One of my favorite ways to spend a beautiful summer day is packing up a picnic and heading to the nearest green space or park! Anytime I mention the word “picnic,” my kids are instantly filled with excitement, even if it’s in our own backyard. Spending time outside, breathing in the fresh air, and bonding without distractions are just a few reasons why picnicking should be at the top of your to-do list this summer! Whether you’re going to one of our local parks, a summer concert, or your own backyard, here’s a list of some of my favorite things to pack that are perfect for your next picnic.
A blanket or tablecloth. Although most of our parks have designated picnic pavilions with tables, my kids and I typically prefer picnicking on the grass. A blanket, sheet, or tablecloth are perfect options to layout your goodies and still have plenty of space to gather around.
A basket, tote, or cooler. You’ll need something to carry all your picnic essentials in. There’s something so nostalgic about a woven basket during a picnic, but you can also use a tote bag or cooler. Opt for something both easy to carry and large enough to hold everything inside.
A cutting board or tray. I love bringing a wooden tray or cutting board along to prep and spread our food on. It also works well as a flat surface for drinks or glasses, especially if picnicking on uneven grass.
The Food
When it comes to deciding what foods to bring on our picnic, I try to keep the menu light and pack things that can be easily transported with minimal mess. My go-to food options perfect for a summer picnic are staples from the Fishers Farmers’ Market. While visiting the market recently, I picked up these delicious farmers’ market finds for our summer picnic:
- Summer Sausage from Moorehouse Premium Pork
- Watermelon Joy Juice from 317 Juicery
- Sourdough Bread from Le Petit Gateau
- Strawberry Jam from Marta’s Goody’s
- Chips & Guac from We Guac Your World
- Blueberries & Blackberries from Van Antwerp’s Farm Market
- Kettle Corn from Groomsville
One quick trip to the Fishers Farmers’ Market will have you picnic-ready in no time!
Fresh Flowers
While totally optional, fresh flowers will certainly set the scene and take your whole picnic vibe to the next level in an instant. I picked up these beauties last Saturday at the Fishers Farmers’ Market.
A few miscellaneous items to consider:
Wipes, hand sanitizer, and a trash bag are always nice to have on hand while on a picnic, as well as cloth napkins (sustainable and less likely to blow away), utensils, a bottle opener, and glassware.
Take a look at a few additional items you could pack with you on your next summer picnic, all found locally. The insulated can-coolers available at several boutiques in Fishers are absolutely genius and can keep your cans or bottles cold all day long!
Where to Picnic Around Fishers?
- Holland Park [lots of shady spaces]
- Brooks School Park [great for dogs and kids of all ages]
- Ritchey Woods [woodsy area w/ trails]
- Saxony Beach [feels like a vacay]
- Nickel Plate Amphitheater [concerts and tons of green space]
Amanda Merriweather has lived in Fishers for eight years with her family of six on the northwest side of the city. She is a stay-at-home mom and freelance writer who enjoys reading, blogging, crafting (her new favorite hobby is woodworking), as well as spending time with her family finding new trails, exploring new places, watching movies, and playing board games. You can find her at The Yard at Fishers District, local coffee shops and boutiques, and the Fishers library and parks with her kids. Her favorite aspect of Fishers is how family-oriented the city is, and how many family-friendly activities there are to enjoy throughout the year. Follow her on Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and on her blog.