Pack a Picnic
By Elizabeth Wells for Real Families, Real Fun
What better way to welcome spring than a picnic! After months of eating at the kitchen table or around the coffee table, a change of scenery is much needed. The robins and bluebirds provide the music and in many places, the bugs are at a minimum. The kids are raring to get outside, so pick a spot -- park, backyard, or the beach -- and plan a picnic.
Ask the kids to help with the planning. What's the menu? Just snacks or a full meal? PB&J, cold fried chicken, and hero-style sandwiches are favorites that the kids can help assemble.
When Lynda Hannan's local group of preschool moms and their families prepared for a picnic lunch at an Easter egg hunt, Lynda had Jack and Katie help stuff the eggs they donated. "I told them this was a practice hunt before Easter."
Picnic activities:
- If you're by the ocean or at a park with sand, pack empty butter and yogurt containers to build sandcastles.
- If you're landlocked, bring backyard toys, a ball, or even a board game.
- Play physical games like Simon Says, Red Light-Green Light, and Hot Potato.
- Explore the growing progress of trees and bushes.
- If the leaves are already out, see if they are setting blooms for future berries.
- Notice the return of native birds, and observe their nesting habits.
The Krabacher family in Ohio decided to make paper flowers when the temperature dropped. In upstate New York, the LaClairs were ready for fun with a frisbee and whistle football, but it was too windy and cold. "We played hide and seek. It was lots of fun because of all the trees, and we kept warm by staying active."
At a cool weather picnic, the only things you'll be missing are the bugs. If you think you need them, make up a plate of edible ants on a log (celery topped with peanut butter and raisins).
Also see:
• Picnic recipes
• Take your children to the art museum
• Great children's museums
• Ideas for your next family vacation
• Book your next vacation online
