Whether you’re celebrating Memorial Day, Independence Day, or the end of the school year, it’s the perfect time of year to gather outside for a picnic with family or friends. Check out these visual recipes for patriotic desserts, main dishes, and sides. Do you have a favorite picnic recipe? Share it in the comments below!

Red, White, & Blue Treats

Patriotic treats are a great opportunity to incorporate red and blue fruits into otherwise sugary desserts. If cutting fruits and veggies is a challenge, you can try using adaptive tools like plastic lettuce knives and food choppers to make the job safer and easier. The Memorial Day Fruit Flagpoles recipe shared by Spectra Centers is a perfect activity to strengthen math skills by creating and copying patterns with fruits and marshmallows.

Main Dishes

Hamburgers and hot dogs are quintessential picnic foods, but you can also swap out black bean or other plant-based patties if you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option. Don’t be dismayed if you don’t have access to a grill- hamburgers, sloppy joes, and hot dogs can be made on the stovetop or an indoor electric grill.

Sides, Salads, & More

No picnic would be complete without an array of side dishes. My favorite part of going to a picnic is trying a bit of each dish. These sides and salads are also great options if you need to take food to a potluck!