It is now late spring, and throughout the summer and early fall when you want to go on a picnicIt is true that with high temperatures, and taking into account the position of the sun, we must choose the place very well, prioritizing recreational areas with trees and good shade, or forests. And on the beach? You can also have a picnic, although in that case, I'd opt for organizing it. at sunset to avoid intense heat and radiation.
Having a picnic outside is a great way to drink contact with the natural environment and get out of the routine. In addition, the little ones are given the freedom that all children need to experiment by running around, discovering, touching the ground, observing insects, or comparing the sizes of the stones. You just have to take a few precautions, and have a series of issues planned so that everything goes 'to order'.
An added advantage to those that I have counted and those that you can imagine is that far from the comforts, your children know how to adapt to a different situation, and perceive the benefits of eating on the grass or on the sand
In addition, spending time on a family picnic provides benefits for physical and emotional health: breathe fresh air, reduce stress with the sound of water or leaves, get a proper dose of sunshine for vitamin D, and strengthen family ties by creating memories. If the menu is balanced, it's also a perfect opportunity to Eat Healthy without rushing and without screens.
Food
Only in the case of having a single child and that he is still breastfeeding on demand, and is less than six months old, you should not count on him when preparing food. In all other cases, these are the things you must remember when putting food in the basket:
- These tips on introduction of complementary feeding.
- The allergies or intolerances (if any) of any member of the family.
- Prepare a cooler and (from 12 hours before) freezing accumulators to keep food in good condition.
- Disposable cutlery, plates and cups; paper napkins. You can also use reusable camping plates and glasses.
- Empty plastic bag to store waste.
- Bowls or containers to put small pieces of food within everyone's reach.
- Even if you only go to eat also think about the snack… Most of the time the activity is extended, nobody wants to leave and… the little ones will be hungry again.
- Golden Label Label the containers with names/ingredients if there are allergies, and divide them into individual portions for faster serving.
- It includes waterproof blanket or a sturdy tablecloth to support food cleanly and avoid sand and ants.
- Usa frozen ice bottles like extra cold plates; when they melt, you'll have cool water.
- If it's very hot, choose cold dishes that hold up well (salads, well-set tortillas, empanadas) and avoid sauces with raw egg.
What will I put to eat?
I can give you some ideas, and then you let your imagination fly: sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs, savory pie, nuts, well packaged cured cheese, some sausage, olives. They are also worth bread sticks without much salt, a well curdled tortilla, an empanada, ... and do not forget fruits that are resistant to transport them without being crushed: bananas, apples, not very ripe summer fruit (peaches, apricots), even chunky melon and watermelon in a lunch box. And even vegetables like carrots, cucumbers or tomatoes.
And if food is important (especially for children), hydration is essential, you must provide yourself water in sufficient quantity so everyone can drink whenever they need it. And if you want to include some homemade refreshment, try filling a bottle with water, adding lemon juice, sweetening with honey, shaking vigorously, and letting it cool.
- More practical ideas Inspired by what works best with little ones: assorted mini sandwiches (ham and cheese, tuna with tomato, hummus with turkey), cold fruit or cheese and cherry tomato skewers, pasta or rice salad in individual jars, portioned omelette, crudités with hummus, drinkable yogurts, homemade smoothies and cut fruit in Tupperware.
- Options for innovation and keep the menu balanced: vegetable empanadas, “Greek” salad with feta and olives, potato salad (potato salad), a good zorongollo roasted pepper, poke bowl cold cuts in jars, chicken and mango skewers with mild sauce, savory croissants with salmon and cream cheese, breaded mushrooms with sauces, green pasta salad and gourmet sandwiches with aromatic herbs.
- For the heat, prioritize cold preparations and sour (lemon, pickles) that whet the appetite, and always carry protein dishes easy to eat (legumes, chicken, turkey, cured cheese).
Hygiene and protection
I'm more worried about the second one than the first one, because I think it would be ridiculous to pretend to go on a picnic and not want the children to get dirty, if you want you can bring wet wipes to clean your hands a little from time to time. As for protection, don't forget the sunscreen, an insect repellent, and a small kit with gauze, disinfectant, plasters, ointment or similar for blows and the pain reliever you normally use. And, of course, if any member of the family takes any type of medication, include it as well.
In front of rivers, reservoirs or rocky areas, take extreme precautions. active supervision: Wear non-slip soles, avoid slippery edges, and establish play limits. In recreational areas, respect the local regulations (barbecues, schedules, waste, pets) and remember not to feed the wildlife. If you enter nesting areas, keep the respect distance.
In the first aid kit add blister dressings, saline solution, tweezers, oral antihistamine if recommended, and a light shedding per child. For hygiene, hand sanitizer and laundry bags help maintain order.
Do not forget
Caps for everyone, sunglasses (if you have one), flashlight (if the picnic is near a cave and you want to go inside), replacement socks Because the temptation to put your feet in the river is impossible to resist, a resistant mat or tablecloth to make it difficult for sand or ants to get into the food. Swimsuits, towels and rubber shoes if you go to the beach.
Finally, if you're not going to a well-covered place, avoid the middle of the day. And of course, forget about games and toys, except with babies and very young children: a bucket and spade will do just fine whether they're playing in dirt or sand. Being in contact with nature activates ideas for playing without the need for objects. I should add that you should supervise minors to avoid accidents and let the older ones (from 6/7) play freely, they will be happier..
- Add umbrella or shade tent portable in open areas.
- An cooler backpack distributes the weight better if you go hiking.
- Bags for separate waste (organic, packaging) and bring them back if there are no bins.
- Un power bank and a headlamp if the afternoon drags on.
Games and entertainment after lunch
After eating, you feel like moving, and the natural environment multiplies your imagination. Prepare simple activities that do not take up space or weigh anything down: soap bubbles, handkerchief games, sack races with reusable bags, storytelling, riddles, treasure hunt (leaves, stones, sticks), mini scavenger hunts with clues, cards, or travel games. You can also draw what you see or make a small herbal with fallen leaves.
Where to go: ideas by type of environment and some examples
Very close to where you are, there is usually picnic areas with tables, benches, fountains and sometimes restrooms. Some are, in themselves, a getaway destination: located in idyllic spots, with shade and often BBQs or children's areas. Be sure to check local opening hours and regulations, and if reservations are required.
- Urban parks with green areas and gamesLarge, shaded spaces, perfect if you don't want to leave the city. Popular examples include large parks with lawns, ponds, and playgrounds in coastal and inland capitals.
- Rivers, reservoirs and inland beaches: Waterside walkways with walkways, picnic areas, and easy trails. You can see waterfowl and cool off in the enabled areas.
- Recreational areas in the mountains: marked picnic areas with tables, barbecues (where regulations allow), and viewing points. Many include family routes signposted to combine walk and meal.
- Spaces with heritage valuePicnic areas near chapels, historic bridges, or gardens are ideal for adding a cultural touch to your day.
Si buscáis concrete inspiration To plan: in coastal and mountain areas you will find very complete urban parks, with semi-free animals, meadows and swings; in the Valencian and Alicante mountains, river routes with waterfalls and fountains where bathing is regulated; in the mountains of Madrid and its surroundings, there are areas next to reservoirs and riverbanks, themed paths with picnic areas in pine forests, areas with generous shadows In valleys and meadows, and iconic urban parks with lawns, ponds, viewpoints, and cycling routes. In historic cities, public gardens and hills offer spectacular viewpoints and green spaces for spreading out.
For hiking families, in the Catalan mountain regions there are leisure areas within natural parks, with marked routes next to streams, play areas and stone tables; other proposals include greenways and easy itineraries with views, botanical parks with colorful tables that delight children, picnic areas at the foot of painted forests and streams with picnic areas near charming towns. In large Mediterranean cities, parks such as those crowning hills, historic rose gardens, marshes with visitor centers, or riverside spaces with viewpoints are ideal for a well-rounded day.
Whatever the destination, confirm access and parking, if there are fountains or bathrooms, and remember that some river beaches or private areas may have paid entrance during high seasonAvoid spending the night where it is prohibited and respect marked trails.
With good planning, an appealing menu and a desire to explore, a family picnic becomes an easy, economical and very stimulating plan that helps children to play freely, discover nature and create lasting memories.