The summer sun is high in the sky, kids are out of school, and it’s time to pull out your wicker basket and checkered blanket for a family picnic. If you’re hunting for ways to get out and enjoy the summer weather, planning a picnic with friends or family is a great idea. Not sure how to go about it? Check out this Picnic 101 guide then pick one of the wondrous picnic locations right here in Rayville.
Picnic Menu Basics
Picnics are a fun way to get out in the fresh air for a while, but making sure your picnic is a great experience for everyone takes some planning. For starters, make sure you have a thoughtfully planned picnic menu. There are a few things to keep in mind when your planning your menu. For starters, include as many handheld dishes as possible. Sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, or sandwich wraps are all great handheld options. Even if you choose something other than traditionally handheld food items, choose dishes that are still easy to pick up and eat. Drumsticks, fruit or veggie skewers, corn on the cob, etc.
Next, don’t forget about drinks. If you’re planning to spend any amount of time in the hot Louisiana sun, you’re going to want a generous supply of H2O. Bring along enough water bottles for everyone to stay hydrated. you can opt for small individual water bottles, or save money by bringing a couple of gallon jugs and cups. You’ll also want something tasty and refreshing to sip on like lemonade, tea, or fruit juice.
Picnic Supplies
Most people think about food first when they’re planning for a picnic, but there are a few supplies that you don’t want to forget to bring along. For starters, where are you going to store all of your food. You can pack a traditional picnic basket, or you can purchase a good cooler. Purchasing a good cooler and bringing a basket is probably the best option. The cooler will keep your water, drinks, and fruit cool. The basket will be for food you intend to serve warm. Other supplies you shouldn’t forget are:
- Bug spray or repellent to keep the mosquitoes at bay.
- A blanket to sit on if there isn’t a picnic table at your chosen location.
- A tablecloth if you do have a picnic table.
- Blanket or tablecloth weights to keep the wind from ruining your perfect picnic spread.
- Wet naps, paper towels, and garbage bags for clean-up.
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Where to Go
Now that you have a menu and a list of supplies, it’s time to pick your picnic destination. Rayville has some wonderful parks. Each has unique features that make it a stellar location to host a family picnic. For instance, just a hop and a skip away is Wild Country Safari Park. It’s just a 30-minute drive and will be a wonderful summer experience for you and your family with a wonderful selection of unique wildlife for your little ones to see and a wonderful picnic area to chow down after your tour. Other great places in the area include:
- Poverty Point Reservoir
- Chemin-A-Haut State Park
- Kiroli State Park