy the chirping of birds in the crisp morning air. Another idea is to stay home. It's even fun (especially for kids) to have a picnic in your own backyard. Growing up, we used to always pack a lunch and eat outside on the trampoline. If you're going on a hike, bring sack lunches and turn it into a picnic (but remember to bring extra water)!

Just remember to prepare, and you'll soon be enjoying picnics wherever you are. But keep in mind that not everything always goes as planned, and that's okay. Just learn to laugh and enjoy it anyway.