Picnic ideas for relaxing moments in nature

Sitting outside, enjoying the fresh air and spending time with family and friends: a picnic is more than just an outdoor meal. It's an opportunity to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Especially on public holidays, when a lot of families plan excursions and activities, a picnic can be a well-earned moment of peace and quiet. However, a little preparation is needed to ensure that everything runs smoothly. From finding the right spot to bringing the right gear and picnic snacks, our guide will tell you everything you need to know about planning a stress-free and unforgettable picnic.

How to plan a picnic: find the right spot for your picnic

Amusement parks and tourist attractions are often overcrowded, especially on weekends or on public holidays. Therefore, an outdoor picnic can be a great alternative if you want to spend a few relaxing hours with your family or friends. You should keep in mind that not every place is suitable for a picnic. You might be wondering what to look out for when planning a picnic. A suitable picnic spot should fulfil a few basic criteria:

• Flat terrain: it is a good idea to choose a surface that is as flat as possible to ensure that you can spread out your picnic blanket smoothly and your plates and drinks don’t fall over.

• Some shade: choose a picnic spot with shady areas (e.g. large trees), especially in spring and summer. If you are planning a long picnic, it is important to have some shade, as it will protect you from direct sunlight and overheating.

• Quiet surroundings: a relaxed atmosphere makes a picnic really cosy. Places with little traffic or away from large crowds are ideal if you want some peace and quiet.

• Infrastructure: public picnic areas offer amenities such as tables, bins and toilets and are a practical option, especially if you are having a picnic with children. Consider how accessible the picnic spot is and if you would like to travel to your destination on foot, by bike or by car.

A picnic is perfect for a day trip or as the end of a short hike or bicycle tour. To get as much out of the day as possible, it is a good idea to look out for suitable picnic spots close by. Examples of suitable picnic spots could be:

• A meadow in a public park is perfect for a picnic with friends or family as they are usually close to the city and shops. In addition, there are public toilets close by. However, you should check the local park regulations to find out whether there are any green areas that are off limits or other rules.

• The banks of a river or lake provide an idyllic setting for a picnic. If you want to cool off on a warm day, you should look for spots with designated bathing areas.

• Beaches are ideal destinations for a picnic. To avoid the summer crowds, it is smart to look for more secluded stretches of beach. The late afternoon hours are especially suited to having a beach picnic as this time of day tends to be less crowded. Therefore, beaches are ideal for a romantic picnic at sunset.

• Your own garden is the easiest spot to have a picnic. It is easy to make yourself comfortable here, and all the amenities you need are within reach.

How to plan a picnic: get the right picnic gear

A good picnic should be as simple as possible, so avoid bringing too much fancy gear. There are, however, a few essentials that will make your nature outing comfortable so that you can enjoy your stay to the maximum.

A picnic blanket

Choose a large, robust picnic blanket with a water-repellent underside. Even if it hasn't rained, meadows are often a little damp as they retain moisture well. If the ground is a little cold, you can make your sitting area more comfortable with an insulating layer. Either your picnic blanket is somewhat padded, or you can throw a sports mat under your picnic blanket.

If you are planning a long picnic, it may be worth taking portable camping chairs or cushions with you, otherwise, it can quickly become uncomfortable, especially on stony ground.

Picnic basket or cooler bag

Classic wicker picnic baskets have a charming aesthetic, which is why they are popular for romantic picnics for two. However, if you are planning a picnic with more people, it makes sense to use well-insulated cooler bags with ice packs to transport your food and drinks. Special picnic rucksacks are a good alternative if you are planning a picnic after a short hike.

Crockery and cutlery

Reusable plates, cups and cutlery are more sustainable than disposable products. Robust camping crockery is a great alternative. Serviettes and wet wipes are also essentials, especially if your picnic snacks consist mainly of finger foods.

Flasks are a practical addition for cooler temperatures to help you stay warm with a cup of tea. In summer, a flask can also keep drinks cool and refreshing.

Important: Don't forget to bring a rubbish bag! You should always have one or two bags with you so that no rubbish is left lying around.

Sunscreen and insect repellent

Enough sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses are essential for trips into the great outdoors. Don't underestimate the sun's rays even if the air feels cool. You can get a sunburn all year round if you spend too much time in the sun without protection.

When picnicking in nature, insect repellent can make your stay a lot more pleasant. Special insect repellent sprays help to keep mosquitoes and ticks away. A small first aid kit with tick tweezers, a disinfectant spray and a cooling gel to soothe insect bites can be quite useful.

Tip: Long clothing not only protects you from the sun but also from insects.

• Nuts and crackers are ideal picnic snacks that can be nibbled on in between meals.

• Sweet baked goods (e.g. muffins or biscuits) are easy to transport and a sweet treat for your picnic. Fruit cake is also a popular choice. Opt for a type of cake that is relatively stable and does not need to be refrigerated.

• Salads are easy to prepare and are incredibly versatile. The best way to transport a salad is in a well-sealed Tupperware.

• Fresh fruit (e.g. berries, apples, grapes or melon) is refreshing and ideal for travelling.

• Homemade picnic snacks with nuts, oats and dried fruit (e.g. muesli bars or energy balls) give you energy for the whole day. This is a practical snack if you have planned activities before or after your picnic.

In addition to tasty picnic snacks, you should always have enough water and other (non-alcoholic) drinks with you for a day outdoors. Plan for at least 2 litres per person. If other sporting activities are planned or it is very hot, you should pack even more water. Homemade lemonade or iced tea, infused water or fruit juices are also suitable for a picnic.

Romantic picnic ideas: how to plan a romantic picnic date

A picnic for two is the perfect opportunity to get away from it all and enjoy time together in a relaxed atmosphere. If you're planning a picnic date, here are a few tips to make your trip to the countryside more romantic:

• Choose a quiet place to create an intimate atmosphere. A secluded spot will ensure that you can give each other your full attention.

• The best time for a romantic picnic is the late afternoon and early evening. A picnic beneath the setting sun creates a particularly romantic atmosphere.

• LED candles or fairy lights (battery-operated) create a dreamy atmosphere, especially on an evening picnic date. Bring a small Bluetooth speaker and a romantic playlist. Music playing gently in the background will add to the romantic atmosphere.

• Prepare a special picnic snack: grapes, strawberries with chocolate, a homemade cake or mini quiches are charming treats.

• Pack a few cushions in addition to the picnic blanket. You may also want to take a second, soft blanket to snuggle up in when it gets cooler in the evening hours.

• A little love note hidden between the snacks can make your picnic date an unforgettable moment.

• Pack child-friendly snacks: it's best to use recipes that your child already knows and that are easy to eat. Sandwiches, chopped fruit, vegetable sticks and mini crackers are particularly suitable.

• Make sure they have reliable sun protection: children's skin is particularly sensitive and should always be protected from the sun when they are playing outdoors. Avoid the intense midday sun and take plenty of breaks in the shade.

• Children tend to forget to eat and drink while playing and running around. Make sure there is always enough water available and encourage your child to drink enough.

• Plan age-appropriate games and activities. A few small toys such as a soft ball to throw, a colouring book or a skipping rope are perfect for keeping them occupied.

Conclusion: picnic ideas and planning made easy

A great picnic is easy to prepare if you put in the necessary planning beforehand. With the right spot, gear and a few tasty picnic snacks, a simple outdoor meal can be a lovely family moment in nature. Restaurants and popular tourist sights can be overcrowded, especially on public holidays. A little time out in the countryside can be the perfect alternative.

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The image sources in this text are in chronological order

Cover photo: Soloviova Liudmyla – stock.adobe.com
1st image in text: HBS – stock.adobe.com
2nd image in text: Tsyb Oleh – stock.adobe.com
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