Nothing beats a sunny day, fresh air, and spending time with your loved ones. Though you might want to utilize Colorado’s summer months for more exciting ventures like hiking fourteeners and perfecting your pickleball serve, sometimes what the day calls for is relaxing in a park on a blanket, eating a yummy lunch while finding shapes in the clouds. Picnics are inherently a leisurely activity, but that doesn’t have to equal boring. Here are 6 tips for hosting a picnic that everyone will remember and beg to do again. 

1. Pick the Perfect Spot

Choose a location that’s safe, accessible, and good for all ages. Denver has a ton of local parks that make for great picnicking spots. Check out our article, 5 Best Parks for a Sunny Day for recommendations. If young kids are tagging along, consider choosing a spot near the public restrooms just in case nature calls. And don’t forget to get there early—when the weather’s good in Denver, everyone and their mother likes to crowd the parks!

2. Keep the Menu Simple, But Delicious

Think portability. Opt for foods that don’t need to stay hot, don’t require a lot of utensils, and are easily packed away for easy transport. Some suggestions include:

  • Sandwiches and wraps
  • Fresh fruit like watermelon, apples, and grapes
  • Cheese sticks
  • Muffins and scones
  • Chips, pretzels, and veggie sticks

3. Pack Smart

Nothing is worse than getting all the way to your destination and realizing you’ve forgotten something crucial. Think through what the day may require, and pack accordingly. Our go-to list:

  • Blanket or tablecloth (Pro tip: Buy a queen or king-sized flat sheet from the thrift store! They’re big, easy to wash, cheap, and you can often find really cute patterns).
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Napkins, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
  • Trash bag

4. Bring Games and Activities

If the goal of your picnic is just to hang out, you can skip this one. But if you have a large group or kids, it’s a good idea to plan for some activities to keep everyone engaged. 

  • Frisbee, soccer ball, or kite
  • Card games
  • Bubbles, coloring books, and sidewalk chalk

5. Add a Touch of Comfort

Lastly, to make your picnic the best it can possibly be and ensure comfort for all, incorporate the following elements:

  • Shade: If trees are nowhere to be found, bring a pop-up tent or umbrella.
  • Music: A small speaker can set the mood for the event! Just make sure to be respectful of others in the space; keep the music volume in check, and choose family-friendly tunes. 
  • Seating: Cushions are a good idea for those who may not want to be entirely on the ground. 

6. Make It Special

Choose a theme for the picnic! Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or a random idea like “Aloha Summer,” adding a theme can help make the picnic unforgettable. Add simple decorations, themed snacks, or even suggest that your guests arrive in costume!

With a little planning, you can host a picnic that all of your guests will enjoy and talk about for years to come. Grab that picnic basket and get ready for some sunny memories!