Life's Better Outside Activity of the Month: Picnicking

Whether you relax on a blanket, sit at a picnic table or cook outdoors on an open grill — food just tastes better outside!

Find a park near you and start planning your picnic. How about a special picnic for Mother's Day on May 12?  Texas State Parks offer picnic tables in some of the most beautiful places in the state - next to rivers, lakes, historic structures, beaches and more. You can even put on a Texas-sized picnic in a group pavilion. To reserve a picnic pavilion or area, call 512-389-8900.

Picnic Recipes
Looking for some scrumptious, easy-to-make picnic recipes for your next outing? Texas State Parks has teamed up with the Texas Department of Agriculture, the Texas Beef Council and our food-blogging friends to bring you 28 special recipes in the following categories: romantic, kid-friendly, family gatherings and outdoor cooking.   And if you need a little inspiration or help planning your picnic menu, visit Texas State Park’s Pinterest board.

Picnic Location Ideas
Find out some of the primo picnic spots for a picnic any time of the year in this article in Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine.

Find 19 Texas State Parks and natural state areas in the Austin area for your picnic.                                                

What to bring:

• Food and beverages, ice chest
• Tablecloth, utensils, plates
• Blankets or lawn chairs
• Weather-appropriate clothes
• Sunscreen

Outdoor Fun for Kids:

• Texas Geocache Challenge
• Outdoor Kids Journal
• Neighborhood Fishin Program
• Animal Trackers
• Ranger Talks

What Experts Say about the Benefits of Nature Play
Pack out what you pack in: Leave No Trace!