There’s something magical about a family picnic—whether it's a cozy afternoon by the beach, a serene lakeside spot, or the peacefulness of a park surrounded by towering trees. It’s a chance to slow down, share laughs, enjoy delicious food, and simply be present with your loved ones. As a Traverse City family photographer, I can tell you that picnics make for the perfect setting to document your family’s story, capturing candid moments and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

If you're planning the ultimate family picnic in Traverse City and want to preserve these precious moments through photography, here's a guide to help you plan, enjoy, and cherish every part of the day.

Choosing the Perfect Picnic Spot in Traverse City

Traverse City is blessed with stunning natural beauty, offering a variety of picturesque spots perfect for a family picnic. Here are a few of the best picnic locations to consider:

1. Clinch Park: Located right in downtown Traverse City, Clinch Park offers a beautiful beach and stunning views of West Grand Traverse Bay. With its immense green areas, the park is ideal for spreading a blanket and enjoying games, food, and relaxation. The vibrant marina and city skyline make for the perfect backdrop for family photos.

2. Hickory Hills: If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, Hickory Hills offers scenic trails, peaceful woodlands, and a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle. Bring a picnic basket, settle under the trees, and enjoy a private family gathering surrounded by nature. It's a fantastic place for nature-loving families who want to connect while enjoying outdoor games or a relaxed afternoon.

3. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Outside Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes offers breathtaking views and large, open spaces perfect for a family picnic. Whether you're near the base of the dunes or on the shores of Lake Michigan, the stunning landscape will add an extra layer of beauty to your family photos. Plus, it’s a great spot for a nature walk, a sandcastle competition, or watching the kids run free along the beach.

4. Traverse City State Park With its combination of forest, beach, and rolling fields, the Traverse City State Park offers a perfect place for both a relaxing picnic and family activities like frisbee, kite flying, or hiking. The mix of outdoor experiences creates a dynamic backdrop for family portraits and candid moments.

5. Bowers Harbor Park For families who enjoy a quieter, more intimate picnic, Bowers Harbor Park offers a lovely lakeside setting with lush trees and plenty of space for spreading out. Enjoy a peaceful day with your family as you watch the sailboats pass by, all while capturing beautiful memories.

   
   

Planning the Ultimate Family Picnic

To make your picnic extra special, here are some key planning tips:

1. Pack a Variety of Favorite Foods

The heart of any picnic is the food. Pack a mix of easy-to-eat favorites like sandwiches, fresh fruits, cheese, crackers, and salads. Consider making it a potluck-style picnic where each family member brings something special—this way, everyone contributes to the experience. And don’t forget refreshing drinks like lemonade or iced tea, and a sweet treat to end the meal.

2. Bring Fun Picnic Games

Keep the energy high by bringing along games and activities. Think about games that engage everyone—frisbee, badminton, cornhole, or even a simple game of tag or hide-and-seek for the little ones. Games add joy and movement to the day, and they’re perfect for capturing spontaneous moments of laughter and fun.

3. Create a Cozy Picnic Setup

Set the scene with a cozy picnic blanket, pillows, and maybe even a tent or pop-up canopy for some shade. A well-designed setup will make your family feel at ease and give the photographer more opportunities to document your day from beautiful angles. You can also bring along a picnic basket, candles, or a rustic wooden tray to elevate the experience.

4. Include Special Touches

Bring something unique to the picnic that holds personal meaning, like a favorite family book to read aloud, an old family recipe, or a craft project for the kids. Personal touches like these add a lot of heart to the photos and show what makes your family special. Even something as simple as a hand-written note or an heirloom piece of jewelry can tell a story when captured in a photo.

5. Bring Comfortable Clothing

When it comes to family photos, what you wear matters. Choose outfits that complement each other without being too “matchy.” Soft, natural colors like earth tones or pastels work well for a picnic, and they won't clash with the natural surroundings. Also, make sure everyone is comfortable—picnics are about relaxation and enjoying each other’s company, so comfort is key!

Why You Should Have a Photographer Document Your Family Picnic

Family picnics are filled with joyful moments: the kids running around, the laughter of family members, and the beauty of being together in nature. Hiring a photographer to capture these moments provides more than just photos—it’s about preserving the essence of the day.

Here are just a few reasons why a professional family photographer is a great idea:

1. Documenting Candid Moments

Professional photographers have an eye for capturing natural, unscripted moments that truly reflect your family’s personality. From candid smiles to children playing in the grass, a photographer can capture those fleeting moments you might otherwise miss.

2. Creating Timeless Family Keepsakes

Photos from your family picnic will become timeless keepsakes. Years from now, you’ll be able to look back on these images and relive the joy and togetherness of the day. These photos also make wonderful gifts for grandparents and other family members.

3. Stress-Free Memories

While you focus on enjoying the moment with your family, a photographer takes care of documenting everything. You don’t have to worry about finding the best angle or managing your camera. Instead, you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the experience, knowing that everything is being captured for you.

4. Highlighting the Beauty of Traverse City

Traverse City offers some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Michigan, and having a photographer capture your family in these settings can turn your photos into works of art. Whether it’s a sunset over Lake Michigan or the lush greenery of a park, the photographer can frame your family perfectly in these gorgeous surroundings.

Tips for Family Picnic Photos

1. Embrace Natural Light The best time for picnic photos is usually in the late afternoon when the light is soft and golden. This “golden hour” lighting makes everyone look their best and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere in the photos.

2. Capture the Details Don’t forget about the details—your family’s hands, a shared toast with lemonade, the food spread, and the small moments that tell the bigger story. These images help add depth and character to the overall story.

3. Focus on Connection The beauty of family photos is the connection between people. Whether it’s a shared laugh, a hug, or simply sitting together enjoying the view, focus on moments of togetherness. These emotional connections are what make your photos meaningful and timeless.

4. Incorporate Movement Don’t be afraid to let your family move! Whether it’s kids running around, people playing games, or everyone walking together, movement brings life to photos and tells a more dynamic story.

   
   

Final Thoughts

Planning the ultimate family picnic in Traverse City and having a photographer document the day is an investment in memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s the fun, the food, or the beautiful Traverse City landscapes, every moment will be captured with care and creativity. When the day ends, you’ll have photos and a lovely story of family, love, and the joy of spending time together. So plan that perfect picnic, make memories, and let a photographer preserve the magic for you!

About Kelseycharmayne Photography

Kelseycharmayne Photography is a Michigan-based photography business led by Kelsey, a skilled and passionate photographer born and raised in Michigan. Specializing in family, couple, and lifestyle photography, Kelsey aims to capture authentic moments in nature, emphasizing the natural beauty and emotions that make each story unique. Whether it’s a sunset session on the shores of Lake Michigan or a family gathering in your own backyard, Kelsey brings a personal touch to every session, ensuring that every moment is documented in the most beautiful way possible.

Kelsey’s love for Michigan and its landscapes is reflected in her work, especially when capturing the magic of the Michigan beaches during sunset. She prides herself on making every session a comfortable, fun, and memorable experience, leaving you with images that truly represent who you are.