How to Plan The Perfect Family Picnic

Summertime and picnics: is there a better duo? Especially after so much time apart, we’re sure that everyone’s summer calendar will be jam-packed with safe and enjoyable picnic dates.

So in honour of International Picnic Day on June 18th, we’re compiling some simple strategies for packing the perfect picnic. Keep reading for a little picnic inspo.

 

Keep It Easy

 

It’s tempting to get ‘picnic envy’ after a little time on Pinterest. Yes, it’s lovely to dream about magazine-worthy picnic spreads. But you’re not after a photo-shoot. You’re after some leisurely time together in the sun, creating memories and enjoying the weather.  

So the first tip for packing the perfect picnic is to keep it easy! Pack blankets that you don’t mind getting dirty. Choose food that is easy to pack and easy to eat. Sandwiches, frittatas and potato salads are picnic mainstays for a reason (but try to find mayo-free versions of any salads). 

To reduce waste, melamine or enamel plates are a light, easy-to-pack alternative to disposable plates. Make sure to also bring utensils, and some paper or reusable cups. 

Don’t forget to pack some trash bags, and make sure you’re stocked up on plenty of paper towels and cloth napkins. And we’ve never heard of a mom who had too many wet wipes on hand!

 

Keep It Cool

 

Picnic baskets may be pretty, but they’re much less practical than a good, sturdy cooler. If possible, opt for two coolers – one for your food and one for your drinks. Your drinks need to stay cooler, and they tend to be heavier, so keeping things separate can make packing much easier. 

And get creative with your drinks’ cooler! Ice packs are great, but so are water bottles half-filled with water and frozen the night before, so you can drink them as they melt. 

Packing some ice pops is another fun way to keep your cooler cool! They, too, can be enjoyed even as they’re melting – find us a kid who doesn’t love slush, or an adult who wouldn’t mind a slushie grown-up beverage!

 

Keep It Healthy

 

Picnics are meant to be fun, but fun doesn’t have to mean high-fructose corn syrup and crashing on sugar. 

Take those ice pops, for example. Our SuperFruit Freezies are made with 100% organic fruit, with no added sugars, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives (and hint: they’re available on Amazon). 

It’s always fun to snack on crunchy vegetables like celery sticks and cucumber slices. Prepare them in advance and store them in the cooler. 

And like we mentioned, salads are another great picnic option. Try to avoid leafy greens, which can get droopy quickly. Thankfully, the internet is replete with recipes for healthy alternatives, such as orzo salads, bean salads, quinoa salads, potato salads and fruit salads. The list of ways to get some healthy options into your yummy picnic menu is practically endless.

 

Keep It Fun

 

While adults might relish lounging in the sun for hours, kids need to play! Pack rackets and balls, horseshoes, jump ropes, and shovels and buckets if you’re hitting the beach. You know your kids best, so make sure they have what they need to stay active and entertained.

And a final picnic-packing-pro-tip: bring sunscreen and bug spray. There’s nothing fun about sunburns and bug bites.