Picnicking is a one the most exciting traditional outdoor activities. For ages, people have taken to the outdoors to enjoy their meals in the bounds of nature and all it has to offer.
If you enjoy clean fun and classic entertainment that’s safe for families, couples, and singles alike, you’ll love picnicking. In this guide, you’ll learn everything there is to know about picnics and how you can set yourself up for fun filled adventure with lots of food in the great outdoors.
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History of Picnicking
The word picnic originates from the French word pique-nique, which was first printed in Origines de la Langue Française by Tony Willis. It referred to an occasion where people brought their own wine to a restaurant meal. The idea stuck, and the word continued to be used for events where everyone in attendance contributed by bringing an item for dining.
Picnics were frequently held by common people in French royal parks during the 18th and 19th century. These large social gatherings featured elaborate meals that put together over several days.
The actual term picnic (as it’s spelled today) was first seen in 1748 in a letter written by Lord Chesterfield of England in reference to an occasion which included drinking and discussion alongside card games. It’s illustrated in François Lemoyne’s 1723 painting Hunt Picnic, which shows people enjoying a fancy meal upon the return of a hunting party.
Over the years, picnicking became increasingly popular as royal parks were opened to the common people. Picnicking in parks has since become a longstanding activity that people all around the world enjoy for social gathering.
5 Benefits of Picnicking
There are many reasons people love picnicking that you not be aware of. Here are just few of the benefits:
1. Social gathering
As mentioned above, picnics originally revolved around elaborate social gatherings. Some cities hold community-wide picnics that allow people to meet and greet while enjoying food together. It’s a great way to connect with others and become an active member in your community.
2. New perspectives
Picnicking takes you out of your element and puts you in a different world. It lets you experience life from a different perspective, which can lead to personal enlightenment and growth. You can imagine what it must be like for animals who feast in nature every day of their lives.
3. Healing in nature
Nature is peaceful, especially when the weather is just right. You can feel a sense of calm and serenity while listening to the sounds of the seasons. They say sunlight is a natural healer, so many enjoy spending time outdoors to help them destress and overcome struggles in life.
4. Special occasions
Picnicking is perfect for special events. Plenty of businesses have company picnics, and many couples go on picnic dates. You can celebrate all sorts of occasions with a meal in a nature, and it fits perfectly with the tradition of picnicking as a form of public social gathering.
5. Family time
Everyone family should go on a picnic together at least once. Family picnics make for truly memorable bonding experiences that strengthen family ties. They’re especially fun for children, and parents who take the time to plan these outings will find nothing short of precious moments.
How to Plan a Picnic
In many ways, preparing for a picnic is like preparing for a hiking or camping trip. Since you’ll be outdoors, you need to consider which supplies are most appropriate for the location and events you plan. What should you wear? What should you bring? Wearing heels to a picnic won’t do you any favors. Neither will bringing food without a reliable surface to sit and eat on. The moral of the story is it’s important to plan your picnic carefully if you want it to be successful.
Picking a location
Finding a picnicking location is arguably the most difficult step for first-timers. It’s a good idea to take walks in your local parks and scout out the best areas beforehand. Look for other picnickers and take note of the area vibes. You’ll find different areas attract different crowds, so some locations will be more picnic-friendly than others. You can also ask for recommendations from friends and coworkers who enjoy picnicking themselves.
Gathering supplies
The supplies you need will depend on what you plan to do on your picnic. Is it a simple lunch outing? Or is it a complex outdoor adventure?
Basic
Here are some general supplies we recommend bringing with you:
- Picnic blanket
- Meal or snack
- Bottle of water
Advanced
- Bottle of wine
Fun items
- Hammock
- Book or tablet
- Frisbee
- Kickball or football
10 Picnic Date Ideas
Out of picnic ideas? Don’t worry! Many people have trouble planning the perfect picnic, especially when it’s going to be with someone special. The good news is there are tried and true picnic date ideas you can use to set up a special occasion that’s sure to impress.
In this article, we’re going to give you a few recommendations that’ll bring inspiration and help you plan an outing you’ll never forget. By the end, you’ll be one step closer to impressing that special someone and taking your relationship to the next level. Without further ado, here are the 10 best picnic ideas for a date!
1. Watch the Sunrise
This is where it all begins. Watching the sunrise is a classic romantic activity that also happens to be one of the best picnic ideas for a date. All you need is your picnic kit, your date, and the morning light to bring this all together. You can watch the sunrise and share a quick breakfast at dawn. It doesn’t get any easier than this.
2. Let’s Do Lunch
Most picnickers come out at lunch, as midday is usually when the weather is in peak form. If you enjoy being out in the sun and want a bright, uplifting vibe, try planning a lunch. It’s a traditional picnic idea that is safe and effective. You won’t be winning any awards with this one, but there’s a time and place for everything. Even the most basic.
3. Hammock Hangout
Hammocking is an experience that makes fond memories. If the person you’re bringing with you has never tried it before, this will make you stand out. Bring a couple of hammocks and take roost once you’re finished with your meal. Better yet, bring an extra large hammock for a romantic cuddling session in a 2-person tree swing.
4. Walk & Talk
Walking and talking inevitably becomes part of any picnic date, and you can actually make it one of your main activities if you so desire. This is especially enjoyable when there’s beautiful scenery or decor for you to admire as you make your way around. Enjoy the simplicity of communication with another while you hold hands and take in your surroundings.
5. Photo Session
If either one of you has access to a decent camera, a photo session can be lots of fun! It’s the perfect picnic idea for a date where you need to break the ice (and fast). You can permanently capture memories on film and lighten the mood with amateur modeling. Take turns capturing the serious and silly sides of each other with different poses around your picnic area. It’s sure to cause laughs!
6. Tree Carving
We can tell you from experience that carving your names in a tree together is an excellent way to ensure your picnic date is remembered for years to come. The carving ceremony is a tradition that can cement a deep connection between two people, and it can be as lighthearted or heartfelt as you like.
7. Wine & Dine
You may be surprised to find there are picnic kits made specifically for wining and dining. People love it! Bring a cooler with a premium bottle of wine and enjoy a glass of truth serum with your significant other. Most parks permit the consumption of alcohol on premises, but if you’re on private property, anything goes!
8. Family Gathering
When kids are involved on either side, dates can resemble a family gathering. Why not go ahead and lean into it? You can both bring your children and let them join in the fun! If they’re old enough, they can keep themselves occupied while you spend some time together. It’s not exactly alone time, but sometimes you have to take what you can get.
9. Swing Together
Swinging together brings out your inner child, making it one of the best picnic ideas for a date. There’s an innocence that’s unlocked when you begin to propel back and forth, higher and higher. It’s during these moments you’ll find honest conversation and nostalgia that takes you back to your childhood.
10. Star Gazing
A night under the stars is a night never forgotten. The evening sky is there to remind you that the world is much bigger than you can imagine and the possibilities are endless. You and your date can reflect on the future and what it may be like. You can name the stars together and make wishes you hold dear forever.
Final Words
You haven’t truly lived until you’ve been picnicking. It’s such a simple activity that there’s hardly an excuse to not try it at last once, and once you do, you’ll be glad you did. There’s a perfect picnic you can plan for nearly any occasion. Grab your supplies and head out outdoors for fun and adventure you’ll never forget.