One of the best ways to enjoy warm spring weather is to spend a day outside! We highlighted a variety of fun springtime activities in a previous article, but one of our favorites is a picnic. Picnics are the perfect opportunity to soak up the sun and get outdoors without any strenuous physical activity, and they can be a great bonding moment for loved ones!
A Picnic Day
We’ll walk through some steps to plan the perfect picnic day! But, remember some options may vary depending on region and what’s available this time of year, as well as what’s accessible for older adults. Be sure to consult the weather and websites such as Yelp to see if something is the right fit!
Step 1: Preparing the Food
The most essential part of any picnic is the food! Finding ingredients and preparing food for a picnic is a great bonding opportunity, as well as a fun cognitive exercise for older adults! There are a variety of ways to find food for picnics, and some of them are their own activities as well. We’ve listed a few ideas for unique ways to find ingredients, but there’s nothing wrong with a simple grocery run either!
- Farmers’ Markets: Farmers’ markets are springing up more and more all around the country, and for good reason. They’re full of fresh produce and local artisanship, and they’re a fun and healthy way to find food! Besides the freshness of their products, they are also a great way to support local small businesses. Many farmer’s markets also feature baked goods and other treats that can add to a picnic spread!
- Go flower/berry picking: The saying goes that April showers bring May flowers, and at many farms, that’s exactly the case! Going to a local farm to pick flowers or berries is a fun day trip, and the produce taken home can serve as decor or food for a picnic. Of course, this is more dependent on what’s available in your region!
After finding the ingredients, cooking them together is another way to add some fun to the preparation process! Many picnic foods can be easy for those with limited physical abilities to help prepare and can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions as well! For example, simple picnic sandwiches and salads are easy to put together and delicious!
Step 2: Finding a Location
After all of the food is prepared, it’s time to find somewhere to actually have a picnic! Picnics can be had pretty much anywhere there is green space, but it’s always better to enjoy the view while eating! If there is a park nearby, that can be an easy and accessible option. Alternatively, wildlife areas and state parks that may be farther away, but also more scenic! Find your local park here: https://findyourpark.com/park-finder
Step 3: Enjoy Your Picnic!
After everything is ready, it’s finally time to have a picnic! We recommend transporting food in an insulated tote, since they are easy to transport and keep food cool. Insulated totes are available at most grocery stores, or they can be easily found online. One convenient option is the Yeti FUNdamentals Cooler Bag.
Make sure to bring enough water to keep everyone hydrated, and enjoy a fun and relaxing day spent outdoors!
