Picnics are a great family getaway.

It's funny how much of our life revolves around food. For some many families, dinner is when everyone gets a chance to get caught up with everyone else. It's a social event. And there is a great way a family can spend some time together and enjoy the word around them. Have a picnic. Picnics can be wonderfully memorable, but not always for the right reasons. So, what are somethings you should keep in mind when taking your family out for a nice lunch in the country?

Location, location, location:
Apart from carrying a water proof picnic basket (coolers are far better than wicker), location is the most important part of a picnic. The location should suit you and your family, obviously a family with small children are not going to be picnicking on top of a mountain. However, you should pick somewhere on top of a hill. Why is that? For starters, hills offer the best view of the surrounding area. But the more important thing is hills are usually dry. Water will collect at the bottom of a hill, which could turn your picnic soggy.

Also, unless the sun is unbearable, try to stay away from copiously shaded areas. The sun will help keep the grass dry, and in turn keep you dry. However, if you are picnicking in the middle of august and the temperature is around 100f, a nice shaded area may not be the worst idea.

Make sure you plan ahead. Know where your going, don't just wander around looking for the ideal spot, you may never find it. Check the weather report before you go, if the forecast calls for pop up showers, be aware you may get caught in one. Always have a back up plan.

Equipment:
Keep in mind everything you will need will have to be carried in, and back out. Coolers make excellent picnic baskets due to the fact that they are water proof, and they will keep your food cold.

Know what is provided by the area where you will be picnicking, if you need to grill, you may have to provide your own, or you may have to provide charcoal. Before cooking, make sure you know what the rules are regarding cooking and open fires.

Foods are obviously the most important part of the picnic. They should be quick and easy to eat, easy to cook if you so choose, or something that can be served cool. I personally like cold cut sandwiches, salads, and hotdogs if a grill is present.

Don't forget to pack some utensils, some napkins and or paper towels. Remember your garbage backs so you can bring everything you brought in back out.

Should you choose to picnic the old fashioned way via blanket, I suggest you try a water proof blanket. Also, try bringing some games with you. Something as simple as a Frisbee, football, soccer ball, baseball and glove can turn a good picnic outing into a great one.

All it takes is a little bit of planning, and some slight pre-work to have a memorable experience with your family. And should you find a great place for an outdoors outing, make sure you add it to our hotspot maps, so others can experience that spot as well.