What to bring to a picnic with kids this summer

My absolute favorite thing do when the weather warms up in New York is to go on a picnic. Planning what to bring to a picnic with kids is crucial. With all the natural wonders New York City hides within her city limits, amidst the bright lights and fast pace, a picnic is one of the best ways to explore New York off the beaten path.

Picnic mat: to me, picnic mats set the stage and make or break the look and feel of your picnic. Are you going for rustic or romantic? The right picnic mat really sets your outdoor gathering up for success.

Reusable Water Bottle: because duh, I like the insulated abilities of this one in particular and the steady flowlid that prevents major spillage in the event that things will get knocked over, and let’s be honest. Things will be knocked over.

Tiffin: I can’t stand my food mixing, it’s a legitimate pet peeve. Once they mix together my stomach turns and I lose my appetite. I was gifted a tiffin from a loved one through a friend, but this cheeey enamel covered one seems like a great alternative. Another added bonus of a tiffin is that you can prepare your spread before hand and be set up within seconds of arriving at your picnic destination.

Kids Dining Set: Not sure if I’m raising the only toddler who demands their own everything. I love this dining set because its easy on the eyes and its bamboo particle construction make it easy on the environment as well.

Bottle opener: Because adults. I can tell you how many times we’ve had the whole picnic laid out and realized there was no bottle opener. What else can you bring to a picnic that is an immediately party starter?

A cooler: this seagrass picnic basket has a cooler compartment and a flatware setting for four people, it even includes a cheese board. It’s the single most beautiful cooler I‘ve ever seen.

Reusable snack bag: you can never have enough snacks true, but I find innumerable uses for these bags. Pack your cloth napkins in your cooler and keep them dry. Put a tray of ready-made canapes inside, collect and store nature’s treasures from your outdoor feast. I especially like they they can store a bit of air to keep treasures like shells safe from cracking when thrown in your beach bag.

Snack container: This whole list of what to bring to a picnic with kids could be summed up in one word, SNACKS. These little recycled snack canisters mean I am never without last-minute snacks for the tiniest tyrant I know. They also come in super handy for sharing amongst friends.

Linen Napkins: The key to having a waste-free picnic is being prepared, these linen napkins make cleaning up messes easy and serve as makeshift bibs for kids and adults alike. What I like most about linen napkins is that they can turn any place into a picnic spot. They’re not so much what to bring to a picnic, as a mini picnic starter.

Bagguete Bag: There’s nothing that makes a picnic better than fresh bread, this darling bread bag means you can pick some up en route to the park without the need for the plastic bag. In the game of parenting, being hands-free is key.

When considering what to bring to a picnic, start with the picnic mat

Bees Wax Wrap: for the odd shaped item that needs to be packed up and brought home, perfect for halved melons and papayas. I also find that beeswax wrap is perfect for protecting fruits and platters from nosy seagulls during picnics at the beach.

Utensils: I hate eating off of plastic or with plastic, its something my mother instilled in me. Metal utensils elevate the whole experience of eating on the ground. When people ask me what to bring to a picnic my first suggestion is always “bring your own utensils” These metal utensils will have you feeling transported.

I hope this list of bohemian essentials makes it easier to plan what to bring to a picnic with kids this summer

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