Tips for Planning a Fun Family Picnic
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What's more fun than a summer picnic with the family? Here are our tips for making your next picnic perfect. Happy picnicking!
Summertime is the perfect season for picnics! And if there's one thing Texas moms know how to do, it's a picnic. What could be better on a hot summer day than packing a few yummy treats and enjoying the outdoors under the shade of a tree? Here are some tips to make your next picnic an effortless success!
1. Choose the Right Location.
The first step to a successful picnic is finding the perfect spot. Texas summers can be hot! So the best places are always wherever your kids can play around without getting too hot. If you're picnicking at a park, make sure there's plenty of space for running and playing games. And if you're picnicking by the beach, find a shaded place that’s not directly under the sun.
Whether you're looking for a spot to enjoy a lazy afternoon outdoors with your family or friends, or want to take a break from exploring new places and some familiar territory, these Texas picnic spots are sure to please. From sprawling parks with plenty of room to spread out to quiet natural areas that offer beautiful scenery and wildlife, there's something for everyone on this list. So load up the car and prepare for an enjoyable outdoor day!
South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, Corpus Christi
The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is a 180-acre botanical garden and nature preserve located in Corpus Christi, Texas.
It’s an excellent place for a picnic with lots of exciting activities for the kids! The Nature Center offers a variety of programs and events for all ages throughout the year, including guided nature walks, birding excursions, and butterfly releases. The center is also home to various animals, including turtles, snakes, alligators, and birds of prey. They even have a butterfly house and a petting zoo!
The gardens are open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with extended hours until 7:00 pm from April through September. Admission is free for children under 3, $9 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and $4 for children ages 3-12.
Why we love it: Leashed pets are allowed, and Botanical Garden members get free admission for a year!
Address: 8545 S. Staples, Corpus Christi
Buffalo Bayou Park, Houston
The Buffalo Bayou Park is a winding 160-acre green space featuring views of the Houston skyline. It stretches along Buffalo Bayou for several miles. The park has been recently renovated to include improved bike and jogging trails, a skate park, public art, and activity lawns.
Picnics are popular along the Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion, which offers a nature-inspired playground with plenty of picnic space. They are open from 6 AM to 11 PM daily.
Why we love it: The park is free and open to the public. Dog owners who want to bring their pets along can enjoy a fantastic dog park that conveniently has separate areas for large dogs and small dogs.
Address: 1800 Allen Parkway, Houston TX
Ricky Guerrero Park and Splash Pad, Austin
Suppose you’re looking for a small neighborhood park for a subtle, quiet change of scenery. The park has creek access and a shaded splash pad, making it a perfect spot for a picnic where the kids can run around and play.
The park also features a dry creek that runs behind the splash pad. It’s a fun place for older kids and adults to explore!
Why we love it: The splash pad has plenty of water features, providing various ways to play and interact with other kids. In addition, it’s a perfect escape to beat the heat with playgrounds, picnic tables, and restrooms close by!
Address: 2006 S. 6th St., Austin, TX
Klyde Warren Park
Klyde Warren Park is a 5.2-acre public park in Dallas, Texas. The park contains several features, including a children’s playground, an amphitheater, a restaurant, and a dog park. However, the park’s main feature is a large lawn where visitors can picnic while listening to live music.
Having picnics at Klyde Warren Park is one of the most popular things to do in Dallas. The park is home to several food trucks, making it easy to grab a bite to eat before finding a spot on the lawn to relax.
Why we love it: Klyde Warren Park is the perfect place to have a picnic in Dallas. They even have a Children’s Park where the little ones can play! So whether you’re looking to relax on the lawn, grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks, or enjoy a fun event, Klyde Warren Park has something for everyone.
Address: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX
2. Plan your Picnic Food.
When planning what to bring for your family picnic, remember to keep it simple. Pack picnic foods that are simple and not too heavy to carry —light, easy-to-eat food are essential!
Read on for some of our favorite picnic food that will hit the spot without weighing you down.
Sandwiches and Wraps
Sandwiches are always a good option, but avoid messy fillings that will be hard to eat outdoors. Instead, choose simple fillings like peanut butter and jelly or ham and cheese. Then, try wraps or pitas stuffed with your favorite picnic fillings for something a little different.
Packing a full meal with your family’s favorite dishes can seem like a great idea in theory. However, it’s less fun when your food gets messed up in transport. Remember: finger foods are your friend!
If you're picnicking in the heat, keeping food cool is essential. Pack sandwiches and other perishables in a cooler with ice packs, or consider picnic-friendly finger foods that don't need to be kept cold.
Fruit
Fruit is always a good idea for picnics! Choose fruits that are easy to eat and won't make too much of a mess, like grapes, berries, and sliced apples or bananas. You can just pack them whole without the need to chop them up!
Fruits that are great for picnics include :
Apples
Berries
Cherries
Pears
Peaches
Plums
Strawberries
Watermelons
Do you want to know what’s in season in Texas? Visit a farmers market today or check out our TexasRealFood Promptuary here.
Vegetables
Another good option for picnics is vegetables and dip. Most veggies pack and travel easily, viding essential nutrients, easing hunger, and filling up faster.
Pack some chopped veggies like carrots, celery, and cucumbers, along with your favorite dip. Ranch dressing, hummus, and guacamole are all excellent options. You can also use a yogurt or tzatziki sauce as a dip.
Wash everything ahead of time and lay a damp, clean paper towel on the veggies before sealing them to store in the cooler. Pack the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving. Everything will stay fresh and crisp.
Veggies are best served cold, so make sure they're properly chilled before serving.
Find out more about one of our favorite veggie dips in this TexasRealFood article on Hummus!
Snacks
No picnic is complete without snacks! So pack some of your family's favorite snacks, like chips, pretzels (how long do pretzels last?), or trail mix (how long does trail mix last?). If you're picnicking with young kids, you should bring along some easy-to-eat finger foods like crackers or dried fruit (how long does dried fruit last?) snacks.
Browse our selection of delicious Texas snacks here using the TexasRealFood Promptuary
Drinks
Make sure you have enough drinks. Nothing ruins a picnic faster than thirsty kids (and adults!). So be sure to pack plenty of water to keep everyone hydrated.
You can pack some infused water for a healthy alternative to sugary drinks.
2. Pack your Picnic Essentials.
Make sure to bring your picnic essentials!
To ensure that your picnic doesn’t leave too much carbon footprint, we recommend these eco-friendly picnic essentials that are reusable for your next picnic!
Eco-Friendly Dinner Set
Price: $30.99
Why we love it: This lightweight dinnerware is just what we need for a stress-free picnic. They’re stackable, non-breakable, and space-efficient. You can take them anywhere!
Lightweight Drink Bottles
Price: $9.99-$19.99
Why we love it: Reusable drink containers are a great alternative to buying individually packaged drinks. These reusable water bottles can hold any liquid like juice or milk and then be refilled with water when it runs out. In addition, using a water bottle is an excellent way to avoid getting dehydrated in the heat.
Washable Napkins
Price: $24.99
Why we love it: Bringing washable, reusable napkins makes clean-up more manageable and far less wasteful. They can simply be tossed in the washing machine after the picnic.
Picnic Blanket
Price: $24.99
Why we love it: This picnic blanket is large enough to fit both food and family! In addition, it folds neatly with an easy-to-carry handle, so you don’t have to worry about packing it in a bag!
Picnic Basket
Price: $31.99
Why we love it: Wicker baskets look great in photos, but they are notoriously hard to carry around. This modern picnic basket weighs only 1.36 pounds. It’s lightweight and easy to carry with a built-in double padded handle for added comfort. The best part is that this can be folded flat for transport or storage.
3. Pack Like a Pro
Now that we have our food and utensils covered, it’s time to start packing! Here are some tips to help you fill your picnic basket like a pro.
One of the biggest picnic mistakes is overpacking. Keep it simple and streamline your picnic needs.
Packing your basket in reverse order is an easy way to get organized when you arrive. Place food at the bottom, and top it with your serving items and tableware. Finally, place the tablecloth on top for a snug fit.
Closely estimate how much your family will eat to avoid throwing away leftovers.
Full coolers stay colder longer than one that is partially empty. If you can’t fill your cooler, you can change to a smaller cooler or add more ice.
Avoid perishable food that can turn bad or melt in the sun.
Sticky situations are unavoidable when the kids are around. Bring enough wipes and hand sanitizers for accidental spills and sticky fingers.
Bring garbage bags for dirty dishes and trash in case there are no trash barrels at the picnic site.
Bugs can get in the way of a great picnic. Remember to bring mesh coverings and lids to protect your food. Also, don’t forget to bring a good supply of bug spray to share.
Don't forget the sunscreen! Apply it before you head outdoors, and be sure to reapply it throughout the day.
4. Plan Your Activities.
No picnic is complete without some fun games and activities! You can take advantage of some of the park’s amenities, or plan fun things to do with the kids at the picnic. Enjoy, relax, and have fun at the picnic with these fun ideas :
Bring a Frisbee or ball for throwing around, and bring some toys for younger kids.
Take advantage of the playground equipment if you're picnicking at the park.
If you're picnicking at the beach, bring along some sand toys.
Make getting to the picnic a fun scavenger hunt. For example, you can make a “treasure map” for your family to find their way to the picnic.
5. Keep Things Clean.
Leaving trash behind at a picnic spot can contaminate the water and harm wildlife. Make sure you don’t leave anything behind when you’re finished. Bring more than enough trash bags for an easy clean-up.
6. Sit Back and Relax!
The best part of picnicking is that once you've found the perfect spot and set up your picnic blanket, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the good company and great food. So go ahead and find that perfect spot, let the kids play, and enjoy a lovely picnic!
A picnic can be a fun way to get together and make memories with your family. By following these tips, you can ensure that your picnic is in Texas success. So make sure to bookmark this guide to refer to it when planning your next family picnic. And don’t forget to share with us how your picnic turns out in the comments below!
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