Picnic ideas

In this section, we have some top picnicking tips, and some suggestions for what to pack in your picnic basket.

Top picnicking tips

Take something to sit on if it's rained recently (very common in Manchester!)
Make strong squash in a flask and add lots of ice cubes. The ice will dilute the drink as it melts.
Wear suncream and a hat if it's sunny, and find a nice spot under one of the park's trees!
Keep your food in a plastic box that you can use again, instead of a plastic bag or cling film.
Wrap sandwiches in foil - you can rinse it and use it again, then recycle it.
Take food that is easy to eat with fingers or a fork. Wraps are good because they don't get your fingers messy.
Don't leave any rubbish, even food. Bits of food can attract pests, and it's not very nice if someone else steps on it!

Try putting leftovers from last night's dinner into a sandwich, a wrap or a box - some things taste even better the next day!
Leftover rice, pasta and potatoes make a great salad with some chopped up raw vegetables (eg pepper, carrot), cooked peas, chicken, bacon, cheese, nuts, seeds etc.
If taking a leafy salad, pack the dressing separately in a little pot, so it doesn't make your lettuce go soggy.
If you want a hot picnic, wrap your food in foil, then kitchen towel, then foil again. And run to the park!
Put fresh slices of lemon, lime or orange in your flask of juice or squash.
Don't have a flask? Re-use a plastic water or fizzy drink bottle.
If it's hot, your chocolate or the icing on your cake might melt. Plain cake, biscuits or fruit travel better.
Try freezing some grapes and taking them to the park for your picnic dessert.