20 Ideas to Plan a Lake Picnic (2024)

Ah, a picnic by the lake sounds lovely! Here’s a guide to help you plan a memorable and relaxing outing:

Location, Location, Location:

• Public Beaches or Parks: Look for public beaches or parks around the lake that offer picnic areas with tables, grills, and restrooms. These amenities can add convenience to your picnic experience.
• Natural Beauty: If you prefer a more secluded spot, scout for scenic areas around the lake with some shade from trees. Remember to be mindful of private property and leave no trace when picnicking in a natural area.

Setting the Scene:

• Picnic Blanket or Tablecloth: A large picnic blanket or tablecloth is essential for spreading out your food and drinks. Choose a waterproof option if you might be on dewy grass.
• Shade Considerations: An umbrella or a pop-up tent can provide shade on a sunny day, especially if you have children or sun-sensitive people in your group.
• Seating: Folding chairs or a lightweight camp blanket can provide comfortable seating, especially if there aren’t picnic tables available at your chosen spot.

Food and Drinks:

• Easy to Transport and Eat: Since you’ll be outdoors, finger foods and easy-to-eat meals are ideal. Think sandwiches, wraps, salads in mason jars, fruit skewers, and bite-sized snacks.
• The Rule of Cool: Pack perishable food items in a cooler with ice packs to maintain safe temperatures.
• Hydration is Key: Pack plenty of water bottles or reusable drink containers for everyone. Consider adding sliced fruits like lemons or oranges to water for a refreshing twist.
• Don’t Forget the Extras: Pack plates, napkins, utensils, and a can opener or bottle opener if needed.
• Waste Management: Bring reusable plates, cups, and utensils whenever possible. Pack a separate bag for trash and dispose of it properly at designated bins.

Fun and Activities:

• Games: Pack some outdoor games like frisbees, balls, or a deck of cards for some post-meal entertainment.
• Nature Exploration: If you’re at a park or natural area, bring binoculars for birdwatching, or a guidebook to identify interesting plants or trees.
• Relaxation: Sometimes, the best activity is simply relaxing by the water, reading a book, or enjoying the scenery and fresh air.

Safety and Comfort:

• Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for everyone to protect themselves from the sun.
• Insect Repellent: Depending on the location and time of year, insect repellent can be helpful to ward off bugs and mosquitoes.
• First-Aid Kit: Pack a small first-aid kit with basic supplies like bandaids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers for minor cuts or scrapes.
• Weather Check: Check the weather forecast before you head out and be prepared for potential changes. Pack an extra layer of clothing in case it gets chilly.

Extra Tips:

• Portable Speaker: Pack a portable speaker if you want to enjoy some music while you picnic. Just be mindful of noise levels and respectful of other park users.
• Wet Wipes: Pack wet wipes for cleaning hands before eating, especially if you won’t have access to restrooms.
• Phone Charger: A portable phone charger can be helpful if you plan on spending a long time at the lake and need to keep your phone charged.

With a little planning and preparation, you can have a fantastic picnic at the lake. Enjoy your time outdoors!