As the weather gets warmer and the days grow longer, families should spend as much time outdoors as possible. What better way to enjoy the warmer weather than over a meal with family and friends? Picnics provide a fun way to enjoy the outdoors while spending time with your children. Here are a few ingredients to make the most of your picnicking experience:

• Prepare the food. Plan an easy menu to make ahead that will stay fresh in a cooler. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Main Dishes

• Roasted Chicken and Grapes Pasta Salad
• Chicken Pesto Paninis

Sides

• Fiesta Bean Salad
• Broccoli Apple Salad
• Watermelon Wedge Salad with Feta, Mint & Almonds

Desserts

• Fudgy Black Bean Brownies
• Freezer Oatmeal Raisin cookies

• Plan for food safety. Nothing ruins a picnic like food poisoning afterward. Ensure the cooler is well packed with enough ice or ice packs to keep your food cold. Keep your cooler out of the direct sun if possible. Also, food should not be kept out of the cooler longer than absolutely necessary, but definitely less than two hours. Once temperatures hit 90 degrees or above, food can only be kept out for one hour. Use this checklist for more ways to ensure your food is safe.  

• Pack all of the supporting supplies. Ever forgotten napkins or serving utensils? To prevent this common oversight, make a list of all the picnic essentials. A tablecloth or blanket, chairs, bug spray, sunscreen and hand sanitizer are all useful picnic items that are often forgotten.

• Have fun! Plan for some active fun by packing a flying disc, ball or kite to enjoy while making the most of the weather.