By going on picnics to local parks in the area, many families are able to socialize with different members in their community in a fun, unique way.
According to freshman Audrey Schwab, going on picnics allows her to spend more time with her family.
“I used to go on picnics to Alderfer Park in Harleysville a lot when I was younger,” Schwab said. “It was really nice to be able to spend quality time with my family when we were out.”
Additionally, Schwab also spoke about how much she enjoyed going to Alderfer Park with her family and the overall experience she had when there.
“I always love going to [Alderfer] Park,” Schwab said. “When I was younger, I would always play on the playground during our picnics, I can’t wait to go back.”
When freshman Anna Cook went on a family picnic to Branch Wood Park, she enjoyed being out in nature.
“When I was on a picnic with my family around Branch Wood Park, we looked at the lake and waterfall and there were rocks and little walking areas,” Cook said.
Cook also mentioned some of her favorite things about going on picnics.
“I really loved walking around and seeing the waterfalls and rocks,” Cook said. “The warm weather and sights made it an amazing trip.”
According to business teacher Maria Halteman, she enjoys the different things about each picnic spot she has been to.
“I have been on picnics at Souderton Park, Green Lane and Nockamixon,” Halteman said. “I really enjoyed Nockamixon and Green Lane the most because they are more picturesque and have a lot more activities to do.”
Halteman enjoyed numerous activities while at the park.
“When I was at Nockamixon, I went kayaking on the lake,” Halteman said, “and a little after our picnic, I spent time knitting.”
According to Souderton resident Catherine Santiago, picnics have always been a way for her to get away from her phone and spend time with her loved ones.
“I enjoy going on picnics so much because it gives me the opportunity to spend time with my family and friends with no distractions,” Santiago said. “It’s something I hope I am able to do more often because those memories can’t be replaced.”
She named a variety of places she has been to for picnics.
“I’ve been on quite a few picnics,” Santiago said. “When I lived in Florida, I would go to Blue Springs, but here in Pennsylvania, I go to Banbury Mopac Park, Peace Valley and Green Lane.”
At the various parks, Santiago does more than have a picnic or walk around.
“After the picnics, we like to go on family hikes, paddle board and kayak,” Santiago said.
Additionally, Souderton resident Anthony Santiago likes going on picnics because of the variety of activities he can do with his family.
“I enjoy going to Green Lane and throwing around a frisbee and fishing after a nice picnic,” Anthony said.
Anthony feels that being outside really helps him socialize with friends and family.
“Instead of being stuck in the house, we get to go outside and do so much together,” Anthony said. “If someone doesn’t like fishing or frisbee, we all do something we like, playing with our dog.”
Besides the bonding between friends and family that picnics provide, picnics encourage people to spend time outside.
According to WebMD, spending time in nature “lessens anxiety.”
“Sunlight helps keep your serotonin levels up,” WebMD said. “This helps raise your energy and keeps your mood calm.”