Have a picnic without the panic

It might be called a picnic, but in reality it can be a pain in the you-know-what. Still, there’s no denying, picnics are a great way to spend time together as a family. Don’t sweat it. Here are some easy ideas:

1. Have a picnic in your back yard; you can easily carry everything outside.
2. Head to the nearest beach. Swimming and sand castle construction will keep everyone busy. And you can finally sit back and enjoy the outdoors—at least for a little while.
3. Put in on the grill. Chicken, steaks, hot dogs and burgers, fish, and even veggies are all great candidates for the barbie. Some options: Taco beef burgers, Grilled taco chicken and Grilled halibut with mango sauce.
4. Make salads, such as a Bean & Carrot Mediterranean Salad, ahead of time. Or just pack buns and fruit, such as a watermelon.
5. Have grab n go snacks, like Nature Valley* granola bars, on hand.
6. Buy juice boxes so you don’t have to make and carry an entire pitcher of lemonade.
7. Bring a Frisbee, badminton rackets and/or a volleyball. Pull them out whenever you hear the dreaded “I’m bored” complaints.