AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — As the days grow warmer, there is no better way to soak up spring sunshine than with a classic picnic. National Picnic Day, celebrated every April 23, offers the perfect opportunity to gather your favorite people, pack a healthy meal and head outside. Planning the perfect picnic can be simple. Live Well Alabama has recipes and physical activity ideas to turn an afternoon outside into a healthy, fun-filled experience.

Pick the Perfect Spot

National Picnic Day is the perfect reason to explore local parks, trails and green spaces. Many communities offer public areas with tables, open fields and walking paths — ideal for a meal and some outdoor fun. Spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to boost your mood and your health. Pack a Frisbee, soccer ball or hacky sack to keep everyone moving, making it a healthy, fun-filled day.

Food Safety is Key

Selecting the right food is essential when planning a picnic. Choose items that are less likely to melt, wilt or spoil in warm temperatures. Pack sturdy, travel-friendly options like fresh fruits, whole-grain sandwiches, cut vegetables and simple salads.

“Keeping your food at a safe temperature is just as important on a picnic as it is at home,” said Janice Hall, a nutrition specialist with Alabama Extension. “Use a cooler with frozen water bottles or ice packs, and don’t leave perishable items out for more than two hours, or just one hour if it’s hotter than 90 degrees outside.”

Freeze water bottles the night before. Place them in the bottom of the cooler with a towel on top, and stack food containers above. After eating, enjoy the melted, super-cold water to help stay hydrated for the rest of the day.

Picnic Perfect Menu from Live Well Alabama

Live Well Alabama has made it easy to prepare a simple, healthy picnic menu. The dishes can be prepared the day before and packed for convenience. Each item travels well and is designed to keep picnickers fueled and refreshed throughout the day.

• Turkey Spinach Wraps – Prepare the wraps ahead of time and store in a cooler until ready to eat. For best results, pack the salsa in a separate container. Add it just before serving to keep the wraps fresh and flavorful.
• Picnic Pasta Salad – A refreshing blend of cooked pasta, crisp vegetables and a fat-free, oil-based dressing makes this salad a hearty and nutritious side.
• Melon and Mint Salad – A mix of two kinds of melon, fresh mint and a touch of honey creates a sweet side.
• Sweet and Salty Popped Mix – A crunchy combination of popcorn, raisins and mixed nuts provides a sweet and savory energy-boosting snack.
• Fruit-Infused Water – For a burst of natural flavor without added sugar, fill a thermos with ice water and add slices of favorite fruits, such as lemons, limes or berries.

Picnic Packing List

Before heading out, pack picnic essentials included in the following list.

• Cooler. Freeze water bottles and place them at the bottom to keep food cool. As they melt, enjoy them as a refreshing drink.
• Blanket (if needed). Check with local parks to see if picnic tables are available or bring a blanket, just in case.
• Hand wipes. Use wipes that are safe for your hands.
• Hand sanitizer. Apply sanitizer after washing hands.
• Plates, utensils and napkins. Do not forget the basics for serving and enjoying the picnic meal.
• Sunscreen and bug spray. Protect yourself from sunburn and pesky insects while enjoying the outdoors.
• Trash bags. Always clean up after a picnic and leave the space better than you found it.

This National Picnic Day, take the opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy a healthy meal and move your body. With just a little planning, it is simple to create memories that last long after the blanket is packed away.

More Information

To learn more about nutrition and physical activity, visit LiveWellAlabama.com and enjoy the valuable resources, practical advice and insights to support a wellness journey. Also, follow Live Well Alabama on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Those accounts offer a space to share experiences, find inspiration and join a community focused on well-being.