Summer is in full swing and we are bursting with enthusiasm to spend the longer days outdoors. There is just one problem though. The mercury is hitting all-time highs and going outside sounds good in theory, but leaves us sweating in practice!
So what do you do? We recommend starting your days early and freeing up evening hours to spend time outside. One of the best ways to enjoy the latter half of the day is to carry a picnic dinner to the park and invite your friends over for a good time.
You will need a few essentials to make your evening picnics fun and relaxing at the same time.
Flashlights
While the sun stays out much longer these days, it is always wise to be prepared for emergencies. There are several unexpected things that can happen when you are outside and it’s always a good idea to be prepared with flashlights.
If you want to go lightweight, consider a rechargeable flashlight that fits in your pocket or bag. One of the biggest advantages of carrying a rechargeable flashlight is that you can charge it once and use it several times depending on how long your evening picnics last.
If you’d rather keep your hands free for card games or pouring drinks, rechargeable headlamps may be the way to go. You can select from a variety of lightweight options that provide ample light without weighing a ton.
Being equipped with a flashlight not only helps you be more comfortable on your picnic site, but is also a good piece of equipment to carry in your car or on your walk home.
Speakers
Who doesn’t like some sweet music on a summer evening? Not us! Slip right into the relaxation zone with a bluetooth speaker. Just remember to keep the volume low so others in the park aren’t disturbed!
You should also keep a few things in mind when deciding which speaker to carry with you. You will want one that is not only compact but also weather-resistant and sturdy enough to withstand the demands of the outdoors. You will also want to consider the battery life on your speakers. There are few things as annoying as being cut off mid-song!
Dining outdoors in the summer also doesn’t happen only in one location. You will want to get speakers that can go from parks to patios to the beach easily.
Insect Repellent
We aren’t the only ones enjoying the warmer weather. Insects and bugs are out in unison too making insect repellent an absolute necessity on your evening picnics.
While the buzzing is low-key annoying, some people are prone to getting bitten more often than others. Don’t let the insects kill your summer buzz. If you are worried about the harmful chemicals in many insect repellents, we hear you. Consider selecting one made of naturally-derived ingredients such as eucalyptus oil.
Apply this liberally on all exposed skin after you have applied sunscreen. Most repellents can last long hours so you will likely only spray yourself once. Insect repellents are especially important if you have young children in your group. If the young ones are resistant to applying the repellent on their skin, you may want to spray it on their clothes.
Summer is the time to do more, unwind with people you love, and truly soak in the wonders of the outdoors. Summer is also incomplete if you don’t dine al fresco. These evening picnic essentials will help up your appetite for a good time. So gather your friends, find your favorite tree, and get ready to roll out the picnic blanket.