How to Throw a Fun Family Picnic

Create lasting memories of family fun with the ultimate family picnic. Although planning a picnic may seem simple, successful picnics are crafted through careful preparation. Picnic ideas for family gatherings should be suitable for all the participants, which means you could be planning for grandparents, teens, and youngsters. Regardless of your family’s age range, these tips can help you plan a family picnic to remember.

Plan Ahead

Fantastic family gatherings rarely happen on a whim. Start your family picnic planning by identifying a special occasion you want to celebrate or choosing a date when family members are available. Contact everyone you plan to invite to ensure they’re available for the chosen date, and have a backup date selected in case your preferred date doesn’t work. This way, you’ll know who’s planning to attend so you can choose suitable accommodations and plan for suitable outdoor picnic ideas.

Booking a pavilion at a public park ensures you have picnic tables for your group. Depending on who’s attending, you may need wheelchair-accessible picnic facilities and proximity to bathrooms. Many pavilions have covered areas, and you must confirm this before booking or plan to bring sun umbrellas to provide shade. Once you find suitable facilities, you can book them for your chosen date. You should also check the long-range weather forecast and local event calendars to ensure you aren’t planning a family picnic at a park hosting a significant public event on the same date.

Pack Essentials

Picnic ideas for family gatherings typically involve food. Creating a menu will help you prepare a list of dishes you need, including paper plates, dessert plates, cups, and utensils. Utensil caddies are perfect for setting utensils out so guests can pick forks, knives, or spoons. Invest in pitchers to serve water, fruit punch, or juice, and cover tables with tablecloths. Tablecloths are more sanitary than serving food on public picnic tables that get used regularly. Tablecloths also protect the tables from spills and make it easy to clean up after your family picnic. 

Make sure you have plenty of napkins available. You may also need picnic blankets if you don’t have enough picnic tables to accommodate all family members. Finally, add plenty of sunscreen to your packing list. Even if you book a covered pavilion, your family members may spend a lot of time in the sun, and it doesn’t take long for the skin to burn on hot summer days.

Plan for Fun

Think about whether you want or need an itinerary for your family picnic. Generating a list of outdoor picnic ideas can help everyone stay occupied, so they enjoy their time together to the fullest. Blowing bubbles is a cost-effective way to entertain children and adults. Add in some classic games, like pin the tail on the donkey or variations that let you try to pin smiles on skeletons if you’re planning a fall picnic. Consider seasonally-appropriate and age-appropriate options to ensure everyone’s entertained.

Physical games, such as cornhole, paddle ball, or pop catch, are great ways to help kids burn some energy. It’s also a great idea to have games that can be played with others or individually because some people thrive on interaction while others need some personal space. And for the ultimate family fun, invest in photo booth props or costumes so you can capture some memorable family photos at your picnic.

Make Memories

Hosting a picnic is a fantastic way to get extended family members together for a day of family fun. Finding a suitable location and setting a date is the first step in the planning process. Create a shopping list and let the Ultimate Party Super Store pros help you get all the essential party supplies you need for the perfect family picnic.