Create a Quick and Easy Family Picnic in the Park

When you've got kids, getting the whole family outside to enjoy the sunshine and have a nice meal in the fresh air can seem like a difficult venture. Planning the meal, getting all the materials together and finding a good spot for everyone to sit can appear overwhelming - but there are ways to cut the work in half for a super-easy, fun and memorable family picnic.

The first step toward a great family picnic in the park is the right picnic basket. Getting a picnic basket or pack that's filled with all the essentials you'll need will save you a lot of time gathering all the picnic supplies required for your meal. A backpack or trolley may be a better choice for a busy family - they're typically more compact and easier to carry. The Excursion Deluxe Picnic Trolley for Four is a great choice - it comes with 4 plates, 4 glasses, cotton napkins, stainless steel utensils, a picnic blanket and extras such as salt and pepper shakers. You'll also find separate insulated food and beverage compartments, all in a compact, heavy duty trolley with cross-country wheels, ensuring that you'll be able to easily haul your entire picnic anywhere you choose.

Choose a family picnic spot that will keep everyone comfortable and entertained. Nearby parks are a natural choice, as the kids will have the playground to keep them occupied and you can typically find an empty picnic table to set up your meal. You may also consider a botanical garden or arboretum, where you can enjoy the beautiful plants and freely roaming wildlife as you eat. Bring along a Radio Cooler to increase the fun - it has a detachable AM/FM radio and includes an audio input jack for your iPod, mp3 player or portable CD player. The insulated food and beverage compartment has a waterproof liner and can hold up to 18 cans of your family's favorite beverage.

When planning your picnic meal, think simple. Foods that require minimum preparation and clean-up are ideal, so you won't have a lot of extra work before and after eating. Sandwiches, pretzel sticks, fresh fruits and veggies and granola bars are healthy and kid-friendly. For an even faster and easier picnic meal, pick up a family-sized order from a restaurant such as Boston Market or KFC.

Family picnics are a great way to get everyone together to enjoy one another's company and create memories that will last a lifetime. With the right picnic supplies, they can be a regular family outing that's simple to plan and enjoyable for the whole family.