Real Families, Real FUN: Kids' World
Pack a Picnic
By By Elizabeth Wells for Real Families, Real Fun

What better way to welcome the warm weather than a picnic! After months of eating at the kitchen table or around the coffee table, a change of scenery is much needed. The robins and bluebirds provide the music and in many places, the bugs are at a minimum. The kids are raring to get outside, so pick a spot -- park, backyard, or the beach -- and plan a picnic.

Ask the kids to help with the planning. What's the menu? Just snacks or a full meal? PB&J, cold fried chicken, and hero-style sandwiches are favorites that the kids can help assemble.

When Lynda Hannan's local group of preschool moms and their families prepared for a picnic lunch at an Easter egg hunt, Lynda had Jack and Katie help stuff the eggs they donated. "I told them this was a practice hunt before Easter."

Picnic activities:

If you're by the ocean or at a park with sand, pack empty butter and yogurt containers to build sandcastles. If you're landlocked, bring backyard toys, a ball, or even a board game. Play physical games like Simon Says, Red Light-Green Light, and Hot Potato.

Appreciate the budding season:

Explore the growing progress of trees and bushes. If the leaves are already out, see if they are setting blooms for future berries. Notice the return of native birds, and observe their nesting habits. If April showers threaten your picnic plans, simply move the party inside. Stretch a blanket over the family room floor and go with juice boxes or cups with lids to prevent messes. Use a poster board and make a big, bright sun.

TAKE IT FROM ME:
Put all items into a basket to minimize back tracking to the car. --By Elizabeth Wells
Also, use a zipper-seal plastic bag to keep napkins and utensils dry and clean. --By Elizabeth Wells