Picnic Fun - Tips and Recipes

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.

Winter Picnics with Kids: Safety Tips

Winter is a particularly exciting time of year to be a kid.  Once the snow has fallen and their world has turned into a white winter wonderland, they’re going to be eager to get out there and make snowmen, have snowball fights, ice skate and go sledding.  Winter picnics are a great way to keep kids fueled, hydrated and warm while they’re enjoying outdoor activities – but it’s important to keep a few safety tips in mind.

Staying Warm

The rule of thumb for dressing older babies and young children is to dress them as warm as you dress yourself to feel comfortable, plus one extra layer.  They should be wearing several thin layers including thermal underwear, snowsuits or coats, warm socks and boots.

Watch for signs of hypothermia.  They include shivering, lethargy, reduced coordination and slurred speech.  If you suspect that a child under your care is hypothermic, call 911 immediately.  Get the child to a warm indoor space, remove any wet clothing and wrap him in a blanket.

Keep an eye on the kids’ extremities – the ears, nose, and fingers.  Signs of frostbite include pale, grey or blistered skin and numbness.  If you suspect frostbite, place the suspected frostbitten areas in warm (not hot) water or apply warm washcloths.  Don’t rub the area; dry the child and cover him in a blanket after a few minutes.  Call a doctor if the numbness does not improve after a few minutes.

You may want to bring a warm picnic blanket along with you (or two, depending on how many people are in your group) so that the kids can periodically snuggle up with you when they’re feeling chilly.

Safe Winter Fun

When packing hot soups, stews, beverages or other hot food into thermoses, make sure you check the temp before allowing children to begin eating or drinking.  Insulated vacuum flasks, mugs and other containers can keep food surprisingly hot for long periods of time, so it could still cause a burn hours later if it was piping hot when you packed it.

If the kids are wearing scarves or hats with dangling strings, remove them before allowing the children to go down slides and other playground equipment to avoid the risk of strangulation.  Neck warmers are preferable to scarves for young children, since they don’t pose this risk.  When buying winter clothes for kids, look for zippers or velcro fasteners rather than drawstrings and ties.

Have the kids hold your hands (or the hands of other adults or older children present) when walking across potentially slick icy surfaces.

Consider having the kids wear helmets if they’ll be ice skating or sledding.  They should always sled feet-first, sitting up using a steerable sled – not an inner tube or improvised sled.  Choose the area they’ll be sledding on wisely- make sure there are no trees, motor vehicles or pedestrians on or at the base of the incline.  The incline shouldn’t be too steep – about 30 degrees is good.

Never allow children to ice skate or walk on frozen bodies of water that haven’t been officially approved for ice skating.  You can check with your local police department if you aren’t sure.

Don’t allow kids to play in or on snow banks, make tunnels in the snow or build snow forts.  The snow could easily collapse on top of them, and drivers of snow plows and other vehicles may not be able to see them.

Don’t forget the sunscreen!  Sunburns are possible in cold weather, too – and all that snow and ice reflects the sun even more than in winter.

Want more info on winter picnics for kids?  Check out our previous posts about winter activities and cold weather recipes.

A Picnic at the Orchard

Now that fall is in full swing, it’s a great time to enjoy the bounty of the seasonal harvest.  Even if you live in an urban area, chances are there’s a farm not too far away where you can pick your own apples.  Going apple-picking at a farm is a great outing for dates or fun family time.  It’s a nice break in your regular routine and a delicious way to celebrate autumn.

To find a pick-your-own orchard near you, contact your local chamber of commerce.  Call ahead to check on hours and make sure that picnics are allowed (they usually are).  Dress warm and wear comfortable shoes so you can fully enjoy the experience of strolling around the orchard looking for ripe apples to put in your baskets.  Orchards are full of beautiful scenic picnic spots, so you’ll have plenty of settings to choose from for your meal.

Along with the apples you pick, you’ll want to bring along some fall-themed food and beverages to enjoy.  Check out our previous postings for ideas - Warm, Comforting Fall Picnic Desserts and Fall Picnic Recipes.  To keep your meal cold (or warm!) while you enjoy picking apples and walking around the orchard, we recommend using a high quality picnic basket or pack with an insulated food compartment.  Here are our picks for the perfect products to bring along:

Yorkshire Picnic Basket for 2 – This picnic basket has a shoulder pack type design with a comfortable padded shoulder strap, so you can carry it for hours without your arms getting tired.  It’s great for those picnic outings where you aren’t able to get back to the car to get your picnic basket.  This festive picnic basket has the traditional red and white gingham design on all the linens and comes chock full of tableware.

Stonington Farms Picnic Backpack for 4 – Perfect for families or groups of friends, this picnic backpack is loaded with style, quality and craftsmanship.  The padded shoulder straps make it comfy and convenient for carrying around, and a roomy food compartment gives you all the space you need for a family meal.  A smaller compartment in the front holds utensils, cloth napkins, plates and cups and a large picnic blanket is strapped to the side.

Hamptons Coffee Tote for 2 – Bring along a tall flask of steamy cocoa, coffee or tea to enjoy after a cold afternoon of apple picking.  This sophisticated tote comes with an insulated flask, two stainless steel insulated mugs, teaspoons, cloth napkins and a container for milk or cream.

Check back with us next week for fall cookout recipes!

10 Fun Picnic Games for Kids

Having a picnic lunch at the park, the beach or your yard is a great chance for kids to get together and get some exercise and fresh air while playing fun outdoor games.  Here’s a collection of games that will keep kids entertained for hours with a minimum of equipment.  Since many of the games involve water, it’s a great way for them to cool off, too.  Play the games before everyone eats, and after lunch, the younger kids will be ready to zonk out for a great afternoon nap!

Scavenger Hunt

You’ll need:  Pad of paper, pencil

Have a fun, nature-themed scavenger hunt.  This game should be held in an area where the kids can safely venture off looking for items on the list, and it’s best to have several adults around to supervise.  Make a list of things that can be found in the area (rocks, leaves, sticks, something purple, something yellow, etc.) and give a copy of the list to each child.  The child (or team, if there are a lot of kids present) to find all the items on the list first wins.

Hot Potato

You’ll need: A potato or other object to toss and a radio.

Have the kids sit in a circle.  Turn on the radio and have the kids toss the potato to the person next to them, going around the circle.  The person holding the potato when you turn off the music is out.  Continue until there’s only one child left in the circle.

Balloon Toss

You’ll need: Balloons and a source of water

Have the kids pair up into groups of two and stand opposite each other.  Each pair should be equal distance apart.  Give each pair a water balloon and have them toss it to each other.  After each toss, everyone takes one step back.  Keep tossing and stepping back until only one team is left with an intact water balloon.

Jump Rope Race

You’ll need:  3 jump ropes

This game pits two kids against each other at a time.  Divide the kids into equal teams and line them up in their teams behind a starting point.  Lay one jump rope in the grass at one end of the yard.  Have one kid from each team jump rope across the grass to the finish line and back.  When they reach the starting point, the next player goes and so forth.  The team that finishes first wins.

Water War

You’ll need:  Sprinkler, garden hose or rope

Place a sprinkler in a grassy area of your yard and turn it on.  The kids will be divided into two teams, with each team holding one end of the hose or rope.  The middle of the rope or hose should be directly over the sprinkler.  When you yell “Go!” each team tries to pull the other into the sprinkler.

Over/Under Game

You’ll need: Bucket of water, sponge, pitcher

This game has no winners or losers, it’s just about getting wet and having fun.  Have the kids stand in a single-file line.  The person at the front of the line dips a sponge into a bucket of water to get it as wet as they can, and passes it over their head to the next person.  That person tosses it under the legs, and so on.  The goal is to keep as much water in the sponge as possible.  The child at the back of the line squeezes the sponge out into a pitcher to see how much water they kept in the sponge.

Slippery Beach Ball

You’ll need: Beach ball, baby oil or shortening

This game is a bit messy!  It can also be played in a pool.  Rub baby oil or vegetable shortening on the beach ball and have the kids stand in a circle, or spread out within a boundary.  Have them toss the ball back and forth to each other; if a kid drops the ball, he’s out.  The last remaining child wins.

Soda Bottle Bowling

You’ll need:  Empty 2-liter soda bottles and a few tennis balls

Line up the empty 2-liter bottles in the middle of a court (if at the park) or driveway (carefully supervised by adults).  Divide the kids into two teams and have them stand on either side of the bottles, an equal distance away.  Each team will take turns rolling the tennis balls into the bottles, trying to knock as many down as possible, with an adult timing how long it takes to knock them all down.  Each child on the team gets a chance to try, and once they’ve all had their turn, the adult averages up the scores.  The team that knocked them all down fastest wins.

Egg and Spoon Race

You’ll need:  2 baskets of eggs, 2 empty baskets and 2 spoons

Divide the kids into two teams.  Have each team stand in a single file line behind a basket of eggs.  Set a ‘finish line’ where 2 empty baskets are placed opposite each team.  The first child in line places an egg on a spoon and holds it with one hand, the other hand behind his back.  On “Go!” he carries the egg to the basket at the finish line and returns, handing the spoon to the next person in line.  The team with the most unbroken eggs in their basket at the end of the game wins.

Blob Tag

This game is great for mixed-age groups to play.  The youngest child present gets to be ‘it’.  When he or she tags someone, they join hands and tag another.  Keep going until the whole group is holding hands.  The littlest ones may not understand the rules, but they’ll love chasing their friends.

For picnic baskets, picnic blankets, radios, coolers and other picnic supplies, check out PicnicFun.com.

Plan a Family Outing for the 4th

The 4th of July is a time that brings back many warm childhood memories of burgers on the grill, sparklers, firecrackers in the backyard and campfires with the family.  It’s great to take the time to escape from our normal routines for some classic American fun in the sun.  You can give your kids the same kind of memories by planning a family outing centered on traditional summer pastimes like swimming, cooking out, and heading to the best vantage point to watch those spectacular 4th of July fireworks.

Choose a spot where you can get a great view of city fireworks, whether it’s a local park, the beach, downtown or in your own backyard.  If you’re not sure where the closest fireworks display will be located, call your Chamber of Commerce or check the Sunday newspaper the week before.  Many cities plan community events that culminate in a fireworks display, like live music, food and crafts vendors, and tributes to the armed forces.  You may want to plan to get there early to enjoy the festivities and get a good spot for your family.

If you’ll be cooking out in your yard, at the beach, the park or anywhere else, you’ll need to get some good recipes and pack up some supplies.  Many recipe websites have special sections dedicated to the 4th of July, including AllRecipes.com, FoodNetwork.com and Epicurious.com.  You can try out recipes like blueberry cheesecake, Maine lobster rolls (pictured left, from FoodNetwork.com), classic clam chowder, barbecued marinated flank steak and southwestern style macaroni and cheese.  FoodNetwork.com’s 4th of July recipes are organized by region – Northeastern, Northwestern, Southern, and Southwestern.

Whether you’re going to BBQ, pack a picnic, or bring some take-out to the beach, you’ll need some high quality picnic supplies.  Transport your food in a convenient pop-up cooler like the Big Dipper Collapsible Tub Cooler, which has a huge 10 gallon capacity and collapses flat for easy storage.  The Buccaneer Tailgating Cooler with Grill is another great option – it includes a detachable cooler section, a 3-piece BBQ tool set and a portable grill.  Pack all your cups, tableware and other accessories in a chic, classic picnic basket like the Family Time Picnic Basket for 4, pictured left.  The Sunshine Blanket tote is a perfect multi-use picnic blanket with a carrying strap and waterproof backing, perfect for lying down in the grass to watch the fireworks. 

At PicnicFun.com, you can also get beach bags, pop-up shades, handy wine glass holders, picnic baskets and much more.  Shop while their 4th of July sale is still going on, and you’ll get up to 25% off retail prices plus free shipping on orders over $100.

Putting a ‘Green’ Spin on the Traditional Family Picnic

Family picnics are a great way to get in touch with nature, enjoying all that the earth has to offer – delicious food, a cool breeze, the warmth of the sun and the softness of a carpet of grass.  As you enjoy nature in the wild, take care not to harm the environment in the process.  Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to disturb the ecological balance, pollute the water, and produce a lot of trash by using disposable products when we go on picnics, go camping, have cookouts or go hiking.  Luckily, though, it’s equally easy to avoid doing these things.  Here are a few tips that can help you make conscious choices as you plan your next picnic, helping to make the earth a little more ‘green’:

Get an eco-friendly picnic basket or picnic pack filled with reusable items.  Picnic sets help you reduce the amount of trash you produce with each outing.  Cloth napkins, plastic or china plates, acrylic glassware, stainless steel utensils and cute little mini salt and pepper shakers are elegant and easy on the environment.  Any picnic set is an environmentally friendly alternative to using disposables, but you can take it a step further with these eco-friendly baskets: The Sebago 2 Person Picnic Basket, the Palm Bay 4 Person Picnic Basket, the Westport 4 Person Picnic Basket and the T-4-Two Picnic Basket (pictured).  All of these options are made with renewable resources, and are AZO free.  (AZO dyes and pigments are commonly used to color textiles and plastics, and some of the by-products are toxic and may be carcinogenic.  AZO dyes also resist biodegradation, so they’re difficult to remove from the ecosystem.)

You can also make your picnic more environmentally friendly in the following easy ways:

• Walk, ride a bicycle, rollerblade or ride public transportation to your picnic location rather than driving your vehicle.
• Reduce the amount of processed and packaged food you eat by choosing natural whole foods such as produce and breads, cheeses and meats purchased fresh from your local market.  Have the person who takes your order place your purchases directly in a reusable container rather than wrapping them in plastic.  To take it even further, tote your purchases home in reusable tote bags such as Envirosax rather than the store’s plastic bags.
• Avoid the use of Styrofoam whenever possible.  If you’re getting take-out, ask for it in aluminum foil or bring your own container.  Likewise, bring your own insulated beverage mug to the coffee shop rather than using one of their disposable cups.  Styrofoam endangers wildlife and is not biodegradable.
• Do your best not to disturb the living things around you as you enjoy your picnic.  Don’t pick flowers, remove natural elements such as rocks, or disturb wildlife.
• Re-use your plastic bags from the grocery store for trash or to place your used plates and utensils in after you eat.

These small, simple steps won’t take much of your time or energy, but they’ll go a long way toward making our earth a better place to live.  To learn more about eco-friendly products, check out the Eco-Friendly Buyer’s Guide at SpecialtyLiving.com.

Fun Spring-Themed Picnic Meals for Kids

Now that spring is here, it’s a great time to take the kids out for a picnic at the park, the beach, by the pool, or in your own backyard.  Kids love to help out making picnic meals, so why not make it a little more fun?  These great spring-themed kid-friendly picnic recipes are a blast to make, and even more enjoyable to eat!  Edible birds’ nests with candy eggs, flower-shaped sandwiches and strawberry ladybugs are just a few examples of the meals you can pack into your picnic basket for a great day outdoors.

Featured Recipe: Edible Bird’s Nest

Source: http://www.chefmom.com

Ingredients:

Chow mein noodles
Chocolate chips or brick chocolate
Jelly beans
candy coated chocolate eggs
marshmallow chicks
peanut butter
wax paper
paper plates (colored plates optional)

Directions:

Place squares of wax paper onto to individual plates. Put chow mien noodles in a large bowl. If using brick chocolate, break into pieces. Melt chocolate chips or pieces in the microwave, or over low heat on stove, just until melted. Pour melted chocolate over chow mien noodles, mix together to coat.

Place mounds of chocolate/chow mien mixture onto several plates (on top of waxed paper). Have children form the mixtures into nests. Be sure the chocolate has cooled, but don't wait too long or it will harden!

Using peanut butter as an adhesive, "glue" down the jelly beans and candy coated chocolate eggs inside the nest cavity. "Glue" marshmallow chick on the edge of or inside of the nest.

These make fun gifts from kids to their friends, teacher and family members. You can also make these nests at birthday parties as a fun and edible take-home party favor.

Additional recipes from FamilyFun.com:

PB&J Blossom Sandwiches
Turkey Apple Wheelies
Lady Bugs on a Stick
Rainbow Pasta Salad

Ten Fun Family Outings for Spring

After months of bitter cold, stale air, and confinement indoors, chances are your whole family is ready to get out and stretch their legs.  Spring is here, the breezes are warm, and once again we’re being treated to the all the delights of this season.  Spring family outings don’t have to be costly to be fun, and they don’t have to be boring to be educational.  Here are ten ideas for memorable, almost-free family excursions that will make you love spring even more.

1. Visit your local nature center or botanical gardens – Nearly every county in the country has a nature center, botanical garden, or arboretum.  These little local gems start bursting with life as the weather warms up in the spring, and you won’t want to miss the brilliant show of brightly colored spring blooms and shoots pushing up through the soil. You’ll often find guides that explain what each plant is, as well as pointing out different types of wildlife.  To find one near you, give your local chamber of commerce a call.
2. Go to the zoo – Kids of all ages love the singular experience of seeing everything from baby monkeys to majestic lions up close and personal.  Special seasonal exhibits, live shows, rides and the petting zone will keep the kids excited and happy for hours, and all that walking is great exercise. 
3. Have a picnic at the park – Children love having picnics: there’s something about the lack of need for traditional table manners that makes them feel giddy and free.  They can get comfy on a soft picnic blanket, gobble up some finger foods and then run around with wild abandon – something they’ve been dying to do for months!  Make it all easier and more convenient for yourself with a family-friendly picnic basket such as the Oxford Picnic Basket for 4.
4. Hit the public pool – Now that the air is finally warm enough, your whole family will enjoy relaxing in the cool waters of a swimming pool.  Public pools aren’t nearly as crowded in the spring as they get in the summer, so you’ll be more likely to have a nice, peaceful afternoon getting some sun and watching the kids play in the water.
5. Scenic drive to spot wildlife – Country roads, national parks, national forests and other roads that offer a plethora of birds, animals and blooming plants are perfect for a day trip in the car.  Make it a real adventure by getting some books on local wildlife and giving the kids binoculars.  Bring along a picnic lunch and make frequent stops to stretch your legs and check out the scenery up close.
6. Plant a garden in the yard or in containers – Gardening is a wonderful family activity that provides an ongoing fun, educational experience for the kids.  Let them help you choose seeds to plant; flowers and vegetables are especially exciting.  Pick a spot in your yard or simply get a few inexpensive planters and some potting soil.  You’ll spend an afternoon in the sun showing them how to plant the seeds, and they’ll get to enjoy watching them grow for months.
7. Spring crafts in the yard – Have a spring party on your lawn with a blanket, some scissors, construction paper and other craft supplies.  Celebrate the season by spreading out in the grass and drawing or cutting out shapes of flowers, plants, birds, clouds, and suns and then gluing them onto poster board.  They’ll have a blast making their creations outside of the normal indoor environment.
8. Take a family bike ride – Get some exercise and fresh air as you wind through neighborhood streets on your bicycles.  You can make it a picnic adventure with a picnic backpack, some simple and delicious finger foods and beverages.  It’s a great way to get in some quality family bonding time while enjoying the outdoors.
9. Go to an outdoor festival – Every spring, cities across America hold weekend outdoor events such as open-air plays, music festivals, arts and craft shows and much more.  Many outdoor festivals have special areas designed for kid-friendly fun, with rides, games and face painting.  It’s a great cultural experience, and an excuse to indulge in some delicious festival food.  Keep an eye on your local paper or contact the chamber of commerce for upcoming events in your area.
10. Go camping – Family camping trips are experiences that kids will treasure for a lifetime, looking back on all the great outdoor activities, campfire food and sleeping under the stars.  For ideas and helpful hints, read last week’s article, “Tips and Recipes for Family Camping”.

Tips and Recipes for Family Camping

Camping with family and friends can be among the memories we treasure most as we look back on our childhood – marshmallows roasting over the fire, swimming in a river or lake, identifying plants and wildlife and sleeping under the stars are all elements of great family camping trips that kids remember well into adulthood.  Nothing beats the feeling of being far away from stress and responsibilities and spending valuable quality time close to our loved ones.  With these simple tips and recipes, you can make your family camping trip an experience they’ll remember for a lifetime.

Make sure you have all the right gear.  Among the essentials typically needed for tent camping are:

• Tent
• Sleeping bags (and pads if desired)
• Pillows
• Flashlights with spare batteries
• First aid kit
• Rain tarp
• Rope
• Lantern
• Matches
• Insulated cooler for food and beverages
• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen
• Portable outdoor seating
• Eating utensils, plates, cups & napkins (get a picnic pack or picnic basket that already contains these items for maximum convenience)
• Cook set & cooking utensils (fry pan, boiling pot, tongs, spatula, serving spoon)
• Garbage bags
• Camera

While many kids are sufficiently entertained by the camping experience itself, you may want to bring along some kid-friendly outdoor games and sporting gear such as fishing poles to ensure they’ll have something to do during the day.  One great idea to keep the kids happy is to encourage them to keep a camping journal – they can take pictures, make drawings, collect postcards and gather little treasures found along the way such as leaves and shells.  Once they get home, they can put it all together in a small blank book and they’ll have tangible memories of the trip for years to come.

A great source for family camping recipes is FamilyFun.com, where you can find variations on the classic s’mores, trail mix, how to fry a freshly-caught fish, creative dinner ideas and delicious campfire breakfasts.  Kids love taking an active part in preparing the meal, and these simple recipes such as ‘pups in blankets’ require only a few ingredients, are super-easy, and a fun alternative to the meals you normally enjoy at home.

For all kinds of family camping tips and ideas, check out About.com’s Travel with Kids section.  They’ve got info on family camping resorts, family camping on a budget, and more.

Give the Priceless Gift of Family Quality Time

Trends will come and go as each season passes, but some things always remain classic.  One gift that will never go out of style is a great picnic set that will give all the members of a family, young and old, countless opportunities to spend time together making memories and tightening bonds.  In this modern age of TIVO, wireless internet, PDAs and iPods, people can often seem lost in a world of cold, detached, de-personalized technology.  Communication between friends and family is increasingly taking place via e-mail, cell phone calls and instant messaging.  Though it may be convenient, nothing can ever replace face-to-face quality time together.  That’s just one of many reasons why it’s more important than ever to get the family together in one place to savor the simple joys of good food, fresh air, and the company of those you love.

Family picnics are fun, memorable, and really easy to plan as long as you have the right supplies handy.  Nothing beats a picnic pack for durability, ease of use, and convenience.  Everything you need for your entire family is right at your fingertips, and ready to go at a moment’s notice – no scrambling around for all the different components you’ll need, such as napkins and utensils.  The Avalanche Riviera Cooler on Wheels (pictured) is perhaps the most stylish deluxe rolling picnic pack ever made.  Waterproof lining, thermoguard insulation, a huge 36-can capacity, easy glide wheels and a telescoping handle ensure that no picnic spot is out of reach.  It eliminates the strain of carrying a huge plastic cooler to your destination, and it’s beautiful to boot.

If you have a large family, never fear.  You can always supplement your main picnic pack with some extra place settings with items such as the Picnic Vallise for 2, pictured left, which includes two plates, two bowls, two unbreakable tumblers, two stainless steel insulated mugs, 2 sets of eating utensils, 2 cotton napkins and even a bag to place everything in once it’s been used.

The key to a great family picnic is simplicity.  Plan meals that don’t require a lot of last minute preparation, are easy to eat and easy to clean up.  Finger foods are always a great selection, since they don’t even require utensils and provide a variety of choices for all tastes.  If you’re planning to have sandwiches, pack all the components separately to be put together right before eating so the bread won’t get soggy.  Remember that the goal is to have fun, so don’t stress over creating a meal worthy of Martha Stewart – just go with something the whole family will enjoy.

Picnic sets make great gifts – give one to the new neighbors as a unique and thoughtful housewarming gift, to a set of new parents, newlyweds, or anyone who would enjoy some fun times with their family.  PicnicFun.com has a wide variety of styles priced for every budget, with free shipping on orders over $100.

Fun Cold Weather Activities for Children

During the month of November, we start to feel the chill of the oncoming winter.  Some areas still have an abundance of fall leaves and moderate temperatures, while in others it’s already snowing.  Regardless of where you live, you can get your kids out of the house for a fun day in the backyard or at the park to enjoy some of these cold weather activities. 

1) Use those piles of fallen leaves!  Kids love to make mazes or have scavenger hunts in them.  Let them use rakes to create paths in the leaves, or hide small, fun prizes among them.  It will provide hours of fun.

2) Have a picnic with some warm, comforting seasonal food and beverages.  Turkey sandwiches, a warm thermos of chowder and delicious hot cocoa will be a real treat after an afternoon of playing in the cool air.

3) Bring a few books of short stories about winter and a warm, comfy picnic blanket with you to snuggle up with little ones and have some quality story time.  Being in the outdoors as they listen to the stories will help kids connect what they’re hearing with their surroundings.  It may even inspire them to come up with some stories of their own!

4) Once the snow starts falling, dozens of new cold weather activities abound.  Ice skating, making snowmen and snow angels, and having snowball fights are just a few.  Grab some inexpensive plastic sleds from your local hardware or warehouse store and bring the kids to the closest hill.  Of course, a safe location and close parental supervision are essential.

5)  Turn fun in the snow into a real learning experience by teaching kids about the science of winter precipitation.  They’ll be fascinated to hear facts about snowflakes, how snow forms and why windows develop frost.

6) Turn a corner of your yard into a nature observatory.  This time of year, birds, squirrels and other small wildlife are in constant search of food, fresh water and safe shelter.  Set up a bird feeder, bird bath and bird house where you and the children will be able to quietly observe.  They’ll love watching different animals flock to the food and water, and your bird house will likely gain a resident before too long.

This is just a handful of ideas for fun kids’ winter activities – use your imagination and what you know about your children’s likes and dislikes to tailor all sorts of outdoor activities specifically to your family.  No need to keep them cooped up all winter – they’ll be eager to get out for some fresh air and exercise, and so will you!

Throw a Themed Family Picnic

Getting the family together for a picnic is a great way to catch up, spend some quality time together and create memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.  As much as you may love these get-togethers, when you do the same thing over and over again, it can get boring.  Mix it up with by choosing a theme!  Throwing a themed family picnic is much easier than you think.  Just be creative, get organized, and ask other family members to help out.  It will come together easily and could even become a treasured family tradition.

First things first – choose a theme that fits your family’s personality and interests.  Your selection should reflect the kind of people they are and what they enjoy.  Here are a few fun ideas:

Gone Fishing – Have your family picnic on a lake or river and bring fishing poles, lures and fishing hats.  Skip the gross live bait, since no one wants to handle it and then eat.  Create a menu that revolves around simple finger foods from the sea such as fried shrimp, fish sandwiches and other seafood restaurant fare.  Bring a Polaroid camera to take photos of the little ones with their catch of the day, so they can take the memories home with them.

Mexican Fiesta – Spice it up with a taco and burrito buffet.  Simply fill Tupperware containers with seasoned meat, refried beans, rice, and all the extras such as diced tomatoes, guacamole, cheese and sour cream.  This theme is fun for the whole family – hang a piñata, and buy some silly sombreros for everyone to wear.  You can hang a string of battery-powered lights from the trees and decorate with colorful paper streamers.

Genealogy – This is a great theme for family groups that consist of mostly adults.  Have each family member bring family photos, letters, scrapbooks and other memorabilia.  This is a great time to have a video camera handy – you can interview older members of the family about their life experiences, and preserve them for future generations.   It’s a great way to celebrate the closeness of your family and reminisce about the past.  Cook up traditional family recipes for this thoughtful gathering.

There are also the always-popular beach and Hawaiian Luau ideas, Pirates of the Caribbean, movie characters, decades, and holiday-centered themes such as Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s.

Once you’ve chosen the theme, the rest comes easily.  Creative types can easily make invitations on their home computer and print them out, or you can find plenty of different varieties at your local party store.  The party store is also the ideal place to purchase decorations, since they typically have the largest selection available in any one place.

Don’t do all the work yourself – get your family members to help out!  They can each bring a dish, or you can have various people bring one type of item – beverages, decorations, clean-up necessities, tableware, food, music, etc. 

Of course, you’ll need some picnicking essentials – portable outdoor seating, picnic blankets, large coolers on wheels and other convenient picnic items will make your family get-together easier and more comfortable.  You can find all these things and more at PicnicFun.com. 

Now that you’ve got the know-how, start planning!  Family picnics are perfect for any time of year, don’t cost much, and will provide priceless memories for everyone involved.

Outdoor Entertaining with Style and Soul

Nothing is quite so sweet as spending a quiet moment in time with your loved ones, enjoying the fresh air, the sunlight on your skin or the stars twinkling above.  Taking the time to savor each other’s presence is a luxury in life that we let fall to the wayside all too often, allowing other things to take priority over our time together.  Put aside that stack of bills, turn off your computer, silence your cell phone and grab those essential items you’ll need for a beautiful and memorable date – with your friends, your spouse, your children, or anyone else who deserves your undivided attention.

It’s easy to create an unforgettable excursion with some good food, nothing to separate you from the great outdoors, and outdoor entertaining items tailored to your specific tastes and needs.  Personalize your experience with an elegant picnic basket, romantic wine and cheese set, sophisticated cheese board, high class barbecue tool set or other lovely picnic products customized to the outdoor entertaining experience that you desire.

If you’re planning a romantic picnic date with the one you love, wine and cheese is guaranteed to impress.  This classic combination will make an even better impression in a beautiful set such as the Windsor Sunset Wine Carrier (left).  The rich colors and designer fabrics of this handy little item are pleasing to the eye, while the high tech insulation, unbreakable acrylic glasses, decorative bottle stopper and stainless steel corkscrew offer convenience and quality at a great value.

Having some friends over for hors d’oeuvres and wine in your backyard?  The Soiree Bamboo Cutting Board is a convenient and great-looking set that makes slicing assorted cheeses a breeze.  It features an aluminum and wood cutting surface, cheese wire, a cheese shaver, fork-tipped cheese knife, and spreader.  Magnetic dots encased in the slots hold the tools in place, and the compact design makes this set a great choice for travelers.

The Catalina Riviera Picnic Basket will make you feel like you’re on holiday in Europe even if you’re really just at the park down the street from your house.  Take your mom for an elegant brunch in a rose garden, have a light lunch with a friend on the beach, or take your spouse on a surprise picnic at a romantic overlook with this cheerful set with deluxe service for two.  It comes complete with everything you need for a great meal – just provide the food!

Of course, the beautiful, high quality picnic products don’t stop there – check out the full selection at www.picnicfun.com.  You’ll find picnic baskets and packs in a wide range of colors and styles for all tastes and budgets, along with hundreds of highly useful accessories to choose from.

Family Fun without Fuss Cookout

Fresh air, beautiful scenery, and the company of those you love – what could be a simpler and better way to enjoy a cool autumn evening?  All you need is some good food, a nice picnic spot, and some cookout essentials for some wonderful, memorable family fun.  Put on a sweater, grab your picnic blanket and get ready for a good time with these quick and simple ideas for a great fall family picnic.

Make sure everyone will be comfortable and cozy with some portable seating and warm, fuzzy fleece blankets.  The Sunshine Blanket Tote is soft, large enough to seat or warm up several people at a time and folds up compact with a carrying strap.  If the ground is damp, the Mega Picnic Mat will keep you – and all of your gear- dry and protected from insects.  For the ultimate in comfort and convenience, bring along your own picnic table!  The Wooden Folding Picnic Table seats four people, comes complete with an umbrella, and folds down into a compact carrying case that can be taken virtually anywhere. 

Why lug around three separate items when you can get them all in one?  The Buccaneer Tailgating Cooler with Grill (pictured left) measures only 14”x20” and packs a cooler, grill and grilling accessories into one little package.  A roomy insulated cooler compartment, padded handles, shoulder strap and reinforced base make this high-quality combo a must-have.  It comes complete with a barbecue grill with its own lid and fold-out legs, a large spatula, tongs, and a BBQ fork.  Supplement your cooler pack and BBQ tools with a family-friendly picnic service – the Oxford Picnic Basket for 4 comes with plastic plates, utensils, and tumblers that will stand up to use by children.

Whip up some simple, seasonally appropriate side dishes to go along with your grilled entrees.  PicnicFun.com has a collection of Fall Picnic Recipes as well as Picnic Recipes for Kids.  You can also find some delicious grilling recipes such as Carmelized Chocolate, Banana and Marshmallow Sandwiches and Spicy Chipotle Grilled Chicken.

Check out our previous articles about family picnics, fall activities for kids, and picnic parties for additional inspiration.

Potluck Picnics Equal Family Fun

Get the family together for a casual, memorable meal

Summer is a great time for entertaining, but when you've got a large extended family, planning the perfect dinnertime get-together can be difficult.  Cooking all the food, making your home look presentable and doing the dishes afterward can put a lot of strain on the host - and you want to be having fun and enjoying your loved ones, not stressing out about all the work you have to do.  Instead of trying to pull off a spectacular family feast all by yourself, share the load with your family members by having a potluck family picnic - it's fun, and so much easier!

Most of us don't have homes fit for comfortably hosting a large group of people - it's hard to figure out where everyone would sit, let alone think about all the clean-up you're going to be faced with.  Unattended little ones running through the house with markers while their mom enjoys a cocktail on the porch can be enough to make you want to suggest piling in the car and heading to the nearest fast food joint.  This is where picnic blankets and portable seating come in to save the day.  Suggest meeting at a local public park, or just hold the entire shindig in your backyard, with the house off-limits save for bathroom breaks.  Lay out the picnic blankets (waterproof ones are perfect for those days when the grass is a bit soggy), set up some folding chairs, and the kids can run around to their hearts' content.  Suddenly, instead of headache-inducing chaos, you've got laid-back family picnic fun! 

Large picnic coolers on wheels can make life a lot easier - check them out before you try lugging a bulky, leaking Styrofoam monster from the car to the picnic table in addition to all your plates and utensils.  You'll be amazed how much these stylish little coolers on wheels can hold - and they come packed with practically everything you'll need, aside from the food of course.  The Hamptons Deluxe Picnic Cooler on Wheels for Four (pictured) is one great choice, as well as the Classic Deluxe Cooler on Wheels for Four, the Avalanche Riviera Cooler on Wheels and the Excursion Deluxe Picnic Trolley for Four.  It'll allow you to bring just what you need for your own family, and contribute to the potluck meal.

Speaking of the food, potluck picnics are a great opportunity to show off family favorites or try out newly-discovered recipes.  Since everyone is bringing a different dish, the diversity is sure to make for an interesting meal.  Our favorite online recipe directory, Recipezaar.com, has a whole section of recipes specifically categorized as 'Picnics for Large Groups'.  Some of the highest-rated recipes in this section include Lemon Blueberry Bread, Chunky Chicken Salad for a Crowd, Summertime Fruit Salad and Colorful Tortellini Pasta Salad.  Browse through, pick something that sounds good, and get ready to have a relaxing, good time with the family.

Want more ideas for family picnics?  Browse our Family Picnics category, or go directly to these posts:

Kid-Friendly Picnics
Having a Picnic Party
A Toddler Picnic

The Essential Easter Basket for Your Family Outing and Egg Hunt

Easter’s almost here – do you have the perfect basket for a memorable outing with the family?  Picnic baskets can add to the excitement for a family picnic and Easter egg hunt, creating the opportunity for a perfect outdoor meal as well as a festive carrier for eggs, candy and other treats. 

The Blossom Tea Lovers Basket (pictured) and the Casual Picnic Basket for 4 are stylish ways to carry your Easter goodies to the park, the beach, a relative’s home, or wherever you plan to spend your Easter Sunday.  The Blossom basket features a beautiful spring floral pattern in pale pinks, greens and blues – absolutely wonderful for setting the tone of the holiday.  The Casual Picnic Basket for 4 is a great family picnic basket with a fun, easy going plaid and floral motif and enough space to carry everything you need.  Use the contents inside if you plan on picnicking, or empty the baskets and fill them with Easter grass to pad your decorated eggs, marshmallow peeps, jellybeans, chocolate Easter bunnies, and other fun items.  Once you get to your destination, you can share them with the children or hide them for an Easter egg hunt and enjoy watching the festivities.

The Carnival Pretty in Pink Basket for 4 (pictured) and the Carnival Brighton Blue Basket for 4 come in pastel hues that complement the occasion perfectly.  These baskets are made of lovely pale woven willow, and come with an assortment of accessories including an insulated food cooler, wine bottle cooler, plates, glasses, utensils, a tablecloth and cloth napkins.  The Carnival basket is a large picnic basket with enough extra room to provide for the whole family.  They’re the perfect item to have on hand for an Easter Sunday picnic brunch, where you can serve bagels and cream cheese, French bread with sliced ham and brie, an assortment of fresh fruit, a cheese ball with crackers, or any other treats you can dream up.  RecipeZaar.com, an online recipe database, currently has a special section devoted to Easter Celebration Ideas, including such featured recipes as:

• Baked Ham and Cheese Omelet Roll
• Brunch Bellinis
• Carrot Cake Tea Sandwiches
• Spanikopta (Greek Spinach Pie)
• Lemon Cake

Once Easter has passed, these baskets will be a year-round treasure, providing endless opportunities to go on a great family picnic that the kids will remember for the rest of their lives.   For a wide selection of picnic baskets, backpacks and accessories, visit PicnicFun.com. 

Having a Picnic Party

Large gatherings of people you care about are joyous occasions – but if you’re the one planning the party, it can be a headache.  Sometimes in the midst of trying to determine meal ideas, make restaurant reservations for large parties, and figure out how you’re going to organize everything, you can miss out on the fun.  Why burden yourself with so much trouble?  There’s an easy way to throw a party that’s relaxed, casual, and above all – fun! Spend your time enjoying your loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen all day.  Throwing a picnic party will take the stress off your shoulders, and ensure that everybody has a good time.

Family Reunions – More often than not, extended families are spread out across the country and getting everyone together for a day or two is a real reason to celebrate.  In any large group, you’re bound to get some picky eaters, and some little ones who aren’t likely to behave sitting in a restaurant for long periods.  Potluck picnics are the perfect solution.  Have a few of the good cooks in the family cook up a side dish or dessert.  Out-of-towners can pick up some party trays full of vegetables and fruit, drinks, or chips and dip.  If you’re doing all the cooking yourself, make it a little easier by spreading it out over the few days before the party – make sure to choose recipes that will freeze well or stay fresh in the refrigerator.  Then you’ll just have to pull it out and pack it up.  Some great ideas are potato salad, rotisserie chicken, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans.  Spread out the picnic blankets, break out the coolers and have some fun.

Children’s Birthday Parties – If you’ve ever hosted a child’s party at your home, you know that the clean-up process is never easy – and it’s hard to keep kids from touching or playing with items that aren’t toys.  You could spend days afterward trying to get your living room back to normal.  But throwing a picnic party at a local park or playground eliminates that step – and provides some built-in outdoor fun.  Let the kids run around until they wear themselves out – they’ll be getting some exercise and really enjoying themselves.  There are so many different activities that can be played outside, and you could go all out and hire a clown or a magician to entertain them as well.  Kids love picnics – just make up a bunch of sandwiches and bring along other kid-friendly items like fruit, crackers, and chips.  If you aren’t up to the catering job yourself, pizza is always a hit at kids’ parties – just have it delivered right to the park.  No red sauce or colored frosting on your white couch!

Rehearsal Dinners – The evening before a wedding, there are so many things to be done.  Brides-and-grooms-to-be and their families are often preoccupied with last minute worries and details.  The rehearsal dinner should be a time to relax and enjoy one another’s company before the big day.  Often, rehearsal dinners are semi-formal affairs, held in a private room in a restaurant where everyone dresses up and sips cocktails.  But what if you’re having a casual wedding – or you just want the rehearsal dinner to have a relaxed, easy vibe?  Have a cookout!  Local parks are perfect for this, and it will really save you some money.  Call your parks and recreation department to reserve a pavilion that has picnic tables and grills.  Many catering companies can take care of the food for you very inexpensively – ask the company that’s catering the wedding if they can add the rehearsal dinner to the package at a reduced cost.  Or, you could make a run to a discount warehouse like Sam’s Club or Costco, and stock up on some hot dogs, pasta salad, chips, and cupcakes.  Personalize it even more by giving it a theme, like a luau party or a western barbecue.

For some great picnic products to make any outdoor dining experience a lot easier and more special, check out PicnicFun.com. 

A Toddler Picnic

Picnics aren’t just for big kids and adults – toddlers love them too!  The change in scenery while they’re eating will be so much fun for them – and combine that with some age-appropriate outdoor activities for a great afternoon together.  Pack up some fun and healthy finger foods, and bring a bag of toys or items you may need to play outdoor games.  But keep in mind it doesn’t take much to treat a toddler to a great time – just some imagination and creativity!

Food

There are lots of great food ideas for little ones that will keep them happy, and require minimum preparation or clean-up.  The classic PB&J sandwich cut into little squares or triangles is always welcome.  You could use a cookie cutter to make hearts, stars, flowers, and all kinds of other fun shapes.  Make ants on a log (celery sticks filled with peanut butter and topped with raisins) or cut up some veggie and fruit to dip in dressing or yogurt.  They’ll also enjoy crackers and sliced cheese.

Fun

Toddlers are at such a fun age – they’re discovering the world around them at a rapid pace, and are full of energy.  You could bring along a battery-operated radio and some sing-along songs to dance to.   Bubbles are a great idea – they’ll keep the kids occupied longer than you’d think!  They love chasing the bubbles and popping them with their fingers.  Toss around a medium sized blow-up beach ball, or bring sand toys if you’ll be at a park with a playground. 

Tips

• Bring some extra plastic bags to store dirty diapers, garbage and soiled clothing.
• Make sure each child has a change of clothes, or is wearing layers, so that soiled clothing can be removed.
• Take along some antibacterial wipes for hand and face wiping after eating and playing.
• If you’re bringing toys, make sure they’re the sort of items that can be easily washed afterward. 
• Make sure that you have some baby sunscreen and child-appropriate insect repellant.

For more picnic tips and family picnic ideas, check out Planning the Perfect Picnic, Picnic Food Safety, and Kid-Friendly Picnics.

Picnic Baskets for Kids

Kids absolutely love going on picnics!  The spontaneity, the delicious outdoor meals, the fun games… even this time of year, the kids are raring to pack up a picnic basket and go.  Play some games that will keep the kids active and warm, such as hide and seek or a game of football.  Picnics are all about getting out and having fun – and your kids certainly need that, after being cooped up indoors for most of the winter season.  These picnic baskets are great choices for picnics with children! 

Ravinia Picnic Basket for Four - The exquisitely handcrafted Ravinia picnic basket is a great choice for kids. The unique, original design is functional as well as elegant. The basket is made from willow and is fully lined with quilted cotton. This stylish 18.75" basket includes all the amenities needed for picnic service for four: flatware for 4, 4 frosted tumblers, and 4 plastic plates. The plastic cups and plates ensure that the little ones won’t be running around with dangerous glass or ceramic in their hands.  Makes an ideal gift!

Oxford Picnic Basket for Four - The exquisitely handcrafted Oxford picnic basket is quite similar to the Ravinia – just with a slightly different design. Playful check designs and the bright, vibrant hues of red and blue make it lots of fun for the little ones.  The Oxford basket is also made from willow and is fully lined with quilted cotton. This stylish 10.5" basket includes all the amenities needed for picnic service for four: frosted flatware for 4, 4 frosted tumblers, and 4 plastic plates.  Get one for your family, to create fun outdoor memories for a lifetime!

Bridgewater Baby Basket – This basket is the perfect gift for any Christening, or just for a new baby. This beautiful bunny basket is a classic design from acclaimed designer Emma Bridgewater.  Pack your baby's lovely bunny-adorned plate, bowl and cup along with you on trips to Grandma's house, or anywhere else.  The high quality details, superior craftsmanship and designer fabric will ensure that this gift will be enjoyed for years to come.

For ideas to keep warm and have some great outdoor meals, be sure to read ‘Winter Picnic Ideas’ and 'Delicious Cold Weather Picnic Recipes' as well as ‘Fall Picnics and Activities for Kids’.

Winter Picnic Ideas

When the snow starts falling and you’re looking for ideas to have a good time, a winter picnic may not seem like an obvious choice.  Sure, it’s cold out – but you can still have tons of fun!  All those winter activities that you and the kids love to do when it’s snowing such as sledding, making snowmen, and ice skating can be arranged around a wonderful outdoor picnic, with a picnic basket or backpack stuffed full of hot comforting foods and drinks.  The kids will be so excited to have some hot cocoa after they’ve had a good snowball fight or made snow angels.  Give them a candy cane to stir it with to make it extra fun.  You could pack two thermoses – one full of a hot beverage, and one with some delicious soup or chili.  Spicy foods are especially great for winter picnics, because they’ll really go the extra mile to warm you up.  Just be sure to bundle up well!

Romantic picnics are magical in the winter time – snowflakes falling, everything glimmering around you, and some hot cider or perhaps mulled wine can really set the mood.  Have dinner over an open fire – roast marshmallows, vegetable and meat kebabs, or put some rice and veggies into a pouch of aluminum foil and throw it into the fire, retrieving it with tongs.  It will have that delicious fire-roasted flavor, and be piping hot.  Or, you could break the grill out of its winter hibernation and cook up a savory meal of steak, chicken, or fish.  Plan your winter meal around a special winter activity, such as taking a horse-driven sleigh ride through a park, or going horseback riding.  Be sure to have some folding picnic chairs or a waterproof picnic blanket to protect you from the cold, wet ground. 

Not willing to brave the cold weather?  Turn your living room into a summer vacation for the day!  Lay out a picnic blanket, break out your picnic basket and arrange houseplants so it really feels like you’re outside.  You could even create a little tent, or canopy, out of sheets or other fabric.  Kids absolutely love this – have them dress in their summer clothes, sandals, and wear sunglasses. You could have them play indoor-appropriate summertime games. They’ll forget it’s even winter, and will beg you to do it again next year.  Turn it into a romantic affair by lighting candles, opening a bottle of champagne and putting on some soft music.  Your loved one will be surprised and delighted by your efforts, and it will surely be a memorable date!

Be sure to check out our Delicious Cold Weather Picnic Recipes for some meal ideas, as well as Picnicking in Autumn for those who live in areas with mild winter weather.

Fall Picnics and Activities for Kids

  Encourage your kids to appreciate fall and get some exercise – right in your own yard!  There are a lot of great activities that your kids will have a blast participating in, that don’t cost any money and will get them thinking creatively. 

Pitch a tent in the yard so they can play in their new ‘fort’.  Prepare a fun picnic lunch of sandwiches cut in the shape of leaves or pumpkins, along with apple slices dipped in peanut butter or ants on a log (celery sticks spread with peanut butter, with raisins in a row on top).

Have a scavenger hunt in the leaves.  A great way to get the kids to complete a chore for you – raking leaves!  Hide a few objects (toys, candy, etc.) in piles of leaves spread across your yard.  They can use rakes, or just play around in the leaves and try to find them with their hands. 

Make a leaf maze.  Have everyone work together to rake the leaves into a maze in your yard- you could print out a maze off the internet, or look in one of their coloring books.  Make the maze wide enough for all of the kids to be able to run through it together, at the same time.  Have a prize waiting at the end!

Stuff a scarecrow.  This perennial symbol of autumn is easy to construct and super fun for the little ones!  Find an old shirt and overalls and stuff them with leaves, newspaper, hay, or whatever you have on hand that’s convenient for you.  Top it off with a pumpkin head and, if you like, a hat!  You could even carve or draw a face on the pumpkin.

Create some lovely autumn decorations by making leaf rubbings.  Bring out some drawing or construction paper and a box of crayons.  Have the kids place a leaf under the paper and rub on top of it with a crayon to make the shape of the leaf.  They can think up other things that remind them of fall, and draw them on the paper as well.  Before you know it, you’ll have some great new drawings to show off on the refrigerator.  They could also turn leaves into little ornaments with some string and pinecones or acorns.

If you’re looking for more autumn activities, check out Picnicking in Autumn – and don’t forget to get yourself some great fall recipes!

Kid-Friendly Picnics

Picnics are a wonderful way to bond with the family – and kids will have a blast!  Take an afternoon out of your busy lives carpooling, doing homework and other chores to relieve stress and have a great time.  The memories you’ll create during your fun outdoor picnics will last a lifetime for your kids, and they can become a great family tradition.

  Don’t stress over the preparation – get yourself one of those nice, big picnic kits that have enough supplies and room for food for the whole family.  Pre-packed picnic baskets, packs, and coolers can save you the headache of seeking out individual items – plus, they allow you to have spontaneous family outings!  Most of these types of baskets and packs come complete with utensils, cups, plates, napkins, insulated food compartments, and even little things like salt and pepper shakers.  There are even super kid-friendly ones with plastic tumblers and cups, so you won’t have to worry about little ones running around with glasses in their hands.  The Avalanche Picnic Cooler Pack for 4 (pictured) is the perfect choice for a family – it has a spacious, hard-sided cooler compartment along with all the plates, utensils and other extras you need – and it’s on wheels!  Talk about making things easy.

Keep the food simple and easy.  The most effortless solution for picnic food for a large family is to stop at a place like Boston Market or Kentucky Fried Chicken and get some family-sized buckets and sides to go – just pack them into your picnic backpack or cooler and you’ll be ready to eat in no time.  Alternatively, you could make some simple dishes like macaroni and cheese and treats like brownies – and get the kids involved in the whole process!  They will be happy to help, and even more excited about the picnic since they were involved in the preparation.  Other great kid-friendly food ideas include hot dogs, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, rice krispie treats, juice boxes, fruit, and trail mix.

Remember to bring some games, sports equipment, and toys to make your picnic fun!  If you don’t already have these things laying around, run by a dollar store where you can usually find kites, frisbees, beach balls, ping pong rackets, bubbles and more.   You could also bring along butterfly nets, bug jars, binoculars for bird watching, and jump ropes. Or, just have the picnic at a park with a playground, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the food while the kids run around and have a good time. 

Make Sure the Weather is Right

We have all had days when our plan for an exciting, fun-filled day outdoors was ruined by the weather.  Don’t let unexpected rain, snow, smog or other adverse weather conditions put a damper on your day – check out the forecast in advance.   

Weather.com has a very useful tool designed just for picnic-goers!  You can enter your zip code to get the forecast, UV index, daylight hours remaining, and a ‘Picnic and Grilling Index’ that rates the appropriateness of the days’ weather for outdoor plans! Check out the Picnic Planner Forecast today.

Summer may be coming to a close, but mosquitoes are still active.  Weather.com’s Mosquito Activity Forecast can help you ensure that you and your loved ones are dressed appropriately and have insect repellent on hand to ward off these annoying pests.  You could also bring along a citronella candle or extra protection.

Rainy day? Don’t cancel your plans!  Impromptu indoor picnics can be a fun, memorable experience for kids of all ages.  Lay out your picnic blanket, turn on the radio, and arrange your houseplants nearby to create that outdoor feel.  Be creative!  We all loved making forts as children – you could create a little tent out of blankets or sheets and enjoy the sounds of the storm as you enjoy your picnic meal.

Picnics aren’t just for summertime.  When the weather starts cooling down, spending time outdoors is all the more enjoyable.  As fall approaches, take advantage of the beautiful changing of the season and enjoy the fruits of the harvest in the open air.   Get yourself some comfortable portable chairs or a hammock and a good picnic set, and savor this all-too-short season.