Events and Programs

National Picnic Month, July

Summer is the time for picnics and outdoor parties. Find resources at the library to help you choose the best sites for picnics here in Madison and throughout Wisconsin, prepare a fantastic picnic feast and plan outdoor games all the kids will enjoy.

Books Available from the Library:

The Big Book of Outdoor Cooking and Entertaining: Spirited Recipes and Expert Tips for Barbecuing, Charcoal and Gas Grilling, Rotisserie Roasting, Smoking, Deep-Frying, and Making Merry by Cheryl and Bill Jamison. 641.5784 J245bi

The Complete Picnic Book; Food and Games. 796.5 Sh1c2

Country Living, Eating Outdoors--Sensational Recipes for Cookouts, Picnics and Take-Along Food from the editors of Country living. 641.5780

A Fork in the Trail: Mouthwatering Meals and Tempting Treats for the Backcountry by Laurie Ann March. 641.5780

Good Day for a Picnic: Simple Food That Travels Well by Jeremy Jackson. 641.578 J135g

Great Games!: Old & New, Indoor/Outdoor, Travel, Board, Ball & Word by Sam Taggar, with Susan Williamson. 793 T128g

Katie Brown's Outdoor Entertaining: Taking the Party Outside Photography by Paul Whicheloe. 642.4 B813k

The Little Giant Book of Kids' Games written & illustrated by Glen Vecchione.

Mastering the Grill: The Owner's Manual for Outdoor Cooking by Andrew Schloss and David Joachim. 641.5784 Sch39m

The New Games Treasury: More than 500 Indoor and Outdoor Favorites with Strategies, Rules and Traditions by Merilyn Simonds Moh. 790.1 M726n

Old Fashioned Children's Games: Over 200 Outdoor, Car Trip, Song, Card, and Party Activities by Sharon O'Bryan. 790.1 Ob6o

Outdoor Affairs: Picnics & Barbecues by Richard Cawley. 641.578 C317o

Outdoor Living Idea Book by Lee Anne White. 747.8893 W584o

Picnic in the Park: Tales, Trails, and Outdoor Meals in the Parks of Dane County by Terese Allen, ed. 641.578 P587pic

Picnics: Easy Recipes for the Best Alfresco Foods by Robin Vitetta-Miller. 641.578 V833p

Picnic: 125 Recipes with 29 Seasonal Menus by DeeDee Stovel. 641.578 St76p

Picnics: A Cookbook and Guide by Pat Nekola. 642.4 N319p

Picnics on the Square: TheWisconsin Chamber Orchestra Cookbook Committee. 641.5 P587p

A Return to Family Picnics by Russell Cronkhite. 641.578 C881r

Tassajara Cookbook: Lunches, Picnics & Appetizers by Karla Oliveira. 641.5636 Ol4t

The Urban Picnic by John Burns & Elisabeth Caton. 641.578 B932u

Resources on the Web:

City of Madison Parks - maps and shelter information for all of Madison's City parks.

Dane County Parks - a listing of all Dane County Parks and activities.

Outdoor Games - search by age level and number of players to find the perfect games for your next outdoor event.

Picnic Inspiration - tons of recipes and ideas for picnic fun from The Picnic Site.

Picnic Tips - from UW Extension for safe indoor and outdoor picnics.

Wisconsin State Parks - Wisconsin has 99 parks, forests, recreations areas and trails! The DNR website also lists current weather conditions for state parks and forests.