13 Must-Haves for the Perfect Picnic in NYC

By: ROS Team

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Picnics are the best way to enjoy a day in the city. They’re easy, inexpensive, and can be done anywhere. Here are some of the must-have items for picnicking in NYC.

1. Picnic Blanket

Picnic blankets are a must-have for anyone who wants to enjoy a picnic in New York City. They’re available in all shapes, sizes, and materials and can be purchased at most department stores or online.

Before heading out on your next picnic adventure, we recommend checking the weather reports so that you know what kind of blanket will be best suited for the day’s conditions.

And don’t forget: no matter what size or material your blanket is made from – make sure there’s something waterproof!

2. Cooler

If you’re looking to have a picnic in New York City, it’s important to have the right tools. A cooler is one of those tools: it keeps your food cold and fresh while you’re out exploring the city.

You can choose from many different types of coolers depending on what kind of space and storage capacity you need.

Cooler
Photo Credit: Canva

 

If you want something small enough to carry around with ease, some soft-sided models fold up into themselves for easy storage when not in use – or even as part of their design!

If your picnic plans involve bringing along more than just yourself and maybe one other person (and maybe some dogs), then consider investing in something bigger like this hard-sided model from Coleman. It has wheels, so it’s easy to pull around behind you wherever your adventures take you!

3. Blanket/Towels For Sitting On Grass

A picnic blanket or two is a good idea to have along. You’ll want plenty of space to spread out, so make sure you have enough blankets for everyone who’s going on the picnic. If you don’t have any blankets in your possession, using towels will suffice as well!

Just be sure that each person has their towel/blanket before heading out onto the grassy terrain.

4. A Good Music Playlist

A good playlist is an essential part of your picnic experience. It can set the mood, transport you to another place and time, and even help to alleviate any stress that might be building up in your day-to-day life.

5. Sunscreen And Sunglasses

Just like any other day, it’s important to wear sunscreen and sunglasses on the picnic. In addition to these essentials, you should also bring a hat and long sleeves if you can.

Sunscreen and Sunglasses
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Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outside so that it has time to absorb into your skin; after two hours of being in direct sunlight without reapplying your SPF, apply more sunscreen!

Apply sunblock or lotion all over exposed areas (including ears) every 2 hours while out in the sun.

6. Bug Spray (If You’re Not Used To Bugs)

If you’re not used to the bugs in NYC, they can be very annoying. Mosquitoes, flies, and other insects may bite you while you’re enjoying your picnic and carry diseases like West Nile Virus or Lyme Disease. Bug spray will help keep them away from you so that they don’t ruin your day!

7. Snacks

Snacks are an essential part of any picnic, but they need to be healthy and filling. You don’t want your guests to get hungry halfway through the afternoon.

  • Healthy: If you’re going for a hike or bike ride after, you might want something that will give them energy without weighing them down too much (like granola bars).
  • Filling: You’ll also want snacks that can hold their own against NYC’s notorious winds–think dried fruit or nuts rather than chips and cookies.
  • Easy to Eat: This means no messy sandwiches! Everything should be bite-sized, so there’s no need for utensils or napkins (which can easily blow away).

 

Try fresh fruit like apples or oranges; nuts like almonds; hummus with veggies cut into sticks; small bagels cut in half with cream cheese spread on top…the possibilities are endless!

Just make sure whatever it is won’t get crushed when packed into containers because this may cause a mess later when eating outside again at home after returning from your picnic adventure.

8. Local Brews

A good picnic requires the right beer, so it’s important to choose a brewery with a good selection. While you might not find your favorite brew at every location, there are plenty of places with great options.

Beer lovers should also consider visiting breweries that have outdoor patios or decks where they can enjoy their drinks while taking in the views of NYC.

Not only will this give you somewhere to sit while eating lunch or dinner, but it also gives you another excuse to spend more time outside enjoying nature instead of being cooped up inside all day!

9. Watermelon

Watermelon is a great choice for picnics because it’s refreshing and hydrating, easy to eat, and contains a lot of vitamin C, lycopene, and beta-carotene (all of which promote healthy skin).

Watermelons are so good for you that they’re often called “nature’s multivitamin.”

Watermelon
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In addition to being full of vitamins and minerals that help keep your body running smoothly throughout the day, watermelons also contain more lycopene than tomatoes do – a nutrient that helps prevent sun damage by blocking free radicals from damaging cells in your body.

10. Sea-Salt-Baked Crackers

If you’re planning to bring a picnic to Central Park or Prospect Park, you’re going to want some sea-salt-baked crackers. They are great for snacking on while you enjoy your meal. You can buy them pre-baked, but they are also super easy and fun to bake yourself!

They can be made with different seeds and spices, so there is something for everyone in the family (and they are portable).

11. A Folding Picnic Knife

A good picnic knife can be used for cutting and slicing, but it’s also important to consider how easy it will be to carry. If you don’t want to lug around a bulky knife, opt for a folding one that fits easily into your bag or pocket.

If you’re not sure what kind of blade shape is best for your needs, think about how often you’ll be using the knife: Are you planning on opening cans? Cutting food up? Or both?

There are plenty of options available here–from serrated blades (good for cutting bread) to straight edges (ideal if all you need is some buttering). The best part? Most of these options come with built-in bottle openers!

12. Plenty Of Water

It’s the most important thing you can bring to your picnic because it keeps you hydrated and helps with cooking. You’ll need it for everything–making tea or coffee, cleaning up after yourself, and even washing dishes if necessary. On top of that, water is great at cleaning up spills (like if someone spills their drink).

13. Something Sweet

We all know that dessert is the most important part of any meal. If you’re going to pack a picnic in New York City, you have to have something sweet!

Something Sweet
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  • Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These are so easy to make and delicious. Just melt some chocolate chips in the microwave, dip your strawberries in them (or just eat them plain), let them harden again, and voila! You’ve got an adorable dessert that everyone will love.
  • Peach Cobbler: This recipe uses fresh peaches and homemade pie crust for a truly special treat that’s sure to please everyone at your picnic table–even if they don’t usually like peach cobbler!
  • Ice Cream Sandwiches: For those who like their sweets cold, ice cream sandwiches are always a crowd-pleaser on hot summer days when nobody wants anything too heavy but still wants something sweet after dinner or lunchtime snacks throughout the day while enjoying nature’s beauty outdoors together.

Final Thoughts

With these things in mind, you’re ready to go. We hope that you have fun with your picnic and enjoy all of the great things NYC has to offer!