Below are some tips to get your picnic or outdoor cookout started!

One of the benefits of summer is taking meals outdoors. What better way to enjoy a day at the park than dining al fresco?

There are a few different ways to have a picnic and all equal fun in the sun.

Full-on cookout

What’s better than a burger fresh off the grill, topped with melty cheddar, and served with a big scoop of potato salad?

Special equipment

• Cooler
• Grill
• Fuel for grill
• Plates
• Cutlery

Food needed

• Burgers
• Hot dogs
• Buns
• Cheese
• Ketchup
• Mustards
• Relish
• Onions
• Sauerkraut
• Salads
• Crudites
• Fresh fruit, especially watermelon
• Chips
• Dip
• Beverages

Charcuterie

Just a fancy way to say cheese and crackers, a charcuterie board provides some nibbles between baseball innings or tosses of bean bags.

Special equipment

• Cooler
• Board or container

Food

• Deli meats
• Fancy cheeses
• Fresh fruit
• Dried fruit
• Fresh vegetables
• Jam
• Honey
• Crackers
• Bread

Sandwich lunch

Nothing wrong with a well-made sandwich, some baby carrots, and some crackers.

Special equipment

• Cooler – depending on the type of sandwich
• Cutlery

Food

• Favorite sandwich
• Fresh veggies like carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower
• Fresh fruit like oranges, apples, or bananas
• Crackers
• Chips
• Pudding cups