Thursday, August 5, 2010

Family Picnic

My husband and I love going to the park for picnics, we always have a great, relaxing time and really enjoy being active in nature together. We always come home feeling peaceful and refreshed, as if we didn't have a care in the world! Going on a picnic is definately a Tried and True activity for your family to do! The important thing is that you are together as a family enjoying the outdoors! Here are some where, what, when, and how ideas.

Where - there are so many places you can go to enjoy a family picnic. Some of the places I have heard, seen, and done before are:
  • Playground or park
  • Beach
  • Mountains-or even at the very top of a mountain
  • Water park
  • Island- a deserted island would be so intriguing if you could find one!
  • In a cave
  • Nature observatory-such as a zoo, aquarium, insect observatory, etc.
  • Bridge
  • Near or on a lake
  • Botanical gardens- Beautiful areas for learning about nature!
  • State or National parks- another great treasure trove for nature!
  • Festival/Carnival
  • Your own backyard- yes, this can still be fun! Look at themed ideas!
  • Meadow- try to find one with wild flowers or long grasses to romp and play around in.
  • River side- eat on the banks with your feet dangling in the water, so refreshing!
  • Top of a skyscraper that has a beautiful garden or view
  • End of a pier

What to bring- a basket or container of food-sometimes the most simple or easiest food to prepare is best! Watermelon is my absolute favorite food at a picnic! Also bring any activity materials or games, a blanket to sit on, and you will want to bring the family of course!

When - Anytime! During the middle of the day or in the evening is the most common. I think having one at night under the full moon would be fun, or when the sun is setting or rising.

How - Themes are great fun for a picnic! I found some great sites to give you some ideas for picnic themes. Check out these sites that are all about Dinner Parties,  how to have a picnic, and Healthy Picnics for some great theme ideas at your picnic.

Games are another fun thing to have planned for your picnic. Try to involve the nature around you and integrate it into your picnic fun. Do a treasure hunt for animals or insects or even for the food! Go on a hike or walk into nature. Try to discover things you have never noticed in nature before. I did a search for picnic games and found Fun Attic, Basket 4 Picnic, Healthy Picnics, and Picnic Fun all had some great game ideas for a picnic.

I hope you are all enjoying this day together in nature! If not...then get out there! Picnics are always great whether they are spontaneous or planned.