Everything You Need to Know to Have a Fun Fall Picnic

Written ByLynn

Fall is the perfect time for a picnic, and I’m sharing with you everything you need to know to have a fun fall picnic.

Blue and black plaid blanket on the ground next to water with a picnic basket, some snacks, a pillow and another throw blanket

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The weather is cooling down which makes it a perfect time for a picnic. If you don’t have a picnic basket you can pack your food and drinks in a cooler and head to a fun spot for a meal.

Take a break from your fall decorating and get outside!

Blue and Black plaid blanket with picnic basket. On the picnic basket is a book, flowers and a candle. Next to the basket is a wooden board with cheese, crackers and grapes

1. Where to Go

  • A park is a great place for a picnic, especially if you have kids and there is playground equipment
  • The beach or waterfront area can be a fun place to swim or fish
  • If you’re a hiker, a place off a trail can be a perfect place to have a fall picnic
  • Urban spaces can be fun. Think of museum grounds, rooftops, a town square or urban garden.
  • The Zoo: Bringing a picnic to the zoo makes for a really fun day
  • A botanical garden
  • Your own backyard, balcony, or deck

Eating outside is just a fun change of pace for anyone. If it’s with a group or just by yourself, there is something to be said for eating a meal in a different environment and bringing your own food can save some money. However, if you want to splurge, getting a salad or sandwich as take-out can be just as fun.

Black and Blue Plaid Blanket in a field with a picnic basket, snacks, a book and a throw. Everything you need for a fun fall picnic

2. What to Bring

  • Picnic Basket or cooler with ice
  • Something to sit on if they don’t have picnic tables. A picnic blanket or bag chair are perfect.
  • Food & Drinks
  • Plates, glassware, utensils, napkins, corkscrews, cutting board & knife
  • Bug Spray, Sunscreen & Sunglasses
  • Trash Bag, Wipes & Paper Towels

3. Fun Picnic Food

  • Salads
    • See the Salad Round-Up Below
  • Sandwich
    • Italian Sub
    • Turkey, Cranberry & Brie
    • Caprese Sandwich
    • Pimento Cheese Sandwich
    • Turkey, Roasted Red Pepper & Cheese
  • Picnic Charcuterie
    • Meats: Salami, Turkey, Prosciutto,
    • Cheeses: Cheddar, Goat Cheese, Manchengo, Swiss
    • Crackers: Gluten Free, Pretzel, Flavored
    • Nuts & Fruit: Almonds, Dried Cranberries, Grapes
    • Veggies & Dip: Carrots, Celery, Asparagus Tips, Peppers
  • Fried Chicken & Fixings
  • Grilling Food if you have access to a grill or bring a small grill with you (be sure to check fire restrictions in your area)
  • Drinks
  • Desserts
    • Apple Pie
    • Pumpkin Cookies
    • Carmel Cheesecake
    • Double Chocolate Cookie Bark
    • Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prosciutto Caprese Salad
Twist on Traditional Caprese Salad
Find the Recipe Here
A salad with meat, tomatoes and mozzarella
Spinach with Blueberries and Peaches
This salad is a summer favorite
Find the Recipe Here
A close-up of a fresh spinach salad featuring sliced peaches, blueberries, pecans, and crispy bits, all lightly dressed. The vibrant greens and colorful fruits create a visually appealing and appetizing dish.
Cajun Chicken Caesar Salad
A classic recipe just like they make in a high-end restaurant
Find the Recipe Here
A white plate with Cajun Chicken Caesar Salad, featuring grilled chicken, shredded cheese, a crouton, and a slice of bread. A fork rests beside the plate on a wooden table.
Light Pasta & Shrimp Salad
Cold Shrimp and Pasta Salad
Find the Recipe Here
pasta and shrimp salad on top of a piece of lettuce on an oval plate. Great 4th of July Summer Salad
Potato, Chicken, Dill Pickle Salad
Combining my love for potato salad, chicken salad and dill pickles
Find the Recipe Here
potato, chicken, dill pickle salad in a white bowl with a fork

4. Picnic Entertainment

  • Music Venue (Perhaps you live near a music venue like Ravinia in Highland Park, Illinois, which is near me)
  • Lawn Games (Bags, Frisbee, Football)
  • Board Games (Chess, Backgammon, Candyland)
  • Water Sports (Floaties, Fishing Pole, floating lounge, life jackets)
  • Play List on Phone
  • Book, Newspaper, Magazine
  • Scavenger Hunt (leave, nuts, feather, rock)
  • Listen to a Podcast – I have a Podcast. You can read about it HERE

5. Take it to the Next Level

  • Candelabra or lantern (battery operated candles is the best idea)
  • Champagne in a Wine Bucket with beautiful glassware
  • Linen tablecloth & napkins
  • Uber eats delivers a high-end dinner
  • Romantic location; secluded beach or amazing view, place you met or went on a date
  • Ways to Travel: Boat, Bike, Rent a vintage car, Horseback, Limousine,
  • Make the adventure a surprise!

Picnics can be so much fun even if it is in your backyard, and I have given you everything you need to have a fun fall picnic.

Picture taken of our backyard looking at our house with the blue sky in the background

Remember, it doesn’t have to be lunch. While we typically think of picnics as a lunchtime ritual. It can be dinner or even bagels & cream cheese for breakfast. Just making time to enjoy the great outdoors is fun.

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Peace,

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Pinterest Pin for Fall Picnic Blog Post
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6 Comments

  1. Lynn this looks like a wonderful place to have a picnic! When I loved in Wisconsin I went to Ravenia all of the time! It is an amazing venue.

    I cannot wait to check out all of the links to the food, etc. I love picnics and picnic food!

    Reply

    1. I don’t have links on all the food but it’s my goal to get there. Working on a few this weekend.

      Reply

  2. This is amazing! I love it. It makes me want to pack up a picnic now. Hugs to you.

    Reply

    1. Our weather is perfect for picnics. Now I need to figure out a way to ward off the bee’s!!!

      Reply

  3. This puts me in the mood for a picnic! Years ago, our youngest and I used to go on picnics in the afternoons and we would read and read together. O, I miss those days so much! Thanks for stirring the memory for me! Pinned!

    Reply

    1. I’m glad my little post could bring back fond memories for you!

      Reply