How to Plan a Picnic in the Park

Picnics are so much fun, everyone enjoys them. Find a park that has a playground for the kids and shady areas for the adults. Bring plenty of food, Frisbees and balls to play catch, and you will have the time of your life. If your park has a pond and ducks, the children will also enjoy feeding them.

Instructions

1. Locate a park that can fulfill all your needs. This may include a playground, rolling hills, shade trees and a pond. Many parks have barbecues that you can use to cook on, so consider this when packing your food.

2. Put together the food you want to eat on your picnic. Sandwiches are a great choice, since you can make them especially for your family. Depending on their choices, you could make egg salad and tuna fish, as well as ham and cheese, bologna and turkey sandwiches. If your park has a barbecue pit you can use, hamburgers and hot dogs are good choices, too.

3. Pack all your food items into a basket you can add ice to. This will keep the items fresh until you are ready for your picnic. You can use another basket or bag to put snack items in if you don't want to put them in your cooler. This should include pretzels and potato chips, as well as any other snack items you family likes.

4. Add your drinks to the cooler so you have plenty to drink, especially if it is a hot day. You can also include coffee and tea if some of the people in your party enjoy these beverages. Be sure to include plates, napkins and cups in the items you bring for your picnic.

5. Find a picnic table when you get to the park so you have a place to eat when you are ready. Make sure you bring a tablecloth for the picnic table and a blanket for you to sit on when you aren't eating. If you can't find a table--sometimes you arrive too late to get one--then find a shady spot and use the blanket to have your picnic on the ground.

6. Let your kids play in the playground or play ball or Frisbee with them until everyone is ready to eat. Spread out the food and have a great time eating your picnic in the park.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget the sunscreen and insect repellent, or your picnic in the park could be an uncomfortable experience, instead of enjoyable.