by Cheryl Scott

Created on: July 07, 2011   Last Updated: July 08, 2011

What to pack for a summer picnic at the beach? Try these handy tips when you start to pack and you are sure to take all you need, nothing you do not need, and have a great picnic! 

SUN PROTECTION

Think about sun, sun, and more sun.  What will protect you and your family from the sun so that your picnic is not ruined by sunburns and over-heating?  Take sunscreens, thin long sleeve T Shirts or gauze shirts to wear in the water and while sitting around in the sun.  Hats, visors, and sunglasses help your eyes stay comfy.  Consider the purchase of an umbrella or small beach tent to shade your food if not yourself. 

WHAT TO WEAR

Wear comfortable cool clothes good for water.  Swimsuits can be replaced with light weight athletic clothes.  Bring one change of clothes for each person so you can shower or rinse off before the drive home and sit dry in comfort. Bring a pair of flip flops for each person and water shoes if the area you are going to is rocky.

SITTING AND LOUNGING GEAR OR MATS

What will you sit or lay upon? Chairs that are heavy to carry or lightweight straw mats?  Consider packing what you can carry with ease and what will make your picnic comfortable for the area you will be picnicking.  Some picnic areas at the beach have tables and some do not.  Be sure to make everyone in your group comfy and provide a chair for each or enough mat room for all. 

FOOD CHOICES AND STORAGE ITEMS

Individual drink containers such as “juice boxes” which are the lightest to carry and pack tightly are your top drink choices.  Snack choices are best with individually packaged crackers and cookies which pack tighter than chip bags containing air. Meal choices include sandwiches and items that do not require cooking.  Avoid items that spoil quickly such as potato salad and deviled eggs and opt for items that can tolerate heat for a period of several hours.  Bring enough food and drinks for everyone to have enough with a little left over.  Be sure to pack items you want to stay cold with ice. (Instead of bringing too much ice remember you can buy this on the way).

FUN ITEMS

Frisbees and kites are must-haves for any beach picnic. Floats, shovels and pails, books and magazines can all add to the fun.  Consider other fun items your family might enjoy.

 SAFETY

Consider carrying with you some extra cash for surprises. Take any safety items such as a first aid kit with bug spray and bite medicine.  If there are jellyfish in your waters take jellyfish sting kit with white vinegar and meat tenderizer with something to scrape it all off with.  (For stings apply vinegar then meat tenderizer then wait a bit and scrape it all off with a credit card or some similar item).  Leave the beach if you see lightning.  Do not swim in fishing areas as sharks are drawn to bait. 

TRAVEL EASE

Consider what traveling you will be doing both in getting to your picnic by vehicle as well as any walk to get to your final destination once you park.  Consider what you have to tote by hand and who will do the actual toting.  Consider as few bags/coolers as possible by packing tight.  Consider carriers that are on wheels. 

CLOSE YOUR EYES AND IMAGINE

Before you go, close your eyes and imagine you are there.  Think about what you see yourself and your family actually doing.  Go through your packing and see if what you have actually packed matches your vision of your event.  Have fun at your picnic!

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