Summer picnics are al fresco family fun

Eating outdoors with your kids may be among one of the warm season's greatest pleasures. Whether you take a pack of hot dogs to a shelter at the beach or load a backpack full of sandwiches and hit the trail, picnics are a great way to get outside and commune with nature.

When picnicking with kids, there are many factors to consider: Is there a place to set down food without it rolling downhill? Is there a shady spot available? Is there a place to run around? A potty?

The must list
One of the best ways to motivate your family to dine al fresco is to keep a picnic bag or basket ready to go at all times. For convenience and durability, I like to use a reusable shopping bag that I got at the supermarket. In it, I keep the following, ready to toss in the car or on the bike any time we want to "eat out."

• a big old sheet, which folds small and washes easily
• one old towel, for any impromptu water adventures
• sunscreen
• bug repellent, just in case
• hand sanitizer
• nonperishable snacks, such as a few fruit snacks, a box of crackers and an energy bar for me, to supplement whatever else we pick up or pack
• one empty water bottle, which I fill at a drinking fountain
• one empty plastic bag for garbage or wet clothes
• a couple of old baby washcloths, which are great for cleaning up sticky spills or muddy hands

My daughter, who is two, is still a very messy eater, but she refuses to wear a bib, so I stash a one-size-too-big T-shirt I don't care about in our picnic bag; I just pull it over her clothes while she eats and it keeps her a little cleaner. An extra change of clothes can also be a wise addition to the bag. Finally, don't forget an extra layer for cool evenings.

Food on the go
While some of the classics of picnic fare, such as sandwiches and chips, are easy enough to assemble, preparing in advance isn't always possible. Delis and supermarkets are a great solution for impromptu picnicking, and we try to know our options in various neighborhoods around the city.

When on our home turf of West Seattle, we love Husky Deli, which has sandwiches and an array of classic American cold salads as well as fresh-made ice cream (a little dessert before dinner).

If your outing is in Ballard, a giant sandwich from The Other Coast Café may be just the ticket; or if you're feeling a little fancy, head down the street to Dish D'Lish for some gourmet vittles.

In my opinion, nothing says summer like fried chicken from Ezell's in the Central District -- if only you can make it all the way to the park before digging in. When we're in the north end, we love to stop in for Mediterranean spreads and olives from Olive You.

On the south end, sandwiches from Columbia City Bakery or ribs from Jones Barbeque are a hit. And in just about every neighborhood in the city, takeout counters at PCC Natural Markets and Whole Foods markets offer great hot and cold options.

Find a seat
Luckily, Seattle has dozens of fantastic parks, most with picnic tables and many with restroom facilities.

A fine view seems requisite to a favorite picnic spot, and Seattle has them in abundance: Lincoln Park, Beer Sheva Park, Carkeek Park, Magnuson Park, Seward Park and Discovery Park are among the city's finest.

If you need to plan ahead for a group picnic or party, check the Seattle Parks and Recreation Web site, where you'll find a 2008 Picnic Guide that lists all of the picnic shelters and reservable picnic tables in local parks, along with fees and reservation information.

The site also allows you to search for a park by features, including landscape preferences, restrooms and play areas.

Plan your route
If you're looking for a new spot to try that isn't too far from home, find out if the local pedestrian advocacy group, Feet First, offers a free neighborhood walking map for your neck of the woods. The easy-to-use guides point out crosswalks, public stairways, restrooms, playgrounds, bus lines, beach access and community centers.

Estimated walking distances and times (in grown-up walking speeds) between key points are given, and the maps indicate trail systems within parks, which can help you find your way across a park that would look like a green blob on any other map.

Maps are currently available for West Seattle, Ballard, North Beacon Hill (which includes Columbia City), the University District, Uptown, Delridge, Westhill/Skyway and Burien (only available in Spanish).

By the end of the summer, maps for the Central District and North Aurora should be available too. The maps are available online, but you can also call Feet First (206-652-2310) to find out where to get a copy in your neighborhood or request a copy by mail.

Picnic in the city
Don't forget about some of the more urban spots for picnics in town, such as Victor Steinbrueck Park at the north end of Pike Place Market. The market offers an abundance of take out options; among my favorites are the deli items at Michou, the mac n' cheese at Beecher's and the hombow at Mee Sum Pastry.

If you are in the mood for a more substantial meal, consider picking up some taquitos from El Puerco Lloron on the lower hillclimb stairway, and dining at the Waterfront Park, between Piers 57 and 59.

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