As the seasons start to change, the threat of cooler weather begins. Fall is still a great time to head outside for a picnic with the family. In fact, the warm sunlight and cool breezes make it one of the most comfortable times of the year for outdoor recreation. You need yummy food, of course, but there are several things to bring for a picnic that you may not have thought of yet. This checklist will help.
The Best Picnic Food
The whole point of this type of outing is the food! Bring a cooler full of drinks and favorite easy meals like sandwiches, bowls of cut fruit, and salads. If you’re not going far, a traditional basket may work well. Just pack things that don’t need to stay chilled. Make sure to bring extra water. Even though it’s not as hot as summertime, you still need to stay hydrated.
Food and Drink Checklist:
· Sandwiches
· Cut fruit and vegetables
· Cold salads like potato or pasta (in cooler)
· Chips and pretzels
· Cookies or pudding cups (in cooler)
· Water!
Basic Gear Every Picnic Needs
Safe food storage containers top the list, but you also need plates, utensils, and cups if you don’t bring individual water bottles. Choose melamine or plastic dishes so you don’t have to worry about breakage. They’re also lighter to carry.
A classic picnic blanket with a waterproof backing makes sitting on the ground anywhere comfortable. If you’re heading to a park with tables available, it still makes sense to bring a table cloth or flat sheet to keep things hygienic.
Picnic Gear Checklist:
· Picnic blanket or waterproof tablecloth
· Plates, cups, forks, spoons, and knives (depending on food)
· Paper towels or napkins
· Condiments, salt and pepper, spices
· Extra zipper bags or food containers
Family Fun Things to Take for a Picnic
Recreation in the great outdoors this fall works well with an al fresco meal. Classic options include frisbees, balls to toss or kick around, yard games like cornhole or ring toss, and kites. Remember that you’ll have to carry all this to the spot, so you might want to stick with lighter options.
However, if you’re near paved paths, consider other options like Nattork roller skates for kids. This can keep the young people busy while the older ones play cards or chat. Bicycles are probably too large to transport in the family car with all the other picnic gear.
Essential Safety and Cleanup Gear
Although not as fun as food and toys, no checklist for things to bring for a picnic would be complete without these necessary items. For your own health and safety, bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellant. Hand sanitizer or wipes are necessary between playtime and eating. Always bring a first aid kit when heading out with your family. Cleaning up after the picnic is as important as setting up right. Bring garbage bags and take everything back out with you.
Health and Safety Checklist:
· Alcohol or sanitizing wipes
· Antibiotic wound cream
· Bandages
· Anti-itch cream or spray
· Sunscreen (apply early and often)
· Insect repellant (bring fly swatters and spray for the area too)
Fall is a wonderful time to head outside with family and friends and have a picnic at the park, a nearby nature area, or your own backyard. Bring the right type of travel-safe foods, plenty of fun toys and activities like Nattork roller skates for adults and kids, and safety and cleanup items, and you will have a memorable time.
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