Mariah McKenna thinks up ten things to keep you occupied while picnicking.

After many long months of winter hibernation, the warm weather is upon us and with the sun comes the urge to hang outdoors, whether in the city or surrounding countryside.  A perfect way to do this is to arrange a picnic.  Once you have planned your menu and called your friends, it is time to think of some fun activities to bring along for the day.  Below are some of our favourite things to do on a picnic:

1. Dining Alfresco
Of course no picnic would be complete without a picnic basket, bag, or backpack filled with delicious goodies.  Pack up your favourite picnic snacks, grab a beverage of your choice, and don’t forget utensils and a bottle opener.  Bon appetite! (Check-out Paola’s ten delicious picnic recipes.)

2. Games
Games are a great thing to do while on a picnic.  A pack of cards is light and compact and can provide hours of entertainment for a group of people or for a single person to enjoy a game of solitaire.  Though less compact (unless you get the travel sizes) but equally as fun, is to bring a board game on your picnic.  Let the great outdoors inspire you while you try to think up your next scrabble word.

3. Read
There is almost no better time to catch up on one’s reading than while lying idly on a blanket in the sun or under a tree.  Pick up that new book you have been meaning to read, or grab one of your favourite magazines or newspapers and catch up on the latest news.

4. Write
A picnic is also the perfect time to catch up on the writing you have been meaning to do.  Whether it is taking time to reflect and journal your life in the Netherlands or write letters and postcards to loved ones, grab a pen and enjoy the peace of your blanket as a perfect writing spot.

5. Music
Feel the grass beneath your feet, the sun upon your shoulders and listen to the music in your ears.  Bring your iPod and listen to your favourite artist or grab your guitar and strum your favourite song (preferably without disturbing your neighbours).  

6. Art
If Mother Nature inspires you, be prepared.  Bring a notebook and some pencils or paints.  Maybe you will want to capture the beauty of a tree of flower you see.  You could also capture the beauty of your surroundings or a funny moment with a photograph.  Look around you around and let the inspiration come.

7. Nap
Sometimes the perfect thing to do while on a picnic is to just lie back and have a nap.  Find a tranquil corner, throw your blanket down and let the warm sun engulf you and sweep you off to dream land. (Keep your valuables in a safe place).

8. Daydream
I remember as a child, times when I would lay on the grass watching the clouds pass by, daydreaming, not a care in the world.  As adults we have a fear of wasting time, of not making each moment productive.  However, maybe sometimes the most productive thing we can do for ourselves is let the mind wander, and what better place than while relaxing on a picnic.  A little daydreaming can be good for the body and the mind.  

9. Sports
If you have had enough of arts and relaxing, or are just more active by nature, then perhaps playing a sport is the thing for you.  Grab a Frisbee, or ball to throw around, or bring a net and play volleyball or badminton.  What better to way to work off the extra cookie you had from the picnic basket…

10. Doggie time
Bring along your pet and give it a treat: dogs will keep you occupied and give you the exercise you need. Don't forget to bring their toy, drink, food.

Mariah McKenna is an American expat based in Amsterdam. 

Frisbee players by Peter Davis

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