A barbecue in the park is the perfect way to spend the day with your friends and family. Not only do you get to enjoy some delicious food, but you also get to create beautiful memories. Whether you are planning a barbecue to celebrate a birthday or just for fun, you can use these tips to make sure that everything is perfect.
Be the Early Bird
Park furnishings such as outdoor picnic tables can go fast at your public park on a beautiful day. Make sure to show up as early as possible to secure your spot, and remember to plan for enough space for everyone in your family to sit. Another option could be to check if you can reserve space within your local park for special events. You can also pack a picnic blanket with the rest of your gear. They are great for when you can’t find a place to sit, which is why it’s important to prepare for the unexpected.
Plan a Few Fun Activities
When you pick your park, look for one with play areas that fit the ages of the children in your group. For instance, early childhood playground structures have features that are perfect for toddlers, such as slides and swing sets. For the older members of your group, consider planning a few fun traditional games such as spoon races or horseshoes that are easy to set up in an open space.
Bring Cooking Utensils
Your cooking kit does not need to be as fancy as you might use at home. For most park barbecues, you only need two main tools: a grill brush to clean off the grates, and some tongs to help cook those delicious hot dogs and burgers. If you plan picnics often, consider getting a set of utensils that be used exclusively for when you are hosting a picnic.
Prep Your Food Before You Pack It to Go
Food safety while outdoors should always be a top priority, especially for barbecues. Since most public parks don’t have running water for washing vegetables, do this part at home before you leave. You can also pre-chop food, put items on skewers and marinate the meat before you pack it in a temperature-controlled cooler so that you can avoid cross-contamination as you cook.
Clean Up When You Finish
When you visit a public park, the plan should always be to leave it better than it was before you arrived. Make sure to bring plastic bags that you can use to store dirty utensils in until you get home. Your family should also be careful to put all of their trash in the garbage cans, and it’s always best to do a quick check before you leave to make sure that the ground is fully cleaned up.
Prepping for a barbecue in the park is part of the experience, and it only takes a little bit of planning to create the perfect day. Now that you’ve got these tips in mind, it is time to start planning your menu. From hot dogs to tropical chicken skewers, there are tons of great recipes to kick off your outdoor festivities.