Top 5 Spots for Spring Family Picnics

Spring is such an ideal time for a picnic, especially for families.  The weather is spectacular, giving us mild temperatures, cool breezes and the warmth of the sun.  Nature is putting on a dazzling display of color, texture and new life – and it’s a wonderful opportunity for a child to explore.  We think that spring family picnics should be about the wonder of the natural world.  Get your family out there to see the birds, butterflies, flowers and everything else this season has to offer.  Here are 5 of our favorite places to take the kids on a memorable family picnic.

1. Botanical Gardens – More than likely, you’ve got one of these near you.  These beautiful natural settings are most often tended by universities or the city, and they’re ripe with learning opportunities.  As you walk along wooded paths you’ll see placards identifying many of the plants, and you might even see some bunnies or other local wildlife going about their business as you walk.  Lay out your picnic blanket on a grassy knoll and play a game of I-Spy.  The botanical gardens might just become one of your favorite natural destinations for family fun, and admission is usually free.
2. National or State Park - Not only do national and state parks offer stunning scenic drives, they’ve got picnic spots galore.  You’ll also often find bike trails, observation areas, learning centers and boardwalks.  You might spot bears, deer, bison or other impressive wildlife depending on where you live.  Give the kids some binoculars and encourage their sense of adventure.  Don’t stay in the car the whole time – most kids find that boring, and they won’t learn nearly as much.
3. Zoo – You know how the zoo smells in the summer?  Well, it’s not nearly as bad in the spring, and you’ll avoid the cranky, sweaty, “I’m hot” complaints that come with summer excursions.  Spring is the time to go! The petting zoo will be far more pleasant for everyone involved.  Bring along a picnic lunch (most zoos allow this, as long as you stick to the picnic tables and don’t, say, offer your sandwiches to the monkeys). 
4. Outdoor Festivals – Contact your local chamber of commerce or keep an eye on your local paper; you’re bound to find plenty of festivals to attend that are kid-friendly.  They cost next to nothing to get into, there’s plenty to entertain you as well as the kids and bringing a lunch will keep the costs down as well (and help you avoid those fried sugar-coated confections).
5. Your Own Backyard – Sounds uneventful, but your backyard can be a totally fun place to have a picnic, especially for younger kids.  They’ll delight in laying out the blanket and drinking out of ‘real’ cups.  Plan an activity like planting vegetable seeds, studying insects or something else geared toward nature to keep them busy.

For family-friendly picnic gear like coolers on wheels, picnic sets for 4 and more, check out PicnicFun.com.