Recently, we went on a girl’s trip to NYC to celebrate Sadie’s upcoming wedding. That, in itself, is the most fun thing to do with your grandkids, but what we did there can happen anywhere. We had a picnic in Central Park! So fun!

If you have been to NYC, you know that it really is a concrete jungle. Buildings and concrete and people are everywhere, so Central Park gives the locals a quiet place to connect with each other and nature. Isn’t that the truth wherever you live—a park is more than swings and slides, it’s a quiet place in the middle of not-so-quiet other places and it lets the world stop for just a minute to take in a breath of fresh air.

And then you add a picnic to a park and it’s a PARTY! Don’t think for a second that you have to go to NYC for a picnic. As the fall weather cools down just a tad, school events speed up which means quality time with family all but disappears. A picnic is the perfect solution! And it doesn’t have to take a lot of planning or hard work. The pictures I’ve included will give you some fun ideas for a fancy picnic, but picnics come in all shapes and sizes and it’s really about the time spent together than anything else. 

One time, when my grands were younger, I wanted them to come over for dinner. When they showed up, I had a blanket spread in the back yard and pizza ordered. It was so fun to change our scenery and eat outside. The food wasn’t anything special (however we have a great pizza place in town), but the change of scenery made the day special. I had a book picked out ready to read to them which added to the fun, but mostly we just ate and talked and laughed. 

For our picnic in NYC, we had a game of corn hole beside our blankets and, of course, we played. (We’re a pretty competitive family.) But, our best memories will be of our conversations. Unlike a crowded restaurant, a picnic is quiet and private. We shared stories with Sadie and her friends of our early married days and listened as they shared their wedding plans. There was no one waiting to rush us away. It was the perfect setting. 

So, if you’re looking for something special to do with your grands—look no further than a blanket and a box of pizza! (Or some fancy sandwiches, if you’re feeling really creative.)