7 Picnic Date Ideas for Couples (Here's What to Bring)

by Ryan Hart | Updated on June 25, 2022 | Post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Summertime is the perfect time for a picnic date! There are so many fun and romantic things to do outdoors when the weather is nice.

In this blog post, we will share seven of our favorite picnic date ideas for couples. Whether you are looking for something adventurous or relaxing, we have you covered!

So grab your loved one and get ready to enjoy some quality time together outdoors!

What are the Best Picnic Date Ideas?

A romantic picnic date is a great opportunity to enjoy good weather, good company, and good food. But what makes the perfect picnic?

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Take a nature hike

There’s something special about spending time in nature, surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors.

Hiking is a great way to enjoy some quality time together, and it’s a perfect activity for a nature-loving couple. Plus, it’s a great way to work up an appetite for a picnic lunch!

There are plenty of scenic hiking trails all around the country, so wherever you live, you’re sure to find a nearby spot where you can explore and enjoy some quality time together.

2. Visit a nearby botanical garden or park

One of my favorite date ideas is to visit a nearby botanical garden or park. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, and you can picnic in the beautiful surroundings.

I always bring along a picnic basket with a few of my favorite foods, and we spend the afternoon exploring the gardens and talking.

It’s a great way to get to know someone better in a relaxed setting, and you can learn a lot about someone by the way they interact with nature.

So if you’re looking for a unique and romantic date idea, definitely consider visiting a botanical garden or park.

3. Have a backyard picnic while you watch a movie

If you’re looking for a picnic date that’s both fun and romantic, look no further than your own backyard.

It’s like your own little oasis, where the only thing that matters is the time you spend together. Plus, it’s a great way to get to know your partner better.

We bring out a picnic blanket and some pillows, and we set up our picnic right in the middle of our yard.

It’s a great way to relax and enjoy each other’s company, and it’s also a lot of fun.

4. Go for a bike ride and bring a picnic!

If you’re looking for a fun way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors, go for a bike ride and picnic at the same time.

It’s a great way to see new sights and explore your surroundings. And, best of all, it’s relatively easy to do. Just pack a picnic lunch, grab your bike, and hit the road.

There are plenty of scenic routes to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you. Just be sure to wear a helmet and follow all the safety rules.

With a little planning, you can have a great time while getting some fresh air and exercise.

5. Drive to a scenic location for a picnic

One of my favorite things to do is to drive to a scenic location and picnic there. I don’t live in a particularly scenic area, but there are still plenty of places within driving distance that are worth visiting.

I usually like to go somewhere with a nice view, so I can just sit back and enjoy the scenery while we eat. But even if the view isn’t anything special, picnicking is still a great way to enjoy some good food in good company.

6. Plan a picnic dinner with a romantic theme

A picnic is the perfect way to enjoy a romantic date. The key to a successful picnic is to keep it simple.

Choose a few of your favorite foods and pack them into a basket. Don’t forget to include a blanket or tablecloth to spread out on the ground.

For an extra special touch, pack a bottle of wine or champagne. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, spread out the blanket and enjoy your meal at sunset.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even light some candles to set the mood. Whatever you do, make sure you take the time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. After all, that’s what picnics are all about.

7. Play lawn games together

A picnic is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some lawn games together. Frisbee is a timeless classic that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and croquet is a fun game that can be both competitive and relaxing.

If you’re feeling creative, you can even make up your own game. The important thing is to spend some time outdoors enjoying each other’s company.

What are the Best Picnic Foods for a Date

If you’re planning a picnic for two, the best strategy is to keep things simple. After all, you don’t want to spend more time packing and unpacking than you do enjoying each other’s company.

With that in mind, here are a few of my favorite picnic foods for a date:

1. Antipasto Platter

An antipasto platter is a type of appetizer that consists of various meats, cheeses, and vegetables. It is a great option for a picnic date because it is filling and flavorful!

An antipasto platter is the perfect picnic food because it’s easy to transport and there’s something for everyone. Plus, it looks pretty darn impressive when you lay it out on a blanket.

Start with a base of your favorite Italian bread. Cut it into thick slices and then arrange it on a large plate or platter.

Then, start adding your favorite Italian meats and cheeses. Prosciutto, salami, and sopressata are all great options. Add some variety with some milder meats like mortadella or capocollo.

And don’t forget the cheese! Mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan are all good choices.

Then, add some vegetables for color and crunch. Marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and olives are all great options.

2. Assorted Cheese and Crackers

No picnic is complete without a selection of cheese and crackers. Assorted cheeses add variety and depth of flavor to any spread, and crackers provide the perfect vehicle for enjoying them.

While there are countless combinations of cheese and cracker to choose from, some classic favorites include cheddar and water crackers, Brie and wheat crackers, and Swiss and rye crackers.

Of course, the best part about cheese and crackers is that they can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime. So whether you’re packing a picnic lunch or simply looking for a quick snack, don’t forget the cheese and crackers.

3. Fresh Fruit Salad

What could be more refreshing on a hot summer day than a beautiful fruit salad? The sweetness of the fruits will tantalize your taste buds, while the colorful array of colors will visually delight you.

But beyond its taste and appearance, a fresh fruit salad has many other benefits that make it the perfect picnic food.

First, it is light and easy to transport, making it ideal for picnics. Second, it is a healthy option that will give you sustained energy throughout your picnic. And finally, it is versatile and can be easily customized to your taste.

A fresh fruit salad is the perfect picnic food because it is light, refreshing, and flavorful. It is also easy to make and can be tailored to your taste preferences.

4. Caprese Salad

If you’re looking for a simple but delicious picnic dish, look no further than the Caprese salad. Named for the Italian island of Capri, this dish is traditionally made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

But don’t let its simplicity fool you - the combination of sweet tomatoes, rich cheese, and earthy basil is truly heavenly. And best of all, it’s easy to make ahead of time and doesn’t require any cooking.

Just slice up the ingredients, assemble them on a platter, and enjoy.

5. Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon

If you haven’t had prosciutto-wrapped melon, you haven’t lived. The sweet, juicy melon pairs perfectly with the salty, savory prosciutto, and the two ingredients complement each other perfectly.

The melon also helps to cut the fat content of the prosciutto, making it a lighter, healthier dish.

Prosciutto-wrapped melon is also incredibly easy to make. Simply wrap a slice of prosciutto around a piece of melon, and voila! You have a delicious, healthy snack that is perfect for any occasion.

6. Hummus and Pita Chips

Hummus and pita chips are a classic Mediterranean combo that’s perfect for snacking. The creamy hummus is made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice, and is packed with protein and fiber.

The pita chips are crispy and delicious, making them the perfect vehicle for scooping up the hummus. This dish is simple to make and can be easily customized to your liking. A

dd some chopped cumin or paprika to the hummus, or experiment with different types of pita chips (i.e. whole wheat, garlic-flavored, etc.). Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking for a healthy snack to munch on, hummus and pita chips is a great option.

7. Turkey and Swiss Sandwiches

A picnic wouldn’t be a picnic without a turkey and Swiss sandwich. It’s the perfect food for a day spent outdoors, easy to transport and even easier to eat.

The key to a great picnic sandwich is in the quality of the ingredients. Fresh, crusty bread, thin slices of flavorful turkey, and sharp Swiss cheese come together to create a sandwich that’s simple but sublime.

Add a few pickles or a dollop of mustard for extra zing, and you’ve got a picnic favorite that’s sure to please.

8. PB&J Sandwiches

The PB&J sandwich is an American classic. It’s a staple of picnic baskets and lunch boxes, and it’s perfect for a quick snack on the go.

The key to a good PB&J sandwich is all in the balance. Too much peanut butter and the sandwich will be dry and crumbly; too much jelly, and it will be sticky and messy. The perfect PB&J has just the right amount of each ingredient, so that the flavors come together in harmony.

Whether you prefer your PB&Js with chunky or smooth peanut butter, grape or strawberry jelly, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this classic sandwich.

What to Bring on a Picnic Date

If you’re planning a picnic date, there are a few things you’ll need to bring along in order to make it a success:

Picnic basket

There’s something about a picnic basket that just screams “romance.” Maybe it’s the quaintness of the concept, or the images of pristine landscapes and idyllic picnicking that it conjures.

Whatever the reason, a picnic basket has long been associated with all things romantic. And while the traditional picnic lunch of sandwiches and potato salad might not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no denying that a well-stocked picnic basket can make for a perfect date.

Blanket or lawn chairs

If you’re going to picnic, you need a proper blanket: one that’s thick enough to actually provide some insulation from the ground, and one that has a waterproof backing so you don’t have to worry about getting your clothes wet if the ground is damp.

A good picnic blanket should also be big enough to accommodate a fair-sized group of people, and it should have some sort of strap or carry case so you can easily transport it to and from your picnic spot.

With a blanket like that, you can actually enjoy your picnic instead of spending the entire time chasing after your blanket as it blows away in the wind.

Food and drinks

A picnic is the perfect opportunity to indulge in all of your favorite comfort foods, so don’t be afraid to go wild.

Pack up a big spread of your favorites, from finger sandwiches and fried chicken to deviled eggs and chocolate cake. And don’t forget the wine! A good bottle of red or white is essential for a truly enjoyable picnic.

Finally, no picnic would be complete without a sweet treat. My personal favorite is this recipe for strawberry shortcake. It’s made with fresh strawberries and airy angel food cake - perfect for a sunny day outdoors. Plus, it’s pretty enough to impress even the most discerning picnic-goer.

Games

When it comes to picnicking, games are essential. They provide a way to break the ice, get people interacting, and add a bit of friendly competition to the mix.

Of course, not all games are created equal. Some are better suited for large groups, while others are more intimate affairs. And then there are the classics: tried-and-true games that have been providing fun for picnickers for generations. Here are a few of our favorites:

Other items to pack

There are dozens of little details that go into planning a romantic picnic date. Here are a few other items you might need:

  • cooler with ice
  • napkins and utensils
  • sunblock
  • hats and sunglasses
  • insect repellent
  • lantern or candles
  • trash bag (pack it in, pack it out)

Bottom Line

If you’re looking to impress on a picnic date, go beyond the basics of sandwiches and fruit. Think about foods that can be easily portable, but will still wow your date with their flavor and presentation.

A great option is a simple charcuterie board, featuring a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and pickled vegetables. For something sweet, individually wrapped chocolates or caramels are a delicious and easy-to-eat treat.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try whipping up a batch of homemade sangria? It’s refreshing, fruity, and sure to put your date in the mood for romance.

No matter what you choose to bring on your picnic date, remember that the key is to keep it simple. After all, the best way to enjoy good company is to relax and savor the moment.

We hope you enjoyed our list of picnic date ideas for couples! Do you have any picnic date tips of your own?

Share them with us in the comments below!

About the Author:
Ryan Hart

Ryan Hart is a certified relationship coach and writer. His mission is to help make connections between people better, stronger, more meaningful, and longer lasting using technology.

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