Almost everyone can look back at their childhood and remember the fun, summer activities that shaped them into adults. Picnicking is probably on that list of memories –the fond thoughts of eating your favorite foods at a great outdoor location may entice you to want to create the same memories for your own children, family and friends.

But, instead of just throwing some food in a picnic basket and heading out the door to any old place, why not make your picnic the best it can be? With some pre-picnic planning, your friends and family will be sure to remember their picnic experience with glee.

Fun picnic themes

There are several ways to throw a great picnic. Depending on your mood, access to outdoor locations and family schedule, why not choose one of the following picnic themes?

Beach Party Picnic

Do you live in an area where there is a beach just moments away? Or maybe in just a few hours, you can be at a beach? Well, then a beach picnic may be just up your alley.

When we think about the beach, we usually think about volleyball, Frisbee, swimming, sandcastles and bonfires. So, why not base your beach picnic on just those things?

First, locate your beach. You will need to know a few things about it. Do they have permanent volleyball nets? Do they allow bonfires? Do they have picnic tables or pavilions that can be reserved? Figuring that out will be an essential part of your planning.

If they do have areas that need reserving, do it at least a month in advance. Purchase a volleyball net if they don’t already have one, or if you want one specifically for your group. If they do allow bonfires or have fire pits, be sure to put firewood, lighter fluid and a lighter on your list of things you will need.

Next, decide on your guest list. Is your beach picnic only open to your immediate family, or would you like friends to attend too? Write down exactly who you plan on inviting.

Then, before contacting everyone about the party, plan a menu. Fruit salad in a pineapple or watermelon boat, a large pre-cooked ham, surfboard shaped finger sandwiches, volleyball net or beach towel cookies, tropical punch and water are all great beach party food and beverages. Be sure to pack all perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice – you don’t want your food to be inedible due to spoiling.

Next, decide what activities will take place at the picnic – a volleyball tournament, a sandcastle building contest and Frisbee tournament are great for both adults and kids. To give the kids even more activities, bring a stick and have them do the limbo, play “hot coconut” or “hot pineapple” – bring a whole coconut or pineapple and play it as you were playing hot potato or do a sand burying race – see who can bury a person fastest in the sand. Be sure to award the winner with something fun – a new Frisbee or beach ball, colored sun block, a new beach towel or something beach themed.

Once you have the menu and activities figured out, it is time to invite guests. If they can attend, ask them to bring enough beverages for their family, as well as a side dish. Tell them to get creative and bring something beach party themed to add to the fun. And also ask them to bring two prizes for the different activities.

At the end of your beach party picnic, light a fire and roast marshmallows or make smores – the perfect ending to any picnic.

Nature Appreciation Picnic

Get back to nature – literally – by planning a nice picnic at a great nature observatory. Not only can you eat a great meal, but you can do some hiking, fowl and animal watching and plant and flower hunting.

The menu isn’t necessarily the most important aspect of this picnic – some simple sandwiches, fruit, snacks and beverages will suffice.

The most important portion of this picnic is gear. You will need to bring the appropriate footwear for hiking, as well as binoculars for the family to check out the fowl and animals and a few plant, flower and fowl books to figure out what types are in your surroundings.

This is a great way to educate the entire family about your state’s wildlife. Pay particular attention to insects and animals that could be harmful – including snakes. But also point out those animals and insects that are benign – which is a great way to teach kids not to be fearful of their environment.

Children’s Park Picnic

Again, the food isn’t the most essential part of a children’s park picnic – it’s all about the activities your family engages in.

The menu can be simple – sandwiches, drinks and snacks – or even hot dogs or hamburgers if a grill is available. Be sure to bring plenty liquids to keep everyone hydrated.

Pack fun stuff – Frisbees, bubbles, kites, motorized airplanes, a football and whiffle ball set. Between swinging, sliding and monkeying around on the monkey bars, add in those activities you brought. Invite the other park goers to join your game - the more the merrier.

Don’t just let your kids have the fun – you can join in as well. It’s a refreshing way to spend the day, and will bring back great childhood memories.

Water Park Picnic

When the sun is beating down, water is an essential way to stay cool and enjoy the day. Pack a great lunch and head to the nearest water park. But beware, many water parks don’t allow food in the area, but usually provide picnic tables outside the venue for eating.

Better yet, create your own water park in your back yard. Purchase a slip and slide, a few kids pools, a wacky sprinkler, and you are ready for fun. Conduct water slide races, sprinkler high jump competitions and bobbing for water toys (make sure the water stays clean).

Keep snacks on a picnic table or designated eating area, place a cooler full of fun drinks in a few places in the yard and keep the sunblock station in working order every hour on the hour.

The kids won’t grow tired of their own private water park for hours, and adults can join in when they aren’t sunbathing.

Outdoor festival picnic

Most towns have at least one festival every year – whether it is surrounding music, arts or crafts. Look at the festival schedule and plan a picnic around it.

If it is a music or arts (plays, monologues, ballet, etc.) festival, take a big blanket, plenty of great food and find a spot that will offer your family a good view, but enough room to enjoy the festivities. You don’t want to sit right up front where people will more than likely be standing. After eating, pick a family partner and groove to the tunes, having the other family members snap candid photos of your fun escapade. Be sure to bring binoculars so your family can see the activities up close without being shoulder to shoulder in the crowd.

The Lovers Picnic

If you find yourself sans children for an afternoon or during dusk, plan a special picnic just for the two of you.

Find a secluded location, maybe on a lake, in a field with wild flowers – somewhere very aesthetic but also with a good view of the big sky.

Pack a few bottles of wine (don’t forget the wine opener), cheese and fruit and other finger foods that you both enjoy. Don’t forget the tray to place the food and wine on.

Bring a large blanket, and maybe even an air mattress and pillows so you have a comfortable seating arrangement.

And who can go wrong with a portable CD player softly whispering some Miles Davis or similar jazz tunes to set the mood? In the same bag, stick in a few candles so when the darkness falls and you are unwilling to move you can still make out where the food is located.

After setting up your area, have you and your lover relax. This setting allows you to get away from the day to day grind and actually focus on each other – something that is rare! Discuss your dreams, interests and hopes – anything that comes to mind. Feed each other cheese and fruit, pour the wine – just enjoy what the evening has to offer.

And when night falls, lie back and stare at the stars. You may find it addictive – it is rare that you have a chance to see them so clearly in town because of light pollution – so take it all in.

Who knows, you may get a few deep kisses and find yourself making out like when you both were kids – which is very refreshing and exciting at the same time.

Make your own picnic theme

Picnics aren’t just about food – they are about the setting, the activities and the friends and family. While the above suggestions are fun ways to make a picnic a great memory – don’t just go by them – make your own themes based on the specific likes of your family and friends. You can’t go wrong with a picnic, and it’s a great way to appreciate all you have.