Winter Picnic Tips

Stuffy noses. Fatigue. Irritability. Is it any wonder we don't feel so great in the winter, if we're staying confined to small indoor spaces all the time? People tend to spend three to four months out of the year breathing stale air, passing each other our colds and viruses and just generally feeling 'blah'. Don't let low temperatures give you the winter blues - you can still get out and have fun, and get some fresh air and exercise while you're at it. Here are some tips for enjoying picnics, cookouts and other activities even if it's snowing outside.

The Gear - Many of the same items that you use for warmer seasons can still be used in the winter, such as coolers and insulated food compartments in picnic backpacks (which can keep food hot as well as cold). However, you may want to consider a few extras if you'll be spending a lot of time enjoying the outdoors during the winter months. A coffee and tea pack can be a really helpful item to have on hand in cold weather - and it can be used for more things than just coffee and tea! Soups, stews and chowder can be kept warm in the insulated flask, or you could bring along some hot apple cider or cocoa.

A thick, warm picnic blanket is also very welcome on chilly outdoor excursions. One trick you can use if you already have a thin picnic blanket that's not really suitable for cuddling up in is to simply re-use the carrier (if it's not attached to the blanket) for a warm blanket you already own.

Also, winter is an especially important time to have waterproof seating. Nobody likes sitting on the uncomfortable, cold frozen ground - especially when it's wet. Get a few portable picnic chairs to really up the comfort factor. You also may want to pick up some stadium seats to warm and soften those cold, hard bleachers during concerts and sporting events.

The Food - Be creative with your winter picnic meals, and remember that a campfire or portable grill can be the key to hot, comforting picnic meals that really hit the spot on a cold day. While you're out and about enjoying winter activities, you could be warming up with veggie & meat skewers, hot campfire-style foil packets, fire-roasted chicken and other sizzling treats. Portable propane grills are uniquely well suited to winter picnics - you don't have to worry about wet kindling, it's ready immediately and you can store it inside. Check out our "Winter Picnic Recipes" and "Top Ten Greatest Campfire Recipes" for ideas.

Activities - Cold weather is no reason to stay inside for months at a time! There are a wide variety of activities you can take part in, even when it's snowing - whether you want to take the kids out for a fun day sledding and making snowmen, or impress your date with a creative night they'll never forget. See our previous posts, Creative Picnic Ideas for Cold Weather, Fun Cold Weather Activities for Children and Romantic Winter Dates.