Seasonal Outing - Planning a Fun Fall Picnic

When people think of picnics, more often than not, they think of the summertime. However, the cool temperatures and the colorful falling leaves of autumn provide an equally beautiful setting to enjoy the outdoors. A picnic need not be complicated, and it is the best activity for all family members, from toddlers in preschool to grandparents in assisted living communities. A few fall dishes and a few outdoor activities will bring the magic needed to make it as enjoyable as possible. 

Here are a few fun and easy ways to plan your Fall picnic:

1. Portion and Package

The picnic mood and excitement are already in the air, but the best part about any picnic is always the food. I’m sure you’ve already made some dishes like autumn slaw, pasta salad, pumpkin soup, etc., and snacks like apple butter bars, chutneys, assorted cheese to enjoy during the picnic. Let your kids and friends help you package the food in the baskets so that they will not fall over during the drive or walk to the picnic site.

2. Decorate Your Picnic Table

Instead of spreading a blanket on the ground to share your meal, make the picnic more colorful by setting up at a picnic table. This will give you ample space to spread out the food, eat comfortably, and allow the kids to run around without worrying about the food getting dirty or messed up.

Use plaid wool blankets to cover the seats and if you’re not using a large sitting area of the bench, put some handmade pumpkin at the edges of each corner. You can also do this on the table to provide weight if it is a particularly windy day. Spread some hanging vintage napkins over the edges of the table to give it that rustic look. Get a couple of wildflowers in a vase and place them on the table to complete that look. Also, don’t use glass cups and plates to serve food and drinks. Wooden plates and cups would help enhance the look as well.

3. Play Games

A picnic does not have to be just a meal. It should help your family and friends get closer. That’s more reason why it should be exciting. There are plenty of games you can play outdoors, including:

• Can-Jam 
• Cornhole 
• Hide and seek
• Flying a kite

You could even bring board games or card games which you can play around the picnic table. Incorporating these games into the day will not only make the picnic exciting but will give lasting memories.

4. Sing Together

Suppose you have talented family members or friends who love music and can also play musical instruments like the guitar? They can play musical instruments as you sing along to songs that are commonly known to you. If you don’t have instruments, don’t worry! You can sing aloud to some of your favorite family songs or funny songs. This will no doubt add more laughter and fun to the picnic session. If you have kids, don’t forget to sing some kid songs to get them involved.

5. Go Fishing

The perfect venue for a picnic would be near a river or lake where you can enjoy fishing. Fishing in that calm nature space helps boost your mood, builds conversation and strong bonding with family and friends, and boosts self-esteem, especially if the young kids are lucky to catch fish.

6. Take Pictures

The picnic would be incomplete without pictures to look at in the future. The beautiful scenery offers the perfect shot for the photographs. At least with modern technology, most people have fantastic phone devices with a quality camera. Also, you can hire a photographer to capture all the beautiful moments for you and print out some of the pictures in a large photo book. Eventually, you can also frame up a family picture and hang it on your wall.

7. Take a Walk

Nature during this season is a sight to enjoy. Taking a short walk during this picnic wouldn’t be such a bad idea. For one thing, it is a great way to help digest the delicious food you just ate. It can also allow family members to talk about their lives and build stronger bonds.

There’s no excuse for anyone not to enjoy the outdoors during the fall season despite the cold. With the right outdoor gear, some nicely packed food and drinks, and some fun activities, you can never go wrong, and you will want to do this over and over.