What Is More Fun Than A Picnic?
It’s summer; the days are longer, the weather inviting. Why stay in the house when you can grab your gear and your grub and catch some fresh air? Move the family meal outdoors, and you have instant good times.
Any meal eaten outside qualifies as a picnic -- from the simplest last minute take-out to the most elaborate affair packed in a special picnic hamper. For a family supper picnic you should think in terms of four ingredients: food, equipment, place, and people.
Food: Think about what travels well. Focus on things that are easy to serve and eat, that don’t need too many utensils or fussy storage. If you are bringing meat to grill, pay attention to food safety.
Equipment: For take-out food eaten on picnic benches in a park, you need – nothing! But the usual minimum is a blanket, plates, utensils, plus something for clean up (napkins or wet wipes.) And don’t forget the trash bag. Bring an extra plastic container to take home whatever treasures your children find. Equipment can also include games and diversions -- a ball, Frisbee or kite. Play the I’m Going On a Picnic alphabet game. (I’m going on a picnic and I’m going to bring an apple….)
Where: A picnic can be as close as your back yard, front stoop, or neighborhood park. It can be as far away as your schedule and ambition allow. We often gravitate to scenic spots or natural views, but if your family includes young children, ease of access and room to run will score high on your list.
People: This is the best part – just bring yourselves. The usual dinner dynamic will shift simply because you are out in the fresh air. Let the kids help with the prep work, carrying, and clean up. Older kids can help plan theme picnics – going to a special place or keying into a family interest.
Best of all, even on a busy weekday night, a picnic requires very little extra time or effort. But the rewards? As big as all outdoors.
Mealtimes Matter Video
from Miriam Weinstein
About Miriam
Miriam Weinstein is an award-winning documentary filmmaker. As a journalist, she has won several awards from the New England Press Association. Her work has appeared in Boston Magazine, the Boston Globe magazine, Hope, and ParentSource. A former staff member for North Shore Weeklies and freelancer for Essex County Newspapers, she writes restaurant reviews and food columns as well as features on a wide variety of subjects. She lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts, with her husband and has two grown children.
The Surprising Power of Family Meals
In her book, The Surprising Power of Family Meals, Miriam Weinstein shows how this basic human institution helps nourish and strengthen our families today.