How to Pack for a Picnic
Nothing says summer fun more than a picnic in the park, so don’t let spoiled food, sunburns, or bugs ruin your day.
Instructions
- Step 1: Plan menu Plan your picnic menu. Barbecuing means carrying and cleaning up more, so it is easier to pack sandwiches.
- TIP: Make your sandwiches ahead of time but put the dressing on just before you eat them.
- Step 2: Pack side items in plastic bowls and bags Pack side salads and side items in plastic bowls and bags.
- Step 3: Cut fruit ahead of time Cut fruit before you leave to save a mess at your party. Pack in plastic containers.
- Step 4: Get coolers and a few other bags Grab your coolers and a couple of other carrying bags. Grocery store bags or clothing bags with handles work well.
- TIP: Use a separate cooler for drinks since people will be in and out of that one the most.
- Step 5: Pack extra bags with necessities Fill a bag with sunscreen, bug spray, hats, sunglasses and a first aid kit. Put a plastic tablecloth, plastic plates and cups, plastic silverware, wipes, dry towels, and garbage bags in a second bag. Fill a third bag with balls, a Frisbee, bubbles, and other toys for the kids.
- Step 6: Layer ice and food in cooler Line the bottom of your cooler with a layer of ice or cold packs and pack perishable food items, dessert at the bottom. With each layer add ice or more cold packs.
- Step 7: Pack car Load up the car and save room for the family.
- FACT: Did you know? The word picnic comes from the French word piquenique meaning to pick or peck.
You Will Need
- Sandwiches
- Dressings
- Salads and sides
- Plastic bowls and bags
- Fruit
- Coolers
- Carrying bags
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- A first aid kit
- A plastic table cloth
- Plastic plates
- cups
- and flatware
- Wipes
- Towels
- Garbage bags
- Balls
- A Frisbee
- Bubbles
- Ice or cold packs
- A beverage cooler (optional)