Giant Twister, inflatable movie screens and murder mysteries might not be the first things that come to mind when you imagine a picnic. But thinking outside the box — or the basket — will make yours a sensation. This season, plan a fun, activity-packed picnic that friends and family won't forget.
Activities and entertainment
Games and activities are great ways to add excitement and group involvement to any picnic. Classic games like bean bag toss and ladder golf are sure to entice some folks off the blanket, but if you want to take your picnic a step further consider hosting your outing at a local sports park. Sports parks offer many engaging options to keep your picnic energized, giving your group access to activities that everyone can enjoy like mini golf, tennis and batting cages. Some sports parks even include areas for skateboarding and in-line skating that will keep kids safely occupied while the adults take a breather to socialize.
Rentable fun
While many activities are free, consider renting equipment to add extra flavor to your picnic. Contact your local park to reserve space for inflatables like water slides, sticky walls, and the ever-popular moon bounce. You may be able to rent some of these activities directly through your park. If not, consider contacting an event planner.
"An event planner can help create a unique picnic by adding personalized touches to as many aspects as possible from decor to the amusements and entertainment," says Gia Magliano, owner of Baltimore's Best Events.
Magliano suggests renting inflatable entertainment like giant rock-climbing walls, bouncy boxing rings, and portable 18-hole mini golf courses to energize your outing. Tailoring the motif to your specific group is another way to take your picnic above and beyond the ordinary.
"We planned a Southwestern-themed picnic where all the decor and props, catering and amusements reflected the region," says Magliano. "There was even a pinata for adults, and watching the blindfolded guests each take a whack at it was hysterical. It was an all-adult picnic, but they were clearly big kids."
Don't forget the food
An activity-packed picnic is sure to work up big appetites, so amid all the fun it's important to remember the basics. Make sure your picnic goes smoothly by giving yourself enough time for food preparation. "Preparing a day ahead of time is a way to take the pressure off," says Jeremy Jackson, author of "Good Day for a Picnic."
"Who wants to be stressed out before a picnic because they cooked all day?" he adds.
It's also a good idea to consider the foods you'll be preparing because not all dishes are picnic-friendly. "Personally, I feel that simple, straightforward preparation of fresh ingredients is the way to go. Fussy food doesn't travel well anyway. And though it's tempting to prepare a dizzying variety of dishes, sticking to a few basics is fine," says Jackson. He suggests some unique picnic dishes like potato salad with horseradish and peas, crisp green beans in jalapeno oil and ham biscuits.
"Ham plus cheese plus biscuit equals enough said," says Jackson.
If your tastes run to the more exotic, Jackson recommends recipes such as Lamb Pita Meze, Fig Pate, and Noodles With Walnut and Blue Cheese Pesto (check "Good Day for a Picnic" for recipes).
Be mindful of common allergens, such as peanuts, when planning your recipes. Also, keep safety in mind when transporting your food; the traditional picnic basket won't always be the best container. Cold foods should be kept around 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, so an ice-packed cooler is the ideal choice. Hot foods cooked at home should be packed in an insulated carrying case, some of which can be plugged in and preheated before you take off.
Stay hydrated
Food and exercise are a recipe for thirst, and nothing says picnic like lemonade. Lemonade and other citrus beverages are easy to make and will be especially popular with children. Just make sure you pack enough for everyone. And while it's great to get creative with your drink options, water should always be No. 1 on your list. Overly sweet drinks like sodas are diuretics that can cause dehydration, and after your aerobic activities nothing quenches thirst like a cold glass of water. Don't forget ice, and set aside a cooler specifically designated for beverages.
With the right food, fun and activities, you'll hit your picnic out of the park.
— Benjamin Scott, Tribune Brand Publishing