How to Have a Successful Beach Picnic
A picnic at the beach is always a good time, but it can turn into a disaster if you don't come prepared with the essential items you need. Much like a picnic on grass at a park, you need to bring picnic-safe foods, or a cooler to keep food cold. However, at the beach you also need to include beach items such as an umbrella. Bring along games and balls to throw around on the beach and the picnic is sure to be a hit. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Beach umbrella
- Plastic tablecloth
- Plastic food containers
- Berries
- Raw Fruits
- Crackers
- Sandwiches
- Water
- Cooler
- Sports balls
- Beach balls
- Sunblock
- Hand wipes
- Hat
Instructions
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Bring a beach umbrella and a large tablecloth. Don't rely on the beach umbrellas you can rent on the beach; they may be all gone when you get there, so bring your own. Bring a tablecloth to lay the food out on, not a beach towel. A basic plastic table cloth is lighter and easier to deal with .
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Pack finger-friendly foods. Pack snacks such as berries, raw carrots, broccoli, goldfish crackers and dips in small plastic containers. You can also cut up sandwiches to make them bite-sized and store in plastic containers as well. This way, you don't have to worry about bringing along extra plates and utensils.
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Bring a cooler. If you are bringing any perishable foods, you must keep them cold. Cut melons and sandwiches made with perishable ingredients such as mayonnaise and meat must be kept cold to avoid food poisoning. Fill a cooler with ice and keep all the containers of food in there when you are not eating them. You should also leave plenty of space in the cooler for bottled water to keep everyone cool and hydrated under the hot summer sun.
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Bring your entertainment. Bring sand toys for the kids such as plastic pails and shovels so they can create sand castles, as well as a beach ball or Frisbee to pass around. If you know the beach has volleyball nets, bring your own volleyball. You can also bring playing cards and board games. Choose games that don't have a lot of little pieces however, as there is a good chance of some getting lost in the sand.
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Pack basic beach necessities. Sunblock is essential for any day at the beach. Apply sunblock to yourself and the kids before you get to the beach and reapply if the kids get int the water. Also bring hats to avoid the sun burning the scalp. Bring along hand wipes to clean up after eating. Of course, bring or wear your swimsuit so you can get in the water before or after the picnic.
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Tips & Warnings
Bring along your own trash bag. Most beaches include trash bags, but bring one just in case you are not close to one. You can be fined if you are seen littering on a beach.
References
Resources
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