The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, a gentle breeze is rolling across the grass and your family is…sitting inside? If you find your family in a sloth-like slump, it’s time to take a spontaneous picnic!
Picnics are a great excuse to enjoy the outdoors with your family, and they don’t need to be planned out. In fact, it’s easy to have a last minute adventure with your family—all you need is a blanket, a basket, and a meal.
In celebration of National Picnic Month this August, dust off your favorite picnic gear and get outside!
We’ve put together a few tips to make your spontaneous family picnic a success.
1. Pack simple picnic foods
Forget the gourmet food, and pack the classic PB&J or another straightforward sandwich. The picnic is about the experience—not necessarily the cuisine. Include fruits and veggies that are simple to pack and devour, like bananas, apples, and carrots. Simple and nutritious options go a long way, and the water content of fruits and veggies will help keep your kids hydrated.
2. Teamwork makes the dream work
You don’t have to be the only one doing the work for this last minute picnic! Give your kids a task so they feel part of the team. You can even get creative and make a relay out of it. However you choose to do it, making this job a team effort will help you get to the fun part faster.
3. Prepare your “go” basket
If you want to make last minute picnics more frequent, consider packing a “go” picnic basket or bag of goodies so you don’t have to hunt down the old picnic blanket every time. Fill the bag with non-perishable picnic essentials, like blankets, silverware, plates, napkins, and more.
4. Choose a creative location
Your picnic doesn’t have to be confined to the picnic tables at the park! Find a location that fits your time and driving limits—it can even be in your backyard! Wherever your family chooses to go, make the most of your fun in the sun.
5. Enjoy the experience
The most important part of your spontaneous picnic is the time spent with your family. These memories will last a lifetime—certainly more than the television show your kids were vegging-out to while inside. Encourage everyone to be in the moment and savor the time with your kids while enjoying the great outdoors.
Keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be out the door and on your way to a great family picnic in no time!
