How to Prepare for a Family Picnic in the Park 

It’s already April, and we’re approaching several months of sunny, sweater-less weather and longer, brighter days ahead.

The parks are already bursting with early spring flowers, and the air is filling with birdsong – which means it will be hard to resist the urge to get outside and have a picnic. 

A family picnic is a lovely way to spend quality time outdoors and take advantage of the beautiful weather. 

Finding the Best Park for Your Picnic Day

First things first: location.

Choose a family-friendly park with toilets, shaded spots, and ideally, no aggressive geese. 

Choose wisely, too.

Your favourite park may be jammed with people flocking from all over the city to bask during a sunny weekend.

During times like these, a local park might be the wiser choice.

After all, you only need a blanket-sized land of grass for a nice, cosy picnic. 

Not all parks are created equal.

Pick one with actual toilets, plenty of shade, flat grassy bits (nobody wants to picnic on a slope), and maybe even a play area.

Parks with duck ponds are charming, but remember—ducks have zero boundaries when snacks are involved.

Dining Al Fresco? Here’s An Essential Picnic Packing List 

Enjoying a fine day sprawling in the sunshine is incomplete without munching and sipping on your favourite snacks.

Pack a fully kitted-out basket with all your picnic treats and other useful tools, which may include the following:

• Waterproof blanket or lawn chairs (whatever you’re comfortable relaxing on)
• Plenty of water bottles
• Reusable plates and cups (so nobody has to get up halfway through the meal to find plastic forks at the local corner store)
• Finger foods that are easy to whip up and travel well 
• Wipes, wipes, and more wipes
• Bin bags
• Entertainment: think bubbles, a football, or even a nature scavenger hunt

For more inspiration, check out this family-friendly picnic checklist and the BBC Good Food’s guide for delicious snack recipes! 

Weather Watch: How to Plan for Unpredictable Conditions

A typical summer day in the UK can be pretty unpredictable – sunshine in the morning and a thunderstorm by evening.

To be prepared, dress in layers, bring waterproof outerwear, and don’t trust the clear skies blindly.

Bring sun cream, a light raincoat, and maybe even a pop-up shelter if you’re feeling fancy.

An umbrella can double as shade or shelter.

Safety First: Avoiding Common Hazards in Public Spaces

Be on the lookout for stinging nettles, low-hanging branches, and squirrels with attitude.

Keep young ones within sight, especially near water, and pack a mini first aid kit—just in case someone gets a little too enthusiastic with the rounders bat.

Pack a mini first-aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, Calpol sachets) and be mindful of any allergies, particularly with food.

What to Do If Accidents Happen: Legal Considerations

Despite our best efforts, sometimes accidents happen, especially in busy public spaces when you least expect it.

If you or a loved one slips, trips, or takes a tumble due to unsafe park conditions (like broken paving or unmarked hazards), it’s worth knowing your rights.

In some cases, you may be entitled to make an accident claim, particularly if the incident was caused by negligence or poor maintenance in a public area.

Knowing what to do in the moment — like taking photos, noting witness details, and reporting the issue — can be useful if you need to follow up later.

While most family outings pass without incident, it’s always worth being aware of your options should something go wrong.

With some thoughtful planning, the outdoors can offer a safe and refreshing break from screens and everyday stress.

So pack that picnic, grab the kids, and get ready to make memories — muddy boots and all.

Photo Credit: Depositphotos