Summer is in the air! Fresh air and warm sunshine brings an incentive for fun activities and exercise. What is a simple way to enjoy such fantastic weather? A picnic, of course! Picnics are a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors during the warm summer months.

What is it about picnics that are so wonderful? Isn’t it obvious? The food. Sure the scenic setting in a beautiful park with the checkered picnic blanket under a shady tree on a sunny day is nice, but what would a picnic be without food? Try taking someone on a date and telling them you are going on a picnic … and then don’t bring food. Can you imagine how disappointed they would they be?! What better way to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation than to enjoy it while consuming some delectable treats from the picnic basket.

Let’s explore some ways to apply the picnic experience into other fun activities. Picnics are wonderful date ideas. They can give you an opportunity to serve others and help promote a healthy lifestyle. One fond memory I have is a group of gals going on a last-minute outing to a nearby lake on a holiday weekend. We grilled some meat, threw the football around and went swimming. It turned out to be quite the adventure since none of us ladies had mastered the charcoal grill, but all of us enjoyed our time in the sun. There are many great ways to apply the picnic theme to many of our favorite activities.

The ultimate key, or secret you might say, is the overall effort that an individual puts into an activity. Even in spur-of-the-moment situations, you can still make it a fantastic date if you put in the proper effort. You don’t necessarily need to have an elaborate plan to make an effective date. Just remember to be thoughtful when it comes to bringing food into the occasion. Make it fit the occasion. Don’t whip up a five-star dinner and then decide to go bowling. Think about your budget. It isn’t always about how much money or how extravagant the activity is, but it really gets down to how much you put into making the activity worthwhile.

If the weather is nice, one idea would be to go on a Sabbath walk after services followed up with homemade sandwiches and sliced fruit. Another fun activity would be a cycling trip into town to get an ice cream cone or a favorite drink. Try getting a group together to play Ultimate Frisbee, and then take a break to enjoy fresh cut watermelon or homemade lemonade. Take a hike at a national park, go canoeing or take a leisurely walk and bring a sack lunch. All of these activities can be shared in the great outdoors and they can be enhanced by the simple addition of tasty food.

For creative minds, try drawing or painting a scenic place. Then, when you are famished by creativity, open a wine and cheese basket. Another option is going to an arts festival and take a detour to the nearest food cart. Another activity would be to enjoy a warm cappuccino while you walk around a historic city admiring the architecture of the buildings. You could also make a kite and test it out at a local park while sipping on a refreshing glass of sweet tea.

Creative and flavorful food or tasty drinks can make any adventure or activity more enjoyable. Everybody loves food and it is bound to add enjoyment to any dating experience. Picnics are a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather and God’s wonderful creation. Bringing food to your summer activities can make your summer plans even more memorable.

Grab your picnic basket and make your next activity part of the great outdoors!