Our Mommyhood

Taking the kids to a restaurant can be a chaotic, embarrassing, and downright unpleasant experience at times. But eating at home all the time can get boring. Kids thrive on change. They also thrive on novelty. Why not pack the car with a nutritious picnic the next time you need to get out of the house? Whether it’s rainy or sunny, summer or winter, a picnic is a fun way to spend the day with the kids.

Autumn

Autumn may be one of the best times to have a picnic outside. The leaves are turning colors, the sun is out, and there is a slight chill in the air—enough to perk you up, but not enough to make you shiver. You can spend hours outdoors without having to run back inside to the relief of the air conditioner. Is there a local landmark you have always meant to visit? Put a few blankets in the trunk and pack a cooler of goodies and head out. You will all learn something and enjoy the weather at the same time.
Picnics are more fun when you have a variety of food options. Autumn is the perfect time for comfort food. Quiche and bean salad are comforting and delicious on a picnic. Wrap the quiche in tin foil so you have less to pack home with you. For dessert, cold rice pudding and apple pie go well with the autumn weather.

Winter

Picnics don’t have to be outside. Why not pack a winter picnic to eat at the local aquarium or children’s museum? You can eat on a bench looking at the colorful fish, or tucked into a quiet corner. If the weather is too cold to venture out, plan a picnic in the house. Spread a blanket or tablecloth on the living room floor, put on some sunglasses, and remember the days when the weather was sunny and warm.

When you’re eating inside, keep it simple. Finger food is the easiest way to go. A combination of tea sandwiches, such as cucumber and watercress with cream cheese or egg salad are easy to handle and leave little to clean up. If you are going somewhere with a microwave and a cafeteria, consider bringing a portable container filled with chili. Adding a loaf of crusty bread makes for a perfect winter picnic.

Spring

As soon as the flowers begin to bloom and the snow melts, the kids will probably squeal with delight at the idea of a picnic. Take this time to go to the local park. Pack an extra blanket in case it’s too chilly, and keep a Frisbee or a bocce set in the car for entertainment. Of course, if there is a playground, the kids will probably enjoy playing on it after being cooped up inside all winter.
Salads are the perfect dishes for a spring picnic. Potato salad or macaroni salad with some leftover roasted chicken from dinner the night before will hit the spot. Bake some cookies or banana bread for dessert.

Summer

When the weather is warm, a picnic by the water is perfect. Head to the bank of a river, the beach, a local lake, or a swimming hole. This is the time to eat cold barbecued chicken and potato chips. Sweet fruit just juicy enough to drip down your chin, like watermelon or mango, makes a refreshing dessert. Wash up with a dip in the water.

Whenever you’re planning a picnic, make sure you are prepared. A picnic blanket or tablecloth sets the stage. Bring food in disposable containers for quick and easy clean up, and lots of napkins or even a roll of paper towels to wipe up any spills. Keeping a basket packed with a blanket, napkins or paper towels, cups and silverware will make your next picnic hassle-free. All you have to remember is the food.

Photo credits: Autumn Picnic Place by Jo Naylor; Indoor Picnic by Ian Hughes/flickr; Spring Picnic by Wellspring Community School/flickr; Summer Picnic by Rich Brooks/flickr.

Gina Hamilton is an insurance consultant and contributes content for Kanetix, a full-service insurance company for the U.S. and Canada; including home, business, vehicle, travel and health. Visit their car insurance comparison site, for everything from auto insurance Ontario quotes to home insurance rates in San Diego.

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