With summer in full glory, who doesn’t love picnic season?

Nobody should be cooped up indoors when our country offers a wealth of enviable outdoor spaces to take in the fresh air. Find the perfect place to get amongst nature and appreciate what we – too caught up in the daily grind – often don’t notice (even when it’s right in front of us!). And the best part…? It really doesn’t matter where you live, as great picnic spots surround us!

Destinations.

From urban nooks, to windswept beaches, quiet bushland, or grassy fields where our littles can run free. There’s always somewhere worth discovering if you’re willing to do a little research. Here are a few ideas of great picnic spots across Australia, but it’s also worth checking with your local council, Facebook community group, or asking friends for their best suggestions.

What to eat…

Food, glorious food.

Whether you’re a roast chicken and bread rolls family, or prefer a more elaborate feast, there’s enjoyable picnic food for every taste, budget and timeframe. Kidspot have put together an amazing selection of child-friendly picnic options. Our favourite is absolutely the nutella and banana sushi!

Keep the kids occupied.

Activities can vary dramatically on a picnic, from splashing and watersports if you’re near a lake, river or beach, to fun family games like cricket, frisbee, or badminton. Ofcourse, you might be just as happy relaxing with your child, reading a book or taking a nap, but if you want to get active with your family, here are some fun ways!

What’s needed?

There are really only a few essential items needed for a successful picnic. Here’s our list of must-haves –

  • Picnic rug, blanket or beach towels – something comfortable to sit on. Add some pillows if you want to glam up the occasion!
  • Sunscreen – the quintessential, take everywhere, Aussie item!
  • Hats – whether for sun protection or a little privacy for naptime, hats are always welcome.
  • Snacks & drinks – and if you like to be comfortable, we recommend a handful of cups and plates or paper towel… oh, and don’t forget a knife!
  • Picnic basket or cooler bag – something to store your stash in! Add some cooler bricks or pick-up some ice on the way if you want to keep drinks or perishable items cold.
  • Spare bag – in case there aren’t any rubbish bins nearby, you’ll be grateful if you pop a bag into your picnic basket to keep any garbage in.

Good Health.

There’s ample research supporting the fact that being outdoors has a positive impact on your mental health. It’s a cheap and easy mood-boost that has been linked to lessening anxiety and depression. Especially good for parents with young children (or a new baby) at home, and while it can certainly be daunting, you’ll likely find it’s well worth the effort when you get outside. We highly recommend a hit of fresh air and sunshine if you’re feeling a bit drab, and a picnic is perfect for this. Bring some sandwiches or sushi rolls along for a hassle-free excursion.

Travel not required.

It’s worth mentioning that you don’t always need to travel far to create the perfect picnic. Sometimes the best days are had right in your backyard or local park. So if you really need a quiet weekend, have young children that need to be in close proximity to your home for naps, or just love to stay local, many of the above suggestions still apply! Too easy!

Vacancy.Care hopes this article has provided you with some helpful information.

Happy reading!

Vacancy.care provides an all-in-one occupancy solution system to support the early learning sector.  A Vacancy.care CRM subscription includes FREE access to family leads – genuine leads from families searching online for care in your area. Along with access to our monthly newsletter, packed with current industry content. Let Vacancy.care and our integrated lead subscription assist you by effortlessly guiding your service from initial enquiry to enrolment.  Get in touch to see how we can help you today. Enquire now!

Feature image – photo by Marissa Price from Unsplash.