How to enjoy a winter picnic - at least you know there will be plenty of picnic tables available with great views
This winter, why not plan to go to the park where you will have plenty of space to move about and your choice of picnic tables?
The change of seasons is sweeping across the country, and winter may be settling in - but don't pack up your picnic gear just yet!
A winter picnic is a great way to get outside and enjoy the season.
You'll need to dress a little warmer and plan your menu and activities a little differently, but dining al fresco on picnic tables in a park during the winter can be a fun and exciting activity to brighten up the season.
Why picnic tables in the winter?
You might be wondering why you should embark on a winter picnic when temperatures are falling and daylight is dwindling. There are actually a number of factors that make winter a great time for a picnic, including:
- Plenty of choices: How many times have you visited a park during the summer only to find the best spots or picnic tables were taken or in many cases, ALL of the picnic tables occupied? In that case, you end up getting stuck with a location that is not very exciting for you or your family. During the winter months, you will most likely have your choice of picnic tables - areas with great views of a lake or pond or located close to a charcoal grill. Same goes for play areas and playgrounds. Your family and one or two others might just have the entire run of the park!
-Cooler temperatures: Summertime is great for dining outside, but sometimes it's downright hot. In many places, winter means lower temperatures and a break from the sweltering heat.
Instead of feeling hot and uncomfortable as you set up your picnic tables, you'll be comfortably cozy (if you're dressed right!) for your winter picnic.
-Fewer bugs: Have you ever battled the swarm of flies, ants, and bees that show up uninvited to your summer picnic? It can be a nuisance! In the wintertime, bugs are less of a concern in most places, so you can dine without having to keep a constant watch for pesky intruders.
-Ample space: Summer is a popular picnic time, and it may be tough to snag a spot at one of your favorite picnic tables or a park pavilion. But in the winter, fewer people are planning park picnics - leaving more choices for your perfect picnic location. In addition, you may find yourself with a bunch of park charcoal grills to choose from. That's generally not the case in the summer when you need to get to a park early to snag the few park grills that are available.
-Curb cabin fever: It can be tough to find new indoor activities to keep the kids (and yourself!) entertained through a long winter. Cure cabin fever with an outdoor activity like day at a park combined with a nice meal at a picnic table to remind you how good feels to be outside and in nature.
-Change of scenery: Enjoy the variety of nature that falling temperatures brings your way. You might have a picnic with fallen leaves one week, and a snowy surprise the next! Enjoy the different scenes that nature offers during the winter season for your picnics.
Wooden picnic tables along a snowy trail
Winter picnic essentials
To be successful, you will need to include some essential items when preparing for your winter picnic. The change in temperature, shorter days, and other conditions mean that your go-to picnic items may be a little different than during summer.
Winter picnic packing list
-Weather-Appropriate Clothes (It may be chilly when you start. But later on, it's not. Layers are a smart choice in case the sun is out or the day unexpectedly warms up.)
-Hats, scarves, and gloves
-Warm, waterproof boots
-Hand and foot warmers
-Fleece blankets and/or warm rugs
-Flashlight or lantern
-Tissues
-Lip balm
What to eat at a winter picnic
You may be wondering about the best winter picnic foods. There are many options, ranging from simple sustenance to steaming hot suppers.
Unlike summer picnics, you may not be as likely to spread out buffets on picnic tables - where it will quickly grow cold. Instead, if you're packing warm picnic foods, choose individually insulated thermoses and pack one for each person.
Or, for sharing foods, heat at home then wrap in foil and place in an insulated lunch bag. This will keep food warm for several hours - enough time to reach your winter picnic destination!
Once you've arrived, set the lunch bags out on the picnic tables and let everyone help themselves - keeping the lids closed if there is a lull in serving. It might be best to eat out of a mug, rather than a wide-mouthed bowl or plate which allows food to cool off quickly.
Some popular choices for winter picnic foods include:
-Chili
-Stew
-Casserole
-Hearty soups
-Hot sandwiches
-Baked potatoes (doubles as an extra source of heat to keep things warm!)
-Hot water for instant coffee, tea, or hot cocoa
-Cookies or pastries for dessert
As we said, a big advantage of visiting a park during the winter months is that there will be plenty of park charcoal grills available compared to the summer when everybody wants to be a pitmaster for the weekend!
Another option is to bring along a travel-size camping stove. Heat up chili or make hot dogs right on the spot. They'll be sizzling hot and ready to enjoy, even on a chilly day!
What to do at winter picnics
Even in the middle of winter, a picnic can still be a blast. Strap on your snowshoes and hike to your perfect picnic spot, or head to a park near your house with a sledding hill.
If there is fresh snow before your picnic, work together to build a snowman or stage a snowball fight. You could also try your hand at building an igloo or snow fort, complete with "snow seats" for a true winter dining experience.
You'll have the most fun - and stay the warmest - if you keep moving with one of these or similar winter activities.
If your picnic spot permits, a park charcoal grill or fire ring will definitely be a welcome place to warm up after your snow festivities.
It can also double as a spot to eat hot dogs, warm chili, or make boiled water for hot drinks!
Don't let wintertime lull you into hibernation. Get outside with a winter picnic and enjoy what the season has to offer. Get some exercise for your family or your pets.
If you dress warm, bring the right foods, choose picnic tables with great views and plan some fun activities to keep you moving, you'll find that winter picnics are the perfect way to spend a chilly afternoon!