Sweet Tips for Packing a Spring Picnic
As the weather warms and spring approaches, the opportunities expand for spending more time outdoors. Sharing a picnic outside or eating meals al fresco is a great way to enjoy the benefits of being outside while making the eating experience fun and enjoyable.
Celebrating National Picnic Day on April 23 will be a breeze (literally) when you see how easy it can be to plan and enjoy a picnic outside.
Consider Location
Where do you want to eat outside? Do you have a favorite park or beach nearby? Many parks will have picnic benches or even grills for use available, but bringing your own blanket can be fun, too. Even your deck or backyard can be a great spot for the kids to switch things up!
You’ll want someplace where you get some sunshine, but where there are options for shade, too. Don’t forget the sunscreen if you do find yourself in sunnier spots!
Decide on the Menu
If you have a certain theme in mind (like a tea party or snack session), that may dictate some of the food. Otherwise, we recommend easy-to-prep options or easy-to-find store-bought ingredients to make your picnic a pleasant success.
Consider the different food groups. Aiming for a balance in food groups will help you feel more satisfied throughout the experience.
Here are some examples:
- Carbohydrates – sweetpotatoes, loaf of bread, pretzels, crackers, cooked grain salads
- Protein – Cheeses, deli meats, chicken salad, tuna salad
- Fats – Dips and spreads, such as hummus, guacamole, tzatziki, olives, nuts, seeds
- Produce – Fresh fruits and veggies
We love including sweetpotatoes in picnic menus since they can act as both a carbohydrate and a vegetable, and provide several nutrients, such as fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium, to name a few.
Sweetpotatoes are also a delicious choice, whether prepared in a savory or sweet form and can often reduce the amount of presence of sugar needed in a recipe.
Here are some of our favorite ways to include our beloved sweetpotatoes in your picnic:
Salty and savory, these pair nicely with cheese, sandwiches, or any snack spread!
This dip is a can’t-miss and pairs nicely with crackers, pretzels, cheese, and many picnic-friendly additions!
Make these the night before to bring along on your picnic. Paired with fresh veggies and a sauce, these kebabs are totally picnic-friendly!
Throw on a sandwich or salad, or just enjoy it as is. These can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Sweetpotato Cookie Dough Bites
A nice end to your picnic, sweet & healthy!
For drinks, we love sparkling water, which gives a “fancy” feel, a pitcher of homemade lemonade, or “spa” water (a combination of water plus fresh fruit, herbs, such as cucumbers, lemons, limes, watermelon or mint).
Other Things to Bring
Think about how you’ll carry many of these objects – usually, some sort of cooler, basket, or large bags, can help with transport.
You’ll probably want a large blanket for sitting on, and maybe an extra if it’s a bit windy or chilly. Bringing some pillows may help with comfort and make lounging easier as well.
As previously mentioned, sunscreen and/or an umbrella can supply some much-needed shade. Having some soft music playing in the background can really liven the scene, or kid-friendly tunes can keep kids interested and excited.
Lastly, if you plan on extending the afternoon, don’t’ forget a nice book or activities for the kids/family.
We hope you enjoy your sweet picnic!