There’s nothing more memorable than enjoying a fun picnic with your loved ones. It’s the perfect way to take a break from your mundane routine, even when you don’t have plenty of time to spare.
Whether you’re craving a rendezvous with the outdoors after spending most of your time at home due to the ongoing pandemic or looking for a way to bond with your kids, a family picnic is a great idea. That is, of course, once the intense Dallas winters subside.
While outdoor picnics are mostly a summertime activity, you can also plan an outing in spring or fall. As long as the sun is shining bright and it isn’t too cold outside, you can always enjoy a fun and eventful picnic in the park.
Nevertheless, if you’ve ever tried organizing a picnic for your kids, you’d know that it isn’t a cakewalk. More often than not, you’ll end up forgetting important utilities, such as forks, spoons, and cups. Or you’d head out for a picnic on the weekend and find that your neighborhood park is crowded with tourists.
Worse still, the food might get warm and spoil or your kids may not end up liking a new recipe you’ve tried. While planning the perfect picnic isn’t rocket science, there’s also the likelihood of things going out of hand, too fast, too soon.
So, how can you enjoy the most unforgettable family picnic that caters to everyone’s likes and demands? In this blog, we’ve handpicked a few tips to help you plan a fun and relaxed family picnic.
1. Watch the Weather
Irrespective of the picnic location and menu you select, the most crucial factor that’ll affect your experience is the weather. There’s no fun in having a picnic on a gloomy and overcast day. Worse still, you might have to halt your outing mid-way if it starts to rain.
Likewise, if it’s too hot and sunny outside, you’ll end up feeling tired and regretting going for the picnic. That’s why it is always a good idea to check the weather in Dallas before planning an outing.
Make sure you check the forecast in your specific neighborhood to decide whether it’s a good time for venturing outdoors. This is especially important considering that global warming and climate change often result in erratic seasonal patterns and extreme weather in Dallas.
2. Choose the Right Picnic Spot
How many times have you headed to a popular picnic spot only to realize that it’s crowded with swarms of other families? Or did you ever select a place that you thought your kids would love but didn’t offer much in terms of recreational opportunities?
If you’re like most people, this must have happened more often than you’d remember. That’s why it is always a good idea to get all your family members involved in the process of selecting a picnic spot.
The good news is that you’ll find plenty of incredible places to enjoy a picnic all across Dallas. From Kiest Park and Kyle Warren Park to the Dallas Zoo and Arboretum – there is a treasure trove of options. However, make sure you select a place that has play structures or at least a swimming pool to keep your kids busy.
3. Plan the Menu
What’s a family picnic without some delicious snacks and refreshing beverages? It goes without saying that you should decide the menu only after discussing it with your family members. Also, it’s a good idea to avoid experimenting with new dishes on a picnic.
Even if you’re tempted to try a new recipe, make sure you bring some staples, such as sandwiches, that you know your kids will like. Avoid gravy-based dishes that might spill in the basket. It’s just as important to pack plenty of beverages and drinking water.
4. Curate Your Picnic Kit
Move over picnic baskets and keep a picnic kit handy way before you’re heading out. Ideally, it should include all the essential supplies you’d need to enjoy a hassle-free picnic. From cutlery and paper towels to plastic bags and a picnic blanket – make sure you stock up on everything.
The idea is to prepare an extensive kit in advance so that you can just throw in the food and drinks on the day of the picnic. No more unfortunate scenarios where you have to head back home mid-way because you forgot to pack the paper plates.
5. Reach Before Mealtime
It’s a good idea to reach your destination at least thirty minutes before mealtime. It’ll help you find the perfect spot under the shade where you can relax and enjoy your meal. Also, it’ll save you from the wrath of hungry and cranky kids.
Do you have any other useful family picnic planning tips? Share your suggestions in the comments section below.
