As the sweltering heat of summer gives way to the breezes of autumn, there's no better way to celebrate the season's arrival than by planning an outdoor excursion with friends. How about a fall-themed picnic? There are plenty of ideal locations nestled within the charming suburbs near The Pointe - Hilliard, Ohio apartments. Here are a few ways to make a late summer/early fall picnic a memorable one. 

Choose Your Perfect Location

Selecting the right location for your fall picnic is paramount. Hilliard has more than a dozen parks that can provide the perfect setting for your outdoor adventure. Some popular choices include Homestead Metro Park, with shelters and plenty of greenspace to spread out; Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park, an 8-acre city park with a playground, pool, and picnic shelters; and Darby Glen Park, which has a wide grassy field perfect for throwing down a picnic blanket, as well as a playground, shelter house, walking path, and grills.

Get Fancy with Themed Invites

Inviting friends? You might consider sending a digital invite to your friends and apartment neighbors to join in the fun. You could encourage guests to embrace the theme by dressing in cozy sweaters, scarves, and flannels and bringing along a dish or treat to share. 

All About the Food

Craft a picnic menu that complements the fall season with a mix of comfort foods and fall-inspired treats. Here are a few ideas! Remember to pack your food in a way that keeps it intact and will allow you to repackage leftovers to bring them back home with you. 

• Apple and brie sandwiches

• Pumpkin soup in a thermos

• Savory mini quiches

• Homemade pumpkin hummus

• Cinnamon apple muffins

• Warm spiced cider or hot chocolate

• Pecan pie bars

Picnic Essentials

Consider these picnic essentials and fun accessories to make your outing functional and comfy. 

• Cozy blankets or quilts for lounging

• Folding camp chairs for added comfort

• Portable speakers for setting the mood

• Reusable utensils and containers to reduce waste

• Empty containers for your leftovers

• A trash bag

Fall-themed Activities

You might want to incorporate some seasonal activities to make your afternoon outing last a little longer and stretch your legs after digging in. 

• Pumpkin painting or carving

• A friendly game of touch football or frisbee

• A scavenger hunt for fall leaves and wildlife (This scavenger hunt is especially designed for Homestead Metro Park!) 

Capture the Moments

Designate someone to capture the magic of the day through photographs. You might even use photographs for your scavenger hunt and make even more fun memories! 

Leave No Trace

Remember to leave your picnic area as pristine as you found it. Dispose of trash responsibly and ensure that all of your belongings are packed up before you leave.

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisper, Hilliard, Ohio, offers the perfect backdrop for a fall-season picnic. If you’re looking for Hilliard apartments for rent near parks, trails, and other ideal outdoor picnic spaces, take a tour of The Pointe - Hilliard. There are many parks and trails to explore in the community and spacious, comfortable floor plans when you’re ready to return home. Schedule a tour and reserve yours today: 614-344-1817