Having a picnic with your family can be a lot of fun.
For starters, it’s a great way to get out in the great outdoors and get some sunshine. And, even when the weather’s not all that great, it can still be nice just to have a little change of scenery.
Plus, there is simply something fun and wholesome about having a picnic with your family.
If you’d like to make your next family picnic the best one yet, read on for some great picnic lunch ideas that will take your lunch to the next level.
Pack the Right Foods
When it comes to a picnic, it’s all about the food. Fortunately, finding the perfect picnic food isn’t all that hard.
The key to selecting the right foods is to remember to keep it simple. You don’t want foods that are going to require a lot of bulky containers or even silverware.
In fact, your best bet is to bring food that you can eat with your fingers.
And, if you’re in need of picnic food ideas, there are plenty to choose from.
Some good finger food options include:
- Fried chicken
- Veggies and dip
- Fruit
- Chips
- Sandwiches or wraps
- Pickles
In addition to choosing food that are easy to eat, also be sure to pack foods that won’t go bad or pose a threat if left unrefrigerated or left out in the sun.
Mayonnaise and dips containing mayonnaise, almost any kind of dairy, or anything that melts is a big “no-no,” so keep temps and food safety in mind as you choose your picnic foods.
Also remember that you’ll probably want to keep it light in terms of what you eat.
Most of the time, when you’re picnicking, you’re going to be out in the sun, and there’s nothing worse than being overly full and overly hot at the same time.
Plus, if you’re like most families, after your picnic, you may want to do something like ride bikes, take a walk, go for a hike, or just run around and play with the kids. All of those things are a little harder to do on a full stomach, so it’s best to think lighter and healthier for your picnic lunch.
Take Some Shade Along
If you’re planning your picnic for a very hot day, make sure you either go somewhere with plenty of shade, like a nice picnic shelter or where you can sit under trees, or that you bring your own shade along.
You don’t have to do anything elaborate either. A simple umbrella or a small, easily portable tent can go a long way in keeping you and your family cool.
It’s not much fun to eat outside if all you can concentrate on is the heat, so this simple step will help you enjoy your picnic more.
As an added note, make sure you pack plenty of bottled water (you can freeze it overnight to keep it cold). It’s important to stay hydrated when you’re going to be out in the sun for long periods of time.
Don’t Forget the Blanket
If you’ve ever see a stock image of a family having a picnic, it probably included a blanket, often red and checkered.
While it might seem like the blanket is “just for show,” it’s not. A blanket is actually an essential item to bring on your picnic.
It’s nice to have a barrier between your body/clothes and the dirt, bugs, and potential moisture on the ground. If you don’t want to leave your picnic messy and maybe even covered in bug bites, a comfortable blanket is a must.
Go for something lightweight, easy to carry, and that dries quickly. It can be red and checkered if you want to keep with the tradition, but remember, light colors are best at keeping the heat at bay.
Consider Instituting a “No Technology” Rule
One final thing that may help make your picnic more enjoyable is if you institute a “no technology” rule while you’re eating.
Picnics are about spending time together as a family and actually talking.
By keeping kids off their phones and other gadgets, you can ensure you get in some real family time, and who knows? Your kids might even enjoy it!
If you want to be sneaky about it, you can always just go somewhere with zero signal or wifi.
As you can see, picnics can be an awesome outing for any family. However, they are sure to be even more awesome if you follow these simple but effective tips.
