Life's a Picnic: Easy, breezy open air dining close to home

I’m always on the lookout for fun, budget-friendly ways to spend quality time with my kids. While I love getting outdoors and exploring nature, long hikes aren’t always a hit with little feet. That’s why picnics make an ideal outing. With just a packed lunch, a blanket, and a few activities, a picnic offers the perfect mix of fresh air and fun.

From playgrounds to splash pads, trails and lake views, charming picnic destinations abound in Halton region.

FIND THE PERFECT SPOT

With shaded picnic areas, a playground, stroller-friendly trails, and plenty of open space for a game of frisbee or soccer, Lowville Park checks all the boxes. Bronte Creek runs through it, giving kids an opportunity to explore, skip rocks, and search for crayfish.

For a lively waterfront vibe, Spencer Smith Park is hard to beat. Walk along the shore or let the kids burn energy at the huge playground before grabbing a post-picnic treat from La Creme de la Creme Creamery downtown.

For a quieter setting, Burloak Waterfront Park is a great place to relax, with shoreline views and a rocky beach.

Need to cool off? Check out LaSalle Park. This family-friendly park offers a splash pad, playground, scenic lake views and a stroller-friendly boardwalk. Wander over to LaSalle Marina to watch the sailboats, ducks and trumpeter swans.

A full-day adventure calls for a visit to Bronte Creek Provincial Park. This local treasure has picnic areas, a play barn, and a kid-friendly gnome trail.

GEAR UP

Whether you’re planning a simple lunch in the park or a full family feast, shopping local makes it easy to picnic in style.

Nicetys in Downtown Oakville is a must-visit for picnic essentials, offering everything from colourful tablecloths to bamboo cutlery and reusable containers. One customer favourite? Notpaper Towels. They’re reusable, you can take them home and wash them, and they work great as a napkin.

Beeswax wraps are another picnic MVP. These reusable and biodegradable wonders are a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap or sandwich bags.

And for easy outdoor dining, their Easy Care Table Cloths are both practical and pretty. You can use them on a picnic table or as a blanket. They come in beautiful designs and are machine washable.

For practical picnic gear, Kitchen Stuff Plus in Oakville has you covered with coolers, containers, and mesh food tents to help keep those uninvited bugs away. And if you’re looking for playful flair, check out the Kitchen Witch in Dundas for linens, candles, and more.

FILL YOUR BASKET

The key to a memorable picnic is to keep things easy and fun. Cover your basics with a cooler, ice packs, reusable plates, wipes, a picnic blanket, and bags for garbage. Don’t forget a frisbee, soccer ball or bubbles to keep kids entertained.

As for the main event – food – opt for easy classics. My kids love sandwiches (crusts cut off, of course!). Wraps, pasta salad, fresh fruit, veggies and dip, granola bars, and crackers are other picnic staples that travel well.

If you’d rather skip the prep, there are tasty grab-and-go options. Charcuterie boxes from Gouda Thyme in Oakville include a tantalizing selection of cheeses, charcuterie meats, fresh fruits, dips or spreads, crackers, and more.

“Our boxes are designed to make entertaining and eating outdoors feel effortless, beautiful, and memorable,” says Rimsha Chaudry, Co-founder of Gouda Thyme.

Their latest offering, the Picnic Box, is a pre-order bundle complete with fresh salad, deli sandwiches, a sweet treat for dessert, drinks, napkins and cutlery. No need to pack anything else!