Picnic Ideas
Transporting Food
- Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. It not only makes for better-tasting food once you get to your destination, but it’s also an important safety measure.
- Insulated coolers work well for hot foods, and insulated coolers/backpacks, etc. with frozen gel packs are great for cold foods. Hot foods such as soups/sauces can be stored and transported in thermoses.
Packing for the Picnic
- When packing your cooler, place the food items that you will need/eat last at the bottom of the cooler, and stack the first needed items on the top. This way you can enjoy the food as you need it rather than removing everything from the cooler at one time.
- When packing plates, utensils, napkins, wipes, blankets and all of your picnicking essentials, pack just like your cooler. Place items such as the picnic blanket or table cover on the top and later needed items on the bottom.
- Remember also to place a large trash bag at the bottom of your cooler so you can properly dispose of your trash.
- Packing small/large zippered baggies will allow you to store that half-eaten sandwich (or other leftovers) back in the cooler to be enjoyed later in the day.
Picnic Dos & Don'ts
- Make sure to plan your picnic. A little pre-planning will go a long way towards having a fun, relaxing day.
- When planning your picnic think about who’s going, where you’re going, the food/equipment you’ll need, and any activities you might be doing.
- Take a side bag filled with essentials, such as bug spray, sunscreen, lip balm, first aid kit, garbage bags, flashlight (if it will get dark), and moist towelettes. Packages of your favorite condiments can be easier & safer than bringing big bottles.
- Disposable cameras are fun to bring to record your family outing, as each family member can take turns snapping their favorite picks.
- Keep your cooler in a shady spot to help keep cold items cold.
- Prepare foods that use chicken, eggs, or other proteins as close to the time of the picnic as possible.
- Steer away from mayonnaise or cream-based foods to guard against spoiling on hot days.
- Bring extra water to keep cool and hydrated.
Most of all, bring your sense of adventure for a fun-filled day with family and friends.
