What better way to spend a hot summer day than to go picnicking in the park? There’s so much to enjoy; food, drinks, games, sports, activities, campfires and good company – just don’t forget the bug spray! If you’ve ever had a hard time deciding what to bring on a picnic, below are several lists that give ideas for what to pack on a picnic, no matter who you are going with. So grab your friends, family and loved ones and get going!

With the kids: Kids love hotdogs and marshmallows. I don’t think I’ve ever met a kid who doesn’t enjoy roasting (and burning) these items over a camp fire. So if you are going on a picnic with kids bring hotdogs and marshmallows and you’re sure to please. Also bring pop and juice, chips, plastic cutlery and dishes. As for games, kids will like Frisbee, soccer, skipping rope, or really any game. Kids aren’t that hard to please, just as long as you have food, beverages, and several games you can keep them entertained for hours.

Romantic: Picnicking with a partner can be very romantic if done right. Bring along a nice blanket to lay out on the grass, plastic wine glasses, and a nice plate you can both share. As for food, it is ideal to bring finger foods that you can feed to each other. Try crackers, cheese, olives, antipasto, cold cuts, and chocolate dipped strawberries for dessert. If you are a drinker it’s always nice to bring along a bottle of wine or champagne, but remember don’t drink too much unless you have a ride home!

Friends: A lot of people enjoy going down to the park to hang out with friends (I know I do), because it can be a blast! And all you need is a group of friends, a case of beer, hot dogs and hamburgers, chips, pop, plastic cutlery and dishes and a football, frisbee or hackysac to play with. It’s also fun to bring along a boom box if anyone has one.

Office: A lot of office parties involve going out for lunch, or ordering food in, but it’s a great idea to schedule these times for going on a picnic. You can ask every one to bring something and that way you won’t be spending too much money yourself. Things you can ask people to bring could include, hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, steaks, chips, pop, juice, potato salad, green salad, fruit, veggie sticks, nuts, and desserts. This can be a lot more fun than a regular office party too because people can play sports and do activities instead of just sitting around a table.

So as you can see, planning a picnic is easy! You can be as creative as you want with what you bring, but the basics are often the best.  So this summer, instead of wasting money at restaurants, gather up some friends and go build a fire!