Take A Bite Out Of Summer

We all need a break from the hectic pace of life once in awhile. A summertime picnic is a fun and easy way to break away from the daily drudge and relax together as a family, even if only for a little while.

Here are 10 creative ways to take your picnic to the next level.

1. Plan a secret picnic for Dad. Let the kids choose the location, prepare the menu, and select a few fun games or activities to try. Then, surprise Dad with the outing. Depending on what Dad does for a living, you might even want to “kidnap” him from work and take him on a surprise lunch date.

2. Host a family scavenger hunt picnic! Fill up envelopes with clues, and take your picnic on the road. Visit not just one site, but several. Enjoy a snack or “course” at each stop. Appetizers at the local park, sandwiches by the river, and so on. Finish your picnic with a stop at the local ice cream shop for dessert.

3. A picnic date for just Mom and Dad. It doesn’t take much imagination to make this picnic a success. Plan for a sitter, fill a picnic basket with you and your spouse’s favorite treats, and voila! Picnic date success.

4. Daycation destination picnics are a hit. If you live within reasonable driving distance, have a picnic on the beach. Or on a mountain top. Or whatever – just work with the geography around you. Stay for a few hours or the whole day, it’s up to you.

5. Organize a neighborhood picnic and get to know those who live around you. Plan to provide the main dish (hot dogs?) and have everyone bring a side or two to share.

6. It’s not too late to plan a Labor Day picnic with family and friends! Why not include some good old-fashioned games like sack races, horseshoes, and bobbing for apples?

7. Try a dessert-only picnic. That’s right – only sweet treats allowed! This one is especially popular with the kids.

8. Need a quick and easy picnic? Try going through a drive-thru to pick up food and then taking it somewhere special to eat.

9. Worried about rain? Don’t! Indoor picnics are also quite fun and a big hit with kids.

10. One last tip … take along an Audio Adventure on your next picnic. They are sure to keep everyone entertained and they will help spark discussion too!