Here's an idea. Try visiting parks later in the day and enjoy quiet time dining on picnic tables in front of an awesome sunset
Who says you can only enjoy meals on picnic tables in a park from 10 a.m. to 4 pm?
If you think about it, there are several reasons why other times can be just right for a picnic at your favorite park!
While picnic tables are usually filled with food and festivities during early hours, a picnic at dusk can be the perfect time to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature while enjoying your favorite meal al fresco.
So before you make plans to fill those picnic tables at high noon, consider these three reasons to host an evening picnic for two or twenty later in the day - and some tips to make it fun for everyone!
Picnic tables are more available
If you need a little more motivation to actually pack up your car and head to the park as the sun is setting, think about these three reasons why an evening picnic is a great idea:
- Fewer people. Peak park hours tend to mean crowded playgrounds, claimed picnic tables, and lots of commotion. Plus, Americans now have a love affair with barbecues. According to the US Census, 1 million Americans have grilled out in the past year. Because of the rise of interest in barbecuing, it is becoming much more difficult to find open picnic tables at any park. Many families will literally gather at the break of day to secure a picnic table.
But if you visit a park in the evening, you'll likely find that the crowds have thinned and that there are more than enough picnic tables to host your evening dinner party or snack time.
This can also mean a quieter, more peaceful setting - which is always nice for enjoying nature!
Interestingly, national parks are recording an ever-increasing amount of visitors - with overall attendance breaking records in 2016 and a staggering 330.97 million people passing through. It seems that nature is becoming a popular pastime, and even local or regional parks are likely seeing more visitors.
By planning your picnic for a less traditional time, you'll miss the usual rush of parkgoers and enjoy a little more nature and serenity!
- Cooler temperatures. If you are planning your picnic during summertime, an evening picnic will also mean relief from the hot sun and scorching temperatures common in many places.
Instead of worrying about dehydration, heat stroke, and keeping foods cold to avoid spoiling, you can feel refreshed and enjoy more pleasant temperatures.
You will appreciate feeling relaxed and rejuvenated instead of sweaty and exhausted when you visit your favorite park in the evening!
- Change of scenery. You may have been to your favorite park a hundred times, but have you ever ventured there in the late afternoon or early evening?
It might be surprising how different the park seems after the crowds have thinned, the birds are roosting, and the sun is setting. Make your old park seem new again by visiting it in the evening.
At the end of every day, Mother Nature creates one spectacular light show. You won't be able to appreciate it sitting inside your home. Go to a park and sit in your favorite seat at the picnic tables, or find a bench that faces west to watch the sun set over the park. Remember, there's a different, unique sunset created every day. Sure beats re-reruns and commercials.
Many people find that the 'golden hour' is one of the most picturesque times of the day. The setting sun casts a golden hue on leaves, trees, grass, and anything else in its path. The light is great for portrait photos of family members. And certainly, landscape photos can be awesome when the sun paints the clouds red before it disappears. Try and catch the 'golden hour' before or after your meal!
Now that you have at least three reasons to try an evening picnic, it's time to get to the fun part - planning your pre-dark park activities.
Picnics at dusk have many advantages - fewer people, more picnic tables open and spectacular sunsets
Picnics at dusk entertainment ideas
To really make the most of your evening picnic, you'll want to plan ahead for some activities. Aside from preparing a simple but delicious meal to enjoy al fresco at a picnic table, here are some other popular park activities to try in the evening hours.
-Roast marshmallows. Enjoying your favorite campfire treat is easy if your park has provided charcoal grills. Fire up the grill and don't forget to bring along some graham crackers and chocolate for a sticky sweet treat!
-Stargazing. Enjoy the night sky at your evening picnic by spreading a blanket out and looking up at the stars. Depending on the time of year, see if you can find these familiar constellations:
- The Big Dipper
- The Little Dipper
- Orion, the Hunter
- Taurus, the Bull
- Gemini, the Twins
-Flashlight tag. Whether you have young ones at your evening picnic or are just young at heart, take advantage of the twilight hours and less crowded park to play a game of flashlight tag. The playground, bushes and trees, and picnic table pavilions make for great spots to hide. Go to a sporting goods store or online and there are a variety of products that light up - Frisbees, footballs or baseballs.
-Go for a stroll. If you're looking to unwind and relax after your picnic table dinner party, take a walk around the park to enjoy easy conversation and the peaceful surroundings of the park. Enjoy the moonlight and the sounds of nature after dark.
Must-have items for an evening picnic
Before you head out the door for your picnic after dark, there are a few specific items that are essential to enjoying the evening.
Aside from the usual picnic must-haves, you'll want to pack some things that will help your after-hours al fresco occasion go smoothly. While this list may vary depending on your location, climate, and season, consider adding the following to your picnic kit:
-Battery-powered lanterns for picnic tables
-Bug spray to ward off mosquitos, no-see-ums and more
-Citronella candles and matches to provide additional bug protection
-Flashlights for cleaning up and finding the way to the restroom
-Blankets in case the evening turns chilly
-If your park has a fire pit or ring, bring wood for an evening fire or charcoal for grilling
With the right preparations, your evening picnic will be simple to pull off and just as much fun as a midday park outing.
Try a picnic later in the day at a park near you!
Mark your calendar and plan now to enjoy a picnic at a park later in the afternoon near you. You'll enjoy the quiet surroundings, easy access to picnic tables, and fun activities that are all part of a late afternoon picnic.
Just be sure to check with your local park regarding official hours of operation. While some parks have no restrictions on operating hours, others may close at a certain time or once dusk falls. Always be safe and follow the park's rules to avoid potential problems.
After all, as a member of the public, you own the parks. Make the most of the days and evenings at your local park dining on your picnic tables and cooking on your park grills with these tips to enjoy a picnic later in the day!