The days get longer and the chilly weather melts away, ringing in the season of farmers markets, fresh flowers, and best of all (in our opinion) picnics.

Picnics are a timeless way to enjoy the outdoors while sharing delicious food and cherished memories with loved ones. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family outing, the key to a memorable picnic lies in a few core details. Yes, a great picnic requires just a touch of planning beyond rolling out a blanket and tossing food on paper plates. 

Here’s a starter guide on how to plan a picnic, incorporating convenient Dole^® Fruit Bowls^® Snacks to make your outdoor meal on the lawn (or park, or deck, or wherever!) even more special. 

Tips for Planning the Perfect Spring Picnic

There are absolutely no rules for how creative and picture-perfect you can get with your picnic. But before you grab the picnic basket and get started, we offer you a few constant picnic food ideas and planning basics: 

• Choose a scenic picnic location. Consider spots near water, like beaches or lakesides, or opt for a serene park with plenty of shade. The scenery will set the mood for your picnic, so choose wisely!

• Select a picnic theme. A theme can help guide your menu and decor choices. For a tropical vibe, incorporate bright colors and fresh fruits. 

• Plan your menu. For a picnic, you want food that’s easy to transport and enjoy outdoors. Fresh fruits like strawberries, grapes, and pineapple slices are some of the best picnic foods. You can also bring fruit-based snacks that are easy to pack and enjoy on the go. Look for snacks that are both fun and nutritious, such as Dole Wiggles^® Fruit Juice Gels, Dole^® Fruit Bowls^® Snacks and Dole^® Tropical Gold^® Pineapple Slices. These are great for keeping everyone happy and satisfied. 

• Prepare ahead. Prep as much food as you can in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Sandwiches, salads, and fruit skewers are great picnic lunch ideas to make in advance to save time. Consider using reusable containers for a more eco-friendly approach.
  
• Pack smart. Use a cooler to keep perishable items fresh, and pack plenty of water to stay hydrated. Don’t forget utensils, plates, and napkins! For a more eco-friendly approach, consider reusable containers and cloth napkins.

• Add some fun. Looking for some non-edible things to bring to a picnic? Bring games or a frisbee to keep everyone entertained. For an extra-memorable touch, bring an instant camera to capture special memories in real time. These apply if you’re looking for some picnic date ideas — a few more details we would add include making time for an after-dinner walk and bringing conversation cards if it’s a first date. 

• Don’t forget to clean up! Plan for the end from the beginning. Bring garbage bags for trash, and resealable containers for leftovers. This ensures you leave the picnic site as beautiful as you found it.

Quick and Easy Dole Treats for a Tropical Twist

If you’re aiming for a tropical theme, we have some more easy picnic food ideas for you:

• Tropical Fruit Skewers: Alternate Dole^® Tropical Gold^® Pineapple Chunks, strawberries, and grapes on skewers for a colorful and easy snack.
  
• Dole Wiggles^® Fruit Juice Gels: Wondering what to bring to a picnic with kids in attendance? These fun and jiggly snacks are made with made with 100% real fruit juice* and with no sugar added^ — perfect for easy snacking. They come in bright, fruit-forward flavors like strawberry, orange, and cherry, adding a playful twist to your picnic. These are sure to be a hit with the kids!

• Dole^® Fruit Bowls^® Snacks: Also made with fruit in 100% fruit juice*, these snacks are convenient, nutritious, and come in a variety of flavors including mixed fruit and mandarin oranges. They’re a great way to add a tropical splash to your picnic without the hassle of peeling and chopping fresh fruit (and they make clean-up a lot easier, too).

With these tips on how to plan a picnic, you’re ready to plan a springtime soiree that will leave everyone smiling. Whether it’s a family gathering or a romantic escape, your picnic will be a memorable celebration of good food, beautiful scenery, and quality time with loved ones. So pack your basket, grab a blanket, and enjoy the sunshine!

Need some more picnic food recipes? Explore recipes from Dole to elevate your snacks to new tropical heights every season, for every occasion!

*with natural flavors and other ingredients

^not a low calorie food. See nutrition facts for sugar and calorie content.