Family Fun without Fuss Cookout

Fresh air, beautiful scenery, and the company of those you love - what could be a simpler and better way to enjoy a cool autumn evening? All you need is some good food, a nice picnic spot, and some cookout essentials for some wonderful, memorable family fun. Put on a sweater, grab your picnic blanket and get ready for a good time with these quick and simple ideas for a great fall family picnic.

Make sure everyone will be comfortable and cozy with some portable seating and warm, fuzzy fleece blankets. The Sunshine Blanket Tote is soft, large enough to seat or warm up several people at a time and folds up compact with a carrying strap. If the ground is damp, the Mega Picnic Mat will keep you - and all of your gear- dry and protected from insects. For the ultimate in comfort and convenience, bring along your own picnic table! The Wooden Folding Picnic Table seats four people, comes complete with an umbrella, and folds down into a compact carrying case that can be taken virtually anywhere.

Why lug around three separate items when you can get them all in one? The Buccaneer Tailgating Cooler with Grill (pictured left) measures only 14"x20" and packs a cooler, grill and grilling accessories into one little package. A roomy insulated cooler compartment, padded handles, shoulder strap and reinforced base make this high-quality combo a must-have. It comes complete with a barbecue grill with its own lid and fold-out legs, a large spatula, tongs, and a BBQ fork. Supplement your cooler pack and BBQ tools with a family-friendly picnic service - the Oxford Picnic Basket for 4 comes with plastic plates, utensils, and tumblers that will stand up to use by children.

Whip up some simple, seasonally appropriate side dishes to go along with your grilled entrees. PicnicFun.com has a collection of Fall Picnic Recipes as well as Picnic Recipes for Kids. You can also find some delicious grilling recipes such as Carmelized Chocolate, Banana and Marshmallow Sandwiches and Spicy Chipotle Grilled Chicken.

Check out our previous articles about family picnics, fall activities for kids, and picnic parties for additional inspiration.