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24 Hudson Valley Parent n August 2014 use of the amenities, but a family picnic at this park is certainly a day well spent. Sullivan County The serene, lushly wooded Lake Superior State Park is managed by Sullivan County under license from the Palisades Interstate Park Com- mission. The park, which is open year round, consists of over 1,400 acres, including Lake Superior and Chestnut Ridge Pond. Lake Supe- rior's seasonal beach area features swimming, picnic areas with grills, a group picnic pavilion, rowboat and paddle boat rentals, full service food concession, fishing, volleyball court and a playground for ages 5-12. There's another picnic area by the lake's dam with tables and grills. Another perk: This park is "off-the- beaten-path," meaning the beach is rarely crowded. Bring the right equipment Now that you have the perfect spot, it's time to settle in and unpack your supplies. But which things are really critical to bring along, and which just weigh you down? Of course, if there are no picnic tables at your chosen destination, it's a good idea to bring a large blanket or two. "Use one bottom blanket you don't care about getting too dirty and a top blanket with weights," suggests Catherine Vey-Craig of Kingston. In a pinch, larger rocks and stones can be used to hold down the four corners of your blanket. As for what to pack inside your picnic basket to eat, finger foods are popular, with the added bonus of being a hit with little ones. Baby carrots and celery, crackers and hummus, cheese cubes or sticks, hard-boiled eggs, and cut up fruit or berries are easy to prepare and are perfect for a picnic. Be sure, too, to pack enough water or other drinks for each family member. For those spots that do not have a playground, it is useful to bring along toys to entertain the kids. Vey-Craig likes bringing tradition- al, time-tested kid favorites: a ball, bubbles, a kite and digging tools. "Bring sidewalk chalk, just in case a car-free area presents itself," adds Tammy Manicone of Poughkeepsie. Roxanne Ferber of Saugerties says she entertains her twin daughters with activities that do not require supplies. "We lie back to watch the clouds and playing the shape game, or the I Spy game," she says. Be prepared A family picnic is dependent on many unpredictable factors, includ- ing weather and the ever-tricky children's moods. The best bet is to prepare ahead of time for any situa- tion that might arise. Wet wipes and a change of clothes are a must when preparing for a potential food mess that might occur when running and playing kids meet up with picnic food. In order to prepare for a potential change in weather, which is always a possibility in the Hudson Valley, it is a good idea to bring along hoodies, extra sunscreen and an umbrella. Lastly, it helps to prepare for the finicky moods of children, who per- haps have decided they'd rather re- turn home than stay and eat on the ground. "I picnic close enough to the car so that we can return everything quickly if the kids are not having the picnic idea," says Ferber. The most important thing to re- member, though, is that even if your picnic encounters a rainstorm, ants parading over your picnic blanket, and messy kids, you are making fantastic family memories! Dawn Green is a freelance writer and mom to two boys in Saugerties. PERFECT FAMILY PICNICS (Continued from Page 23) R A healthy pregnancy? R Being a new parent? R Your baby's health? R Raising a strong family? We have answers! Our dedicated health specialists will help you with your new parenting questions and bring answers right to your home! If you are expecting or have a new baby, now is the time to call. It's free! Call 1-800-811-3914 u l s t e r c o u n t y h e a l t h y f a m ili e s a program of Do you have questions about... Healthy Families New York supported by