With July quickly escaping and August coming in, summer is in full swing. We’ve had a pretty moderate summer so far, and we’ve been visiting the park regularly! One of our favorite summer past times is picnicking in Astoria Park – and sometimes trekking out to Central Park. We tend to think “Crap! I forgot _____” a lot of the time, so here’s a list of picnic essentials for the summer:

1. Something to sit on

True story: We went to the movies in the park at Socrates, and completely forgot a blanket. Which wouldn’t be too bad…but we had rocks poking us the whole time. If you’re going to Socrates, we reccomend something thicker to sit on – like a blanket. If you’re headed somewhere really grassy, you should be fine with just a simple sheet – old bed sheets are a great alternative!

2. FOOD. Duh!?

Stick with foods that don’t require a lot of clean up, or lots of utensils. Sandwiches are a picnic essential because they’re so easy to eat – but don’t forget the hand sanitizer! You’ll undoubtedly end up with some dirt on your fingers, and nobody finds dirt appetizing. Maybe you do. We don’t judge.

3. Sunscreen!

You guys, this is so important. We know how much everyone loves getting tan, and we’re guilty of it as well, but UV rays are seriously damaging – it’s better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you reapply if you get extra sweaty.

4. Sunglasses

….because who wants to be squinting all day!?

5. Water

If you’re going to be out all day, you need to stay hydrated. Even if you’ll just be sitting around, sweating makes you lose a ton of water – replenish it with water to save yourself from heat stroke!

6. Trash bags

Litter is no fun, and you don’t want to carry plates one by one to the trash cans. If you stopped by the supermarket to pick up your essentials, just save your plastic bags and dump your trash in there!

7. BUG SPRAY!

This is one of our favorite things – and the one we forget most often. Nobody likes mosquitoes. Seriously. No one. Post-picnic itching is not something you want to deal with.

8. Tote bag or backpack

What else are you going to carry everything in!?

9. Comfy clothing

Picnics usually mean sitting on the ground, and you don’t want to be doing that in tight fitting clothes like jeans. Ladies, we recommend some comfy dresses or shorts, and some nice airy shorts for guys.

10. Lemonade

Because it’s summer, and you can’t have a picnic without homemade lemonade. Mhhhh.

Happy picnicking!