Summer is the perfect time for outdoor adventures and spending time with friends and family. What better way to enjoy the warm weather than by having a picnic? A summer picnic allows you to soak up the sun, savor tasty treats, and make lasting memories. However, a successful picnic requires some planning and packing the essentials. In this article, we will go over everything you need to know to plan the ultimate summer picnic.
Picking the Perfect Picnic Spot
Choosing the right location sets the stage for your perfect picnic. Consider these factors when deciding where to host your outdoor feast:
Accessibility
Pick a spot that is easy to get to by foot or by car. Lugging a lot of food and supplies a long distance can quickly dampen the fun. Prioritize locations with parking nearby or that are an easy walk from home or public transit.
Scenery
Look for places with pleasing natural features and scenery. Parks, beaches, lakesides, botanical gardens, and hiking trails all make scenic picnic spots. Consider spots with water views, interesting rock formations, gardens, or woodlands.
Shade
Shade is a must for summer picnics. Plan your picnic in a shaded grove of trees, under a pavilion, or bring a pop-up canopy. This will keep your food from spoiling and offer refuge from the midday sun.
Facilities
Site amenities like restrooms, drinking fountains, picnic tables, and grills can elevate your picnic experience. Seek out spots with amenities like play structures or sports fields if you have active kids.
Shelter
Keep the forecast in mind when choosing your location. Seek sheltered spots like covered picnic areas or inside a gazebo in case of rain.
Privacy
For a peaceful picnic, avoid crowded areas. Look for secluded spots away from noisy roads or attractions. Arrive early or on a weekday for more privacy.
Regulations
Check rules about alcohol, sports, and clean-up before heading to public parks. Steer clear of private property or sensitive natural areas.
Packing a Picnic Basket
A well-stocked picnic basket is key to an enjoyable meal outdoors. Build your basket around tasty portable foods that don’t require reheating.
Beverages
Stay hydrated with refreshing portable drinks:
- Water: Bottle up cold water and freeze some bottles to double as icepacks.
- Juice: Pack single-serve boxes or bottles.
- Iced tea: Brew tea ahead and chill in a thermos.
- Lemonade: Mix up homemade lemonade and pack in a drink dispenser.
- Wine/beer: Bring adult beverages in cans or use a discreet wine bottle.
Meats
Hearty proteins make satisfying picnic fare:
- Deli meats like turkey, ham, roast beef for sandwiches.
- Chicken salad stuffed in a hollowed-out baguette.
- Hard boiled eggs for protein packed finger-food.
- Grilled hamburgers or hot dogs if there is a grill onsite.
Cheeses
Cheeses pair perfectly with meats and crackers:
- Cheddar, Swiss, Pepper Jack: Get pre-sliced wedges or blocks.
- Cream cheese: Use for spreads and dips.
- Mozzarella, Feta: Great for skewering in snacks.
- Soft spreadable cheese: Try Boursin or goat cheese.
Fruits and Veggies
For lighter picnic fare, pack:
- Chopped fruit salads like watermelon, berries, pineapple, grapes.
- Vegetable trays with carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes.
- Dips and dressings like ranch, hummus, guacamole.
- Fruit kabobs for an insta-worthy snack.
- Sliced veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, radishes.
Breads and Grains
Carbs complete your picnic:
- Sandwich breads, rolls, pitas, wraps, bagels for making sandwiches.
- Crackers like wheat thins, pita chips, pretzel crisps for snacking.
- Chips like potato chips, tortilla chips, veggie chips.
- Pasta salads like pesto tortellini or caprese farfalle salad.
Spreads and Dips
Flavor boosters to liven up crackers and sandwiches:
- Mayonnaise, mustard, salad dressings to spread on bread.
- Pesto, olive tapenade, sundried tomato spread for veggie pitas or crackers.
- Guacamole, salsa, hummus for dipping crunchy veggies or chips.
- Peanut butter, nutella, jelly for sweet sandwich options.
Sweets and Treats
Satisfy sweet tooths with:
- Freshly baked cookies, brownies, muffins
- Fruit pies like apple, cherry, or peach
- Cakes that travel well like pound cake
- Candy like jelly beans, chocolates, lollipops
- Marshmallows for roasting over the campfire
Equipment
Don’t forget the essentials for transporting and serving your picnic:
- Insulated cooler bags with ice packs
- Beverage dispensers or jugs with spouts
- Reusable water bottles
- Blanket or picnic mat
- Plates, napkins, cups, cutlery
- Trash bags
- Bottle opener and corkscrew
- Picnic basket, backpack, or wagon for transport
Picnic Activities
Picnics are the perfect chance to relax and play outdoors. Pack supplies for fun activities:
Lawn Games
Classics like cornhole, ladder golf, croquet, bocce ball, frisbee.
Water Fun
Life jackets, pool noodles, water guns if swimming is accessible.
Sports Gear
Football, soccer ball, volleyball, badminton set.
Art Supplies
Chalk, bubbles, coloring books and crayons for kids.
Portable Speakers
For playing upbeat music.
Yard Games
Bocce ball, spikeball, kanjam, ladder toss.
Group Games
Bring a frisbee, playing cards, ring toss, or cornhole.
Books and Magazines
For quiet relaxing.
Hammock
String one up between trees for lounging.
Setting up for Success
A few simple steps will ensure your picnic runs smoothly:
- Arrive early to scout the spot and allow time to unpack.
- Spread out blankets and weigh down corners with heavy objects.
- Transfer perishable foods to picnic coolers right away.
- Set up shade canopy if needed.
- Organize food, drinks, supplies for easy self-serve access.
- Share the picnic schedule to coordinate activities.
- Use weighted plates and cups on uneven terrain.
- Set garbage and recycling bins at edge of blanket for easy clean-up.
Cleanup and Aftercare
Don’t let litter ruin your picnic site for others. Follow leave no trace principles:
- Pack out all garbage or place in marked bins.
- Take recyclables with you if no bins available.
- Clean grills or picnic areas if used.
- Pick up any stray trash others may have left.
- Be careful with food scraps to avoid attracting animals.
- Leave nothing behind but footprints.
Picnic Safety Tips
Make sure your picnic is accident and illness-free with these precautions:
- Pack a first aid kit with bandages and medications.
- Bring enough water and hydrating drinks to prevent heat issues.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and hats to prevent sunburns.
- Know signs of heat stroke and get help immediately if it occurs.
- Bring an epi-pen for any guests with food allergies.
- Keep food chilled at proper temperatures to prevent spoilage.
- Wash hands before eating.
- Watch children around water and ensure proper supervision.
- Wear shoes instead of flip-flops for play activities.
- Bring a phone charger and keep devices charged.
Planning a Menu
Carefully curating your picnic food and beverages ensures variety and satisfaction. Follow these tips:
- Think portable. Avoid messy or crumbly foods. Prioritize finger foods.
- Consider food safety. Skip ingredients like dairy, mayo if warm.
- Mix hot and cold dishes. Balance out temperatures for comfort.
- Include multiple courses. Appetizers, sides, mains, desserts for variety.
- Accommodate diets. Have options for vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan guests.
- Make it seasonal.Highlight summer produce like corn, berries, melons, tomatoes.
- Think beyond sandwiches. Add pasta salads, grilled kebabs, snacks, and more.
- Satisfy all cravings. Provide sweet, salty, crunchy, creamy, and filling choices.
- Simplify preparation. Make items ahead or purchase ready-made sides and desserts.
Kid Friendly Picnic Ideas
Let little ones enjoy picnics with these tips:
- Pack finger snacks they can nibble anytime like crackers, fruits, cheese, yogurt.
- Bring sippy cups or lidded cups to prevent spills of drinks.
- Wet wipes and moist towelettes help clean sticky fingers and faces.
- Set up a blanket just for kids to eat on and play picnic games.
- Hand out “jobs” like snack helper, game instructor, or sandwich passer-outer.
- Schedule active games early before rest time. Have books or toys for quiet time after eating.
- Child seats and booster seats strapped to benches keep wiggly ones contained at mealtime.
Vegetarian Picnic Food Ideas
Picnics can easily accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets. Some tasty meatless options include:
- Grilled veggie kabobs with zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms
- Cold veggie sandwiches like cucumber tea sandwiches
- Pasta salads with pesto, vegetables, and cheese
- Bean salads featuring chickpeas or white beans
- Vegetarian sushi rolls
- Fresh fruits like melon, berries, pineapple
- Savory tarts with tomato, onion, spinach
- Cheese boards with nuts and dried fruits
- Stuffed peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini boats
- Tabbouleh salad with bulgur wheat, parsley, tomatoes
- Hummus with pita chips and fresh vegetable dippers
Romantic Picnic Date Ideas
Picnics make wonderfully romantic date activities. Create the perfect romantic picnic:
Scenic Spot
Pick a secluded garden, lakeside, field of wildflowers or mountain vista.
Tasty Treats
Pack a cheese and fruit platter, chocolate-dipped strawberries, champagne.
Cozy Seating
Bring cushions, pillows, thick blankets to lounge on. String up twinkle lights.
Portable Speaker
Play soft acoustic music or curated date playlists.
Picnic Extras
Pack a journal to write love notes, polaroid camera for sweet snapshots, and sunscreen to share.
Sunset Timing
Schedule your picnic during golden hour for romantic sunset views.
Stargazing
Linger after dark and stargaze laying on blankets. Bring a telescope.
Romance Add-ons
Rose petals, candle in a mason jar, poetry book, flowers.
Movie Night Picnic
Host an outdoor movie night picnic with these tips:
The Setup
- Find a spot with a blank wall or hang a white sheet.
- Set out blankets or lawn chairs facing the screen area.
- Use a portable projector or prop up a TV/laptop on a stand.
Sound System
- Use a portable speaker or Bluetooth speaker system.
- Or, listen via wireless headphones if late at night.
Snacks
- Popcorn, candy, nachos, hotdogs, snow cones.
- Drinks like soda, lemonade, iced tea, hot chocolate.
Extras
- Glow sticks, flashlight tag for before the movie.
- Cozy blankets, pillows for snuggling up.
- Bug spray, citronella candles to ward off mosquitos.
Rainy Day Picnic Ideas
Don’t let weather ruin your plans. Take your picnic inside with these tips:
Location
- Host indoors at home, at the office, community center, or church basement.
- Move to a sheltered patio or gazebo outside if just light rain.
Food
- Focus on finger foods, sandwiches, snacks instead of hot grilled food.
- Include warm food and drinks like chili, soup, hot cider, coffee.
Activities
- Board games, trivia, karaoke, dancing to music playlists.
- Arts and crafts like painting pottery or tie-dyeing shirts.
- Group games like charades, pictionary, scavenger hunts.
Vibe
- Use votives, lanterns, string lights to mimic outdoor ambiance.
- Spread out floor pillows and cozy blankets to lounge on.
- Play acoustic guitar or nature sounds in the background.
Picnic Essentials Packing List
Use this checklist to pack the perfect picnic:
Food and Drinks
- [ ] Beverages: water, juice, iced tea, lemonade, wine
- [ ] Proteins: chicken, deli meat, boiled eggs, tuna salad
- [ ] Produce: fruits, veggie slices, skewers, salad greens
- [ ] Bread: buns, rolls, bagels, sandwich bread
- [ ] Cheeses and dips
- [ ] Chips, crackers, pretzels
- [ ] Condiments: dressings, mustards, mayo
- [ ] Sweets: cookies, fruit pies, cakes
- [ ] Cutlery, plates, napkins, cups
Equipment
- [ ] Cooler with ice
- [ ] Picnic basket or backpack
- [ ] Blanket or tarp
- [ ] Portable grill or camp stove (optional)
- [ ] Shade canopy (optional)
- [ ] Water jug, thermos
- [ ] Trash bags
- [ ] Picnic tablecloth (optional)
Activities
- [ ] Games: cornhole, frisbee, volleyball
- [ ] Sports gear: football, soccer ball
- [ ] Bluetooth speaker
- [ ] Art supplies: bubbles, chalk, coloring books
Extras
- [ ] Sunscreen and hat
- [ ] Insect repellent
- [ ] First aid kit
- [ ] Wet wipes
- [ ] Phone charger
Picnic Food Safety Tips
Prevent foodborne illnesses with these food safety precautions:
- Store perishable cold foods on ice in coolers, not just resting in the shade.
- Discard foods that sit out over 2 hours. The heat multiplies bacteria growth.
- Keep raw meats sealed and packed below prepared items to prevent cross-contamination.
- Avoid ingredients made with mayonnaise or dairy if hotter than 90°F outside.
- Wash all produce and surfaces that touch raw meats thoroughly before serving.
- Bring hand sanitizer and wet wipes for cleaning hands before meals.
- When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t risk getting sick from questionable ingredients.
Expert Picnic Planning Advice
As experienced picnic planners, we recommend:
- Set out non-perishable snacks first so food is readily available upon arrival.
- Freeze water bottles ahead to use as icepacks in coolers. Their gradual thaw keeps drinks icy cold all day.
- Pack plates and cutlery last so they are easily accessible at mealtime.
- Bring 2-3 different shades of sunscreen to suit all skin tones if with a group.
- Print a visible allergy list to avoid cross-contamination of foods for guests with allergies.
- Use backpack coolers to free hands for carrying other supplies. Their straps make transport easy.
- Fill beverage containers with ice before pouring in drinks to maximize chilled time.
- Set up drink stations at both ends of the picnic area so all guests have easy access.
- Use weighted cups and plates on uneven ground to prevent spilling. Weigh down with pebbles beneath the plate.
Frequently Asked Picnic Planning Questions
Still have questions? Here are answers to some commonly asked picnic questions:
What is the best month for a picnic?
The prime picnic months are May through October when the weather is reliably warm and sunny. June-August are peak season with comfortable temperatures.
What should you not bring to a picnic?
Avoid ingredients that easily spoil in the heat like potato salad, custards, cream pies. Don’t bring pets as they can scare wildlife and bother other groups. Leave pricey belongings at home that could get lost or damaged.
How do I organize a large group picnic?
For big groups: Send invites with all details weeks ahead. Ask guests to sign up to bring specific items to share the workload. Arrive early to get a big enough spot. Have games planned and get key information like parking details out early.
