11 fun and unusual ways to celebrate National Eat Outside Day

By Michele Brosius

Whether your summer is still going strong or your kids are gearing up for the first day of school, chances are you’re trying to hold on to those summer vibes while you can. Well, you’re in luck because National Eat Outside Day falls on Saturday, Aug. 31, making it the perfect day to join others for a celebration and find that ideal outdoor spot to enjoy. Here are 11 fun and unique ways to celebrate and embrace the great outdoors.

Enjoy an early bird breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and what better way to start your day than by heading outside with all of your breakfast favorites for a morning meal in the great outdoors? You can make it as simple or as complex as you wish; either with an easy continental-style breakfast with muffins, bagels and coffee or warmed breakfast burritos prepared the night before.

Affordable backyard fun

If your family prefers to sleep in a bit, an outdoor picnic lunch or charcuterie spread are perfect al fresco dining options. And you don’t even have to make everything yourself; have some subs delivered, add chips and soda, and spend the afternoon in the backyard eating, playing yard games and enjoying the late summer weather.

Book a special dining event

If you want to go all out for National Eat Outside Day, consider booking a personal dining experience at your home. Local chefs can be hired to prepare hibachi, clambake or other personal dining experiences; you simply supply the seating and guest list and sit back and enjoy a full professional dining experience customized to your preferences.

Potluck party time

A more affordable option is to invite your friends and family over, ask them to bring a meal for the potluck and a board game or two and enjoy a budget-friendly get-together with your besties. You could even center the potluck around a particular theme or game, like Clue or an escape room-themed mystery dinner.

Go on a food truck crawl

Finding a food truck festival these days is quite easy. Gather a group of friends and head out to one to sample a variety of foods. These events are often held in public parks with ample space to spread out and enjoy a meal, making it an ideal way to celebrate National Eat Outside Day.

Plan a dark-sky picnic

If you’re fortunate enough to live in a dark-sky area – think the Grand Canyon or the Great Smoky Mountains – consider planning an evening dark-sky picnic. Without the glare of nearby light pollution, stargazing takes on a whole meaning. For details on dark-sky locations nearby, visit the Dark-Sky website. It’s the ideal resource to start planning your evening stargazing picnic right away.

Host a cozy campfire

Nothing says summertime like s’mores and hot dogs over an open campfire. A backyard campfire is quintessential outdoor living and the perfect way to celebrate National Eat Outside Day. Make it a potluck and invite friends and family to bring items to cook over the fire, and you’ve got a budget-friendly party with food everyone can enjoy.

Neighborhood block party

Plan a back-to-school neighborhood block party for the parents and kids, complete with potluck items, games, prizes, and maybe even a bounce house and face painting for the kids. This is a great way to get outside and meet your neighbors, especially if you’re new to the area or your kids are starting at a new school. A neighborhood block party is the perfect icebreaker at a time when families mostly keep to themselves.

Backyard pizza party

With an outdoor pizza oven or your everyday grill, you can transform your backyard into the best pizza party spot in town. Let your guests create custom pizzas with their choice of toppings and enjoy a steaming hot slice outdoors with sodas or adult beverages to keep the party going.

Enjoy a Lowcountry boil

This southern staple blends boiled corn, shrimp, potatoes and sausage in a big pot with your favorite classic seasonings, like Old Bay or Zatarain’s for the ultimate in Lowcountry cuisine. Also known as Frogmore stew in the Beaufort, South Carolina, area, the Lowcountry boil is typically served outdoors; simply boil and spread the feast out on newspaper at the picnic table so everyone can dig in family style.

Dinner and an outdoor movie

All you need to pull off a dinner and a movie outdoors is your favorite streaming service, a laptop, a projector and a movie screen and you’re good to go. Add your favorite family-friendly meal, don’t forget the popcorn and candy and you’ve got a National Eat Outside Day activity to remember for years.

Just enjoy the day

National Eat Outside Day is the perfect excuse to break from the norm and enjoy a meal out in the fresh air. Whether you plan a backyard barbeque, your favorite movie screening or prefer to indulge a bit with a personal chef, you’re sure to make this special day a yearly tradition for your family.

Michele Brosius is the creator of Midlife Healthy Living where she expertly combines her love for cooking with budget-conscious nutrition strategies. Through her blog, she encourages women to embrace a healthier lifestyle with simple recipes and wellness tips.