I don’t know about you, but to me, summer is a season of family and celebrations. With summer in full swing and the Fourth of July, this month calls for outdoor fun with friends and family. Did you know that July is also National Picnic Month? What better way to seize this season than with an outdoor feast? The inside of your home’s dining atmosphere can get a bit boring, so why not change it up and dine al fresco with the family or for a date with your mate!
First, choose a location. The Wichita area offers several great locations to picnic. Here are a few of our favorites:
Our Favorite Spots for a Family Picnic in Wichita
Botanica
Not only is Botanica a beautiful place to explore and take in the flora, it’s also a great picnic spot. The terrace is a great spot to eat before venturing into the gardens, or check out the pavilion near the koi pond. After eating, visit the Downing Children’s Garden or grab a coffee and enjoy the children’s library.
Buffalo Park
Though west-siders know Buffalo Park best for its splash pad, this park boasts a lot more! Tennis courts, a large playground, and gazebos for picnicking. A bonus is the large field behind the park- perfect for kites or a Frisbee game!
Eastborough Park
Tucked away just behind Woodlawn and Kellogg is Eastborough Park. With its beautiful grounds, playground (with baby swings!) and covered patio, this is a ‘picture perfect’ place for a picnic. Go on a walk around the lake to burn off your post-picnic calories and let your kids explore the wildlife that lives within the grounds.
Exploration Place
Exploration Place may not seems like the best picnicking grounds, but when it is sweltering hot or freezing cold outside, this is the place to picnic! Explore the great exhibits or catch a movie in the Dome Theater and then enjoy your lunch in the cafeteria area. Outside food and drink are welcome, but there is also a place to buy food as well. On a nice day, there is a patio overlooking the Arkansas River, or your kids may enjoy picnicking while playing at Exploration Park, behind the building.
OJ Watson Park
If you’ve never experienced Watson park with your kids, go! A simple picnic could turn into a whole day of fun! The park is equipped with miniature train rides , pony rides, miniature golf, sand volleyball courts, a campfire circle, three playgrounds, and a lake for fishing and pedal boats.
Meadowlark Farm
Meadowlark Farm has picnic tables and shelters, nature trail, cornhole and other games, cider and non-alcoholic drinks and is open for evening fruit picking on Fridays till 7:00.
Other spots for a picnic:
- Andover Central Park – 1607 E Central Ave, Andover
- Augusta Lake/Robert Shryock Park – 2923 Ohio St, Augusta
- College Hill Park – 304 Circle Dr, Wichita
- Great Plains Nature Center & Chisholm Creek Park – 6232 E 29th St N, Wichita
- Botanica – 701 Amidon St, Wichita
- Riverside area/Keeper of the Plains – 339 Veterans Parkway, Wichita
- OJ Watson Park – 3022 S McLean Blvd, Wichita
- Pawnee Prairie Park – 2625 S Tyler Rd, Wichita
- Sedgwick County Park – 6501 W 21st St, Wichita
These recipe ideas I’ve listed are finger foods, keeping it more simple.
Family picnic meal ideas:
- Hummus with pita bread or crackers
- Fresh fruit and dip (recipe)
- Cut veggies and ranch
- Tortilla pinwheel sandwiches (recipe)
- Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies (recipe)
- Trail mix (recipe)
- Fruit infused water (recipe) or juice boxes
Date Night Picnics
- Cured and smoked meats such as salami, pepperoni, turkey and ham
- Hit the specialty cheese aisle for some fancy fromage
- Baguette, pita bread, or crackers
- Fresh and dried fruits
- Spreads such as olive tapenade or hummus
- Wine or sangria (recipe)
- Sparkling water
Now that you’ve got it all planned out, get out there and enjoy in the open air!
Where are your favorite local spots to picnic and meals to take along? Comment and let us know!
Check out our favorite summer ideas and activities here!
