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!
What to put in your picnic basket
- 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.