Family Destination Picnics

There are so many great parks all over the San Antonio area that picnics come naturally. Those lend themselves to be fun and perhaps spur-of-the-moment at your neighborhood park. But a family destination picnic is when you plan an outing and a picnic to go along with it. Match these two and you can make for a more adventurous, fun-filled day. Nothing says summer like eating outside! You might also save on some calories and cash. Here are six summer family destination picnic ideas:

1. The Magik Theatre—Plays here are catered to our younger audience, and this summer’s production includes Junie B. Jones: the Musical. After the show, enjoy a fun time at the park next door. A picnic here would be ideal! Yanaguana Garden, which has transformed Hemisfair Park, has so many fun parts to try out. Climbing areas, different types of swings, and even a splash pad are all great to burn off some energy. You will have a hard time getting the kids to stop for a minute to eat any of that packed picnic!

2. Scobee PlanetariumAt the Scobee Education Center and Planetarium, there are a variety of different shows to suit different ages. Enjoy a show in the cool air-conditioning and then head over to nearby San Pedro Park, the oldest park in San Antonio and the second-oldest park in the nation. There are great shade trees all over that would be perfect for a picnic spot. In addition, there is a spring-fed pool if you want to take a dip later.

3. Landa ParkLocated in New Braunfels, this is a great place for a day out in the summer. Enjoy the short drive down I-35. You can feed the ducks, rent a paddle boat, and ride the miniature train. Of course, the natural spring pool is a great draw on our hottest Texas days. Great picnic spots are everywhere in the park, and you can take a picnic into the swim area as well.

4. Landa Park Library, Semmes Library, Collins Garden Library, Igo Library, Mission Library, and San Pedro Park LibraryLibraries are often paired with some great parks. All of the above are located in their own respective interesting green spaces. Head out to storytime or another library event at any one of these libraries and end with a picnic You could even begin reading together one of your library book finds!

5. The McNayModern art for kids? Absolutely! The museum has started some great programming that is just for families. Art strolls for infants and toddlers and a cell phone tour for older kids are a couple of the McNay’s family-centered activities. It’s never too early to expose kids to a little culture. Picnic areas on the grounds are permitted in designated areas during designated times.

6. Cibolo Nature CenterLocated in Boerne, this is a natural area that is great for the kids.The different ecosystems of Texas are all found here, and discoveries along the trails and boardwalk will entertain the kids. Wear closed-toe shoes and natural bug spray. After a good hike, there are picnic areas throughout the park and near Cibolo Creek to enjoy a little lunch.

Summer outings are special times. Picnics add that simple touch that the kids can help you plan and pack. Have the kids help pick out snacks, make sandwiches, and fill water bottles. Invite friends, bring a ball to toss, slather on the sunscreen, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and the rest is up to you!! If you know of another great pairing of an outing with a picnic spot, please share in the comments! 

Rosalinda
Texas born, small town girl who always felt like I had lived other lives in other places. I went off to college and somehow ended up in beautiful San Antonio. I met my future husband who had lived other lives in other places. After getting married, we moved out of state. Once we had our little souvenir, we moved back to Texas with a baby boy. Later, we added a daughter to complete the family. I work full-time as a school librarian and, on occasion, find time to do a little traveling and a little sleeping.