Picnics Rank High as Low-Cost Summer Activity

Treat the Family to a Classic Afternoon of Outdoor Food and Fun

Jun 7, 2009

Pick a spot by a lake or use your own back yard to enjoy a timeless summer leisure activity. Whether the plans are low-key or elaborate, picnics fit most anyone's budget.

Nothing beats a picnic for good old-fashioned family fun. A simple menu, a few easy games for the kids, and a selected spot to enjoy fresh air and sunshine are all that's needed. Choose a suitable location by a lake or in a shaded park. Other options might include a table at a roadside rest area, or spread a blanket on a grassy area right in the back yard. The goal is to enjoy a casual family gathering outdoors without doing a lot of work or spending a lot of money. So grab a cooler and a basket (a plastic bin will do for paper plates, napkins, and non-perishable food items) and start planning a menu.

Traditional Picnic Foods

Easy to handle sandwiches and finger foods make good picnic fare, but some people go all the way and bring portable grills along to cook burgers, chicken, or whatever is desired. As long as the food is kept cold enough, this is fine. Warning: Remember food-handling safety tips. Do not put cooked foods back into containers that have held raw meats, ribs, fish, poultry, etc. without thoroughly washing the containers with soap and water. Also, keep utensils that have touched raw meats away from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.

Cold fried chicken is probably the most popular American picnic food, followed by potato salad and baked beans. Whatever the choices – wine and cheese, ham sandwiches, deviled eggs, or a gourmet spread of grilled marinated ribs and seasoned vegetables – a picnic is a great way for a family to spend time together. Choose foods that are easy to manage and travel well for best results. Dessert is optional, but cupcakes and cookies are easy to transport and are self-serving. Don't forget to bring a blanket if there are no tables available, and remember the cooler for ice and cold drinks!

Picnic Games for Most all Family Members

Depending on the number of people involved, games can range from horseshoes to volleyball. Dodge ball, football, or a simple game of catch is just as much fun. Swimming is popular for picnics at a lake or beach. Some people prefer to sit by a tree and read, or simply do nothing at all but enjoy the time away from busy work and family schedules. Bring the camera for great family photos or a portable radio/CD player for musical entertainment.

Picnics are a great way to get the family on a limited budget involved in a summer event. Some people prefer a quiet afternoon gathering with a few sandwiches and a cold beverage, while others go to the extreme with grilled foods and games. Be sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses if needed. Whatever one's choice of picnic foods, it's best to select items that travel well. Observe safe food handling rules for hot and cold items to prevent the risk of food poisoning. Getting back to basics means rediscovering timeless classic fun. A picnic is by far one of the greatest pleasures people of all ages can enjoy.

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