How to Plan Your Perfect Family Picnic
With its rolling hills, sandy beaches and stunning riversides, Delaware is the perfect place for a family picnic. Find your perfect spot and enjoy good food with those you love most.
But before you go — make sure you’ve planned everything you’ll need for a special day out. From bananas to beach balls, we’ll guide you through where to go and what to bring on your family picnic. Check out the article and start making memories around Delaware.
Choosing your location
There are so many beautiful places to visit in Delaware — it can be hard to pick just one!
The Beach
The sandy beaches of Delaware are the perfect spot for a family picnic. Enjoy the warm sand beneath your feet and the relaxing sounds of the crashing waves. More than just a spot to eat, the beach is a great place to play some seaside games or go for a dip — just remember to wait half an hour to let your food digest!
If you go to the beach for a family picnic, why not bring a beach ball or volleyball? Nothing says bonding with the family like a few friendly but competitive games.
- Need to find available parking? Use our Amenities Map to find a space.
The Park
Immersing yourself in nature is proven to calm the mind. For a relaxing, scenic picnic, why not visit the park? You’ll be greeted by swaying trees and chirping birds, and you may even spot some of the rare critters found around Delaware — just keep them away from your food!
An Urban space
Having a picnic in an urban space is the best way to take in some of Delaware’s beautiful architecture. Immerse yourself in Delaware culture by taking to the vibrant city streets.
If you’re having a picnic in any of Delaware’s urban spaces, try to find a bench or seating area. You’ll be away from busy walkways and can enjoy your picnic in safety and comfort.
- For the ideal location, take a look at nearby Parks and Beaches in Lewes
Packing the essentials
The last thing you want after travelling down to your perfect spot is to realise you’ve left one of your picnic essentials at home. Create a picnic list of everything you need and tick off each one before you go.
Here is a list of everything you need to enjoy your perfect picnic:
- Picnic blanket
- Basket
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Baby wipes
- First aid supplies
- Ice pack
- Rubbish bag
- Cutlery
- Games
- Cutting board and knife
- Bottle opener/corkscrew
Food
The two best things in life are good company and good food, and at a family picnic you’ll have both in abundance. And though your choice of company is limited, your choice of food certainly isn’t. There are so many different options for picnic food, it can be hard to know which to choose. To give you some picnic food ideas, we’ve put together this handy FAQ.
What do you put in a family picnic?
There are almost no limits to what food you can bring on a family picnic. As long as it can be stored easily and isn’t prone to melting, you can take any of your favourite foods. However, some types of food are more common to picnics than others.
- Sandwiches
- Burgers
- Potato chips
- Cake
- Fruit
These foods are popular because they can be eaten with little hassle. Easy picnic food can be eaten without utensils and won’t spoil in warm or cold weather. Of course, if you did want to bring a steak dinner, that’s entirely up to you.
Just ensure that you store it in a suitable container and have the appropriate utensils to eat it with. Just keep in mind that warm food may get cooler as the day progresses.
Find the perfect day out with our Family Days Out & Activities Page
How to keep food cold at a picnic
If it’s a particularly warm day, you’ll want to go to the effort of ensuring your cold food stays cold in your bag or basket. This can be easily done with a few cooling/ice packs. Just slot them into the bottom of your bag and stack your cold food on top.
How to keep food warm at a picnic
Whether you’re using a picnic basket or bag, the key to keeping your food warm is insulation. Either line your basket/bag with newspaper, tablecloth or towels, or invest in an insulated bag. These bags are designed to keep food warm throughout the day.
What fruit is good for a picnic?
The best fruits are those that can be eaten quickly and with little mess.
- Apples
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Grapes
- Strawberries
Fruits such as pineapple and pomegranates are delicious but can be tricky to prepare. If you wish to bring these types of fruits, make sure you prepare them beforehand and pack them in suitable containers.
What snacks are good for the beach?
Great snacks for the beach are ones that leave little mess. It’s important to keep our beaches as clean as possible. Pack a box of dried fruit and nuts to pick at on your trip. If you do bring packets of food, make sure you put the empty packets back into your bag or dispose of them in a nearby bin.
Tips for packing your picnic food
Seal your food in sturdy plastic containers and layer them so that the heaviest containers are at the bottom of the bag. Ensure you are also using a suitable picnic bag/basket with good support and insulation if required.
If bringing soup, consider bringing it in a flask instead of a plastic container. Flasks will keep the soup warmer for longer and there will be less risk of spillage.
Picnic safety & care
Enjoy the natural beauty of Delaware and please ensure you keep it clean for others to enjoy. Please dispose of all wrappers in a suitable bin or take them home with you in your picnic bag. Always follow the rules of any park or beach you visit. By keeping Delaware clean, more families can enjoy a picnic in the sun.
Delawonder is a corner of Southern Delaware packed full of fun and adventure. Discover a range of activities, restaurants and wildlife for the whole family to enjoy. Our website is dedicated to helping you find all the best things to do in the Lewes-Rehoboth region of Southern Delaware. So whether you’re looking for places to visit or the best local bike trails, you can find it all here at Delawonder.
Take a look through our website to start planning your family trip to beautiful Southern Delaware.
