Then plan an elaborate party right away. A lazy guide to 5 popular picnic themes

Photos and text / Excerpted from *Picnic Little Days*, published by Creative Market

What should you consider when choosing a location?

Actually, there’s no fixed rule for where a picnic must take place—you can have it anywhere you like, whether it’s a roadside park, your rooftop, back balcony, school playground… Just pick a spot you’re happy with, lay down a picnic mat, set out your favorite dishes, and sit on the ground for a lovely little picnic.

But if you’re planning to host a more special picnic party over the weekend, I’ve classified picnic locations by type into 5 common picnic styles for your reference—great if you’re aiming for a themed picnic.

Park lawns
Pros: Easy to find, available almost everywhere.
Cons: Popular spots can get very crowded on weekends, making it harder to enjoy a relaxed picnic vibe.
Tips: Check if the lawn has a sprinkler system—nothing ruins a picnic like getting caught in an unexpected artificial rain shower.
Must-bring: Mosquito repellent, anti-itch cream for bug bites, picnic mat

Mountain streams
Pros: Cooler mountain temperatures and fewer crowds offer a vacation-like picnic experience, far from the city bustle.
Cons: Remote locations usually require driving, so transportation can be inconvenient, and there may be lots of bugs.
Tips: Restrooms and handwashing facilities might not be available, so hygiene can be a challenge. Also, always prioritize safety if you plan to play in the stream.
Must-bring: Mosquito repellent, anti-itch cream for bug bites, large water bottle, light jacket

Beach sand
Pros: You can play in the water and sand while picnicking—a great way to beat the summer heat.
Cons: Beaches tend to be windy, and food can easily get sandy, so it’s best to bring dry, easy-to-carry snacks.
Tips: Sunburn is a risk, so plan your picnic after 3 PM and check the tide schedule to avoid getting caught by rising water.
Must-bring: Sun protection, small sun shelter, wet wipes, flip-flops (sand gets extremely hot in the afternoon sun)

Rural/natural style
Pros: Scenic spots near or in famous cities often have unique landscapes.
Cons: Popular spots can get crowded on weekends, which may reduce the relaxing feel of a picnic.
Tips: Some picnic areas are managed by businesses, and if you plan to visit nearby themed shops or attractions, check their business hours in advance—some may be closed on weekdays.
Must-bring: Mosquito repellent, anti-itch cream for bug bites, picnic mat

Themed party
Pros: A fresh and unique take on picnic gatherings
Cons: Some themed picnic parties (like yacht picnics) have higher requirements and are not as easy to organize as a simple park picnic—they need more planning ahead.
Tips: For activities involving water sports, it’s recommended to have an expert present to ensure safety and avoid accidents.
Essentials: Sunscreen, insect repellent, anti-itch cream for bug bites, picnic mat