9 Great Spots in Wichita for A Family Picnic

I don’t know about you, but to me, July is a month 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:

  • 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
Once you have secured your favorite natural backdrop, next it’s time to think of picnic essentials. You can get an all inclusive, reusable set like this one that includes most of what you’ll need for a family of 4, or this set for 2. Another option is use a cooler from home to pack your foods, or grab one of these simple basket coolers that are more geared for picnic packing. This canteen is large enough to bring along keeping drinks cool for the family. You’ll need a blanket of course, unless you opt for a location that offers picnic tables. This blanket is a great option, or bring along any large blanket you have at home.
 
No one likes ants at a picnic, or flies either. Keep pests off of your food with these handy food tents
 

Meal planning is next up! Finger foods obviously make for the easiest meals, but some of the picnic sets mentioned above do offer reusable utensils, so you can go that route as well. 

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

 
If you’re able to get a sitter, head out for the evening, pack up a picnic, and find a romantic local spot to watch the sunset, or try your own backyard! Charcuterie would be a delicious and simple date night packable meal.
 
Date night picnic:
  • 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!

Happy National Picnic Month! We hope you enjoy what the summer brings to you and your family! Where are your favorite local spots to picnic and meals to take along? Comment and let us know!

Nicole Nickel
Hi, I’m Nicole! I’m a mommy to two young kids: Scarlet and Easton, and wife to Justin. We also have 2 furbaby Labs. I am an Oklahoma girl, born and raised. I’ve been here in Wichita since October 2016. Moving from my home of Norman has been tough, but what a great community to relocate! We love to get out explore the area, finding fun family activities! In addition to mom and wife, I am speech-language pathologist. Some of my favorite things-being an OK girl, I am a die-hard OU football fan (Boomer!), being outdoors, traveling, friends and family, wine and coffee!