This weekend, consider going for a picnic with friends and their children. You don't need to go to a far off destination. Even picnicking in someone's garden is a delight.
You could try and head out towards a nearby destination on the outskirts of the city, to the neighbourhood park, the beach, or to someone's lawn.
When was the last time you went for a family picnic? Chances are, it's been a while. So, pack your basket and get going!
Here's what you will need:
Sunscreen
You will be outdoors, in the sun, for most of the day. Apply sunscreen before leaving the house, and carry a bottle with you so you can reapply it later in the afternoon.
Mosquito repellent
If you are picnicking by the lakeside or in an area where there may be mosquitoes, carry a repellent with you or you will spend all day scratching your hands and feet, and swatting mosquitoes.
A change of clothes
If you're going for a picnic by the beach, it's always a good idea to carry a change of clothes for all family members. Otherwise, no matter where you go, bring along a change for the children as they can find innovative ways to get dirty!
Camera
Don't forget the camera! These are memories you will want to cherish forever.
Food
Don't go overboard preparing fancy dishes. Basic sandwiches will do. You could also carry bread and condiments like chutney, butter, salami etc. separately, and prepare the sandwiches at the picnic spot itself, before eating, to prevent them from getting soggy. Carry drinks in an icebox so they stay cold. Make sure you take enough water, and also carry a bottle of squash in addition to soft drinks, so you don't run out.
Take along a few tablecloths and other sheets, not just to lay the food on, but also to sit on.
Games
If you don't want to spend all day idly gossiping, take along some fun picnic games. If there are a lot of people, organize a few rounds of housie or bingo. If there are fewer people, take along board games and cards. The children can join in, and everyone can play together.
Clean up
Many people carry paper plates so they don't have to bother with washing up. If you carry paper plates, the worst thing you can do is just leave them at the spot. There is absolutely no excuse for littering. Carry a large plastic bag with you, so everyone can dump their trash in here. Discard the plastic bag in a garbage bin. Always, always clean up after yourself. If you are too lazy, get the children organized. You will be surprised to see the enthusiasm with which they clean up. You can also turn cleaning up into a game, with a prize for the child who collects the most 'trash' - like paper plates, cans, bottle caps and so on.
