Just so you know, I participated in Schlitterbahn’s Mom’s Ice Chest Challenge to facilitate this post. We’re planning a picnic and packing a #BahnCooler. As always, all opinions and ideas are entirely my own.
So, hey! We’re going to Schitterbahn! You know what’s cool about that? Well, other than the awesome water rides of course? Schlitterbahn loves families and the proof is in the cooler. Families can save by bringing their own coolers to the park. In fact, it’s encouraged. Combine that with free parking, and it’s the perfect family day of fun!
Bringing in a cooler does more than save money for your family. It lets you take care of those fussy eaters (so yea, Bubby will be eating P,B, & J) so you can stay all day. Packing a cooler with our kids’ favorite foods and drinks means more time enjoying rides and less time in food lines. Plus hello? Money savings!
The thing about Schlitterbahn is, the ticket price is the end of it. No nickel and dime charges. Pay for the tickets, then bring your cooler full of food and drink (no alcohol please and thank you), and parking is free. There’s a huge variety of rides, some wild, some mild (something for everyone), and there’s plenty of room for you to set up your own picnic.
We’re stoked about going and since it’s been super rainy, yucktastic, and stormy here on the island, we decided to pick out our picnic food ahead of time and practice inside (hey, mom’s trying to entertain the kids here). We had a picnic in the living room and the kids are even more excited for Schlitterbahn Galveston than they were before.
If you’re going to Schlitterbahn for a picnic, or anywhere for a picnic for that matter, you need to be prepared. Ready for some tips and tricks? Keep it simple! Sandwiches are the best picnic food. Trust me. Everyone loves a great sandwich, right? Well my family does and it’s the simplest picnic food on the planet. Plus, you can make it even easier by having the right essentials.
I found this awesome picnic basket at Target. It’s a basket and a cooler, all rolled into one. This gem makes the picnic complete with the whole picnic atmosphere and it keeps your food on ice until you’re ready to eat. Some fruit (pack those in mason jars the night before), some sandwich meat, some sub rolls, cute bowls for serving, with some matching plates and utensils and you’re ready for anything.
This cute utensil caddy, plus some sturdy cupcake cups, make for the perfect presentation without a lot of fuss and worry. The fact that they are portable and disposable is just an added bonus.
Throw in some fun drinks, and the most awesome Jimmy John’s knock off avocado sandwich spread, and you WIN! And it’s all so easy. Want to be a hero at your picnic? This is how to roll. Seriously, check out the spread recipe below (and ditch the mayo because…well, gross).
Whatever you like on your sandwich, sandwiches are definitely the way to go for picnics. We went with ham, turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and the most amazing spread you’ll ever put in your mouth. If you’re headed to Schlitterban, or anywhere else where a picnic is in order, I encourage you to try this spread, and to use these simple tips for a successful picnic. Nothing really says family time like Schlitterbahn and a picnic.
Jimmy John’s Knock Off Avocado Spread
What you’ll need…
- 1/2 jalapeno
- 1/2 small onion
- 1 roma tomato
- 2 medium sized avocados
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp garlic
- 1/2 tspn dry mustard
What you’ll do…
- Blend pepper, onion, garlic, tomato, and dry mustard in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Smash avocado and lime in a bowl with a fork.
- Hand mix avocado mixture with above blended ingredients.
- Spread on your sandwich.
- Enjoy your picnic!
I hope you enjoy MANY family picnics this summer and I encourage you to be prepared. If you live in the area of a Schlitterbahn…GO. It’s like the best family fun anywhere. You can save a LOT of money because they actually encourage you to bring your own cooler and lunch. If you have better ideas than mine for the perfect picnic foods, I’d love to hear them in the comments below.
So tell me, who’s going to Schitterbahn? If you don’t live by one, who’s going on a picnic? Picnics are super fun in the summer y’all. If you aren’t going, you’re missing out!
About Christy
That basket is awesome! I’ll definitely try your Avocado spread too – YUM!
Mel Outnumbered recently posted…The Cloud Pets Teddy Keeps Your Kids Conencted With Loved Ones From Anywhere
That Avocado Spread sounds amazing actually. I love avocados, so I need to try this.
That is the perfect lunch for the waterpark, loving the cute basket/cooler I need one of those for the lake!
April Decheine recently posted…How To Make Raw Sauerkraut
I Love Jimmy John’s Avocado Spread! Thanks for the recipe. And your picnic basket is awesome!
Christine Luken recently posted…Meal Planning Monday ~ 4th of July
What a perfect picnic basket; I love that it’s also a cooler–brilliant!
I didn’t know Schlitterbahns let you bring coolers into the park; that’s a rarity with parks of any kind! That sure can cut down on the expense of visiting these kinds of places.
Amber @ Apples to Applique recently posted…Two-Minute Tuesday #10: DIY Western Party Invitations
I love Schlitterbahn! I can’t wait to try that sandwich spread!
Lori recently posted…EXTRA EXTRA: Avocado Lovers Rush to Denny’s for New Menu Items #DennysDiners
That looks like a great picnic.I do not eat that much avocado but it does sound good.
Kay Adeola recently posted…Music Monday.
The avocado spread recipe looks so yummy! I really need to get the kids out for a picnic soon!
Carly from The Puzzled Palate recently posted…Find Joy in the Journey with Origami Owl
Looks yummy! Much better than the picnic lunches I usually make (smashed peanut butter and jelly).
That looks delicious. I love avocados on my sandwiches!
Oh my goodness, I love that basket! & that sandwich looks divine! And then there’s the recipe & the waterpark?! Can I come too? Puh-leeeeeeeeease
I cannot even tell you the last time i was on a picnic.. The spread looks good, my wife loves avocado..
YUM! I love avocado. Thanks for sharing this recipe. That picnic basket is super adorable.
Krystal recently posted…$100 Amazon Giveaway
Schlitterbahn!!! I saw this on Travel channel and have been dying to go! And you can pack a lunch (save $$)… just makes me want to visit even more!
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Mrs. Mashed Up recently posted…Blogger Networking via “Tuesday Tea”… with me
Yum, the sandwich looks amazing & that picnic basket is so handy!
What a great basket. I love it and the idea to put a cooler inside it is genius.
Heather M recently posted…Let’s Grill: A Giveaway & Recipe for Grilled Fruit Salad
Yum! I love alvcado and picnics. Your pictures you took are wonderful it makes me want to go on a picnic right now. =)
This looks like such a blast! One of my goals for this summer is to have a picnic sometime. Enjoy!
Samantha Angell recently posted…15 Great Summer Date Ideas
I love that picnic basket! It is so cute and perfect.
Your avocado spread sounds amazing, too.
Tracie recently posted…Girl Meets World – Episode One Review and Recap
This basket is so cute and organized! I love that it has a cooler. So fun.
Crystal @ Simply Playful Fare recently posted…Summer Krab Salad
Ok, I love that cooler/basket. I love picnics with my kids, so I now know what my next excuse to roam Target will be. Thanks.
Rach @ EazyPeazyMealz recently posted…Green Curry
What an awesome picnic basket. You are so right, you can save so much money with a picnic, and it’s so fun!!! Great food!
My husband has been wanting to go on a picnic – for years. I love your basket! The sandwiches sound amazing too.
Jaime recently posted…Virtual 10k: Shrinking Jeans Chasing Sun #runATL
I love that basket! Jimmy John’s is my favorite for sub buns, they have the best bread!
What a great picnic! We love to go on picnics after kayaking at the lake.
Your picnic basket looks so great! This recipe also seems like something I would use to make an amazing lunch.
Miriam Schulman ( SchulmanArt) recently posted…Patriotic Pride
I’d love to go, sounds like such a fun place especially with your cooler of goodies!
Nancy Wolff recently posted…5 Simple Fixes for a Fantastic Summer
Okay, this post made me hungry! AND want to go on a picnic!!
Closet of Free Samples recently posted…Benefits of Raw Cacao Powder ~ Review
Jalepeno, avocado, and lime juice. I am IN! And BTW, I’m loving your picnic basket!
Those sandwiches look so yummy! A picnic sounds like a great idea!
Jennifer B recently posted…5 Ideas to Bring a Touch of Warmth to Your Home
Okay, those sandwiches look delicious! I would love to visit Schitterbahn with the family sometime!
Melissa recently posted…Make Everyday Special with Mott’s Fruit Punch Rush Popsicles! #MottsEveryday
I love that picnic basket! And that spread sounds amazing!! We usually have turkey wraps for lunch and I think this spread will make quite a nice addition to those. Thank you for sharing
Sydney @ Tastefullyfrugal recently posted…Cherry Lemon Berry Slush… A Festive 4th of July Treat
Heheh, I have picnic plans today and I was really wondering how to set up the picnic basket. Thanks for your cool article!
Glossytweets (@glossytweetss) recently posted…Review Julep Nail Polishes
This all looks amazing!
LOVE that picnic basket!!
That picnic basket is too cool! I love that Schlitterbahn allows you to bring your own cooler. That would save so much money.
Wow that sandwich looks amazing! I need to try it.
First of all I love your cooler picnic basket! Super cute. I think it’s awesome they let you bring your own picnic into the park. Most places want you to buy their food.
Kira T recently posted…Black Matcha Tea review + Giveaway
I want a bit of that! Looks great and I love avocado.
Debbie Denny recently posted…Risky Drinking Will Put a Chill on Your Summer Fun!
We love picnics! We also love hoagies. Will have to try your recipe.
Felicia recently posted…Simple Banana Vanilla Yogurt Popsicle Recipe #iDelight
I love that picnic basket! And I’m a sucker lately for avocado!
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama recently posted…Atlanta’s newest BBQ joint doesn’t disappoint… Smokebelly BBQ is great!
I have heard about this water park before and really, really, really want to take my family one day. Looks like you guys will be packing a great lunch to refuel after riding all the slides!
Amanda H. recently posted…Get Started on a SIMPLE Service Project with Champions for Kids #SummerOfGiving
That sandwich looks yummy! Perfect for a picnic! I’m going to make it this weekend!
Amanda recently posted…Comment on Pressure at the Pediatrician’s Office by Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama
Looks delightful! It has been so long since I went for a picnic. Thanks for giving me to motivation to take one soon.
Jessica (Savory Experiments) recently posted…Red, White and Blue JELL-O Cups
The picnic basket looks great. I have been meaning to pack a picnic for the kids and I to enjoy at one of the nearby parks. Thanks for the inspiration.
Laura recently posted…Teaching color with a felt color matching lollipop game #DIY
What an amazing looking picnic basket. That avocado spread looks really good.
Michelle F. recently posted…23 Weeks Down!
I love that picnic basket!!! Its insulated and looks like a classic picnic basket! So very cool!!
Heather Jones recently posted…Our Landscaping Project Almost Finished!
Avocado seems to be an “in” thing lately and it appears to be quite versatile but the taste… it’s like green peanut butter. I don’t like it but my wife does so I’ll share this with her.
FamiGami recently posted…Transformers: Age of Extinction Review
Sounds like a great place to visit and yummy food to eat during a break!
Thanks for the recipe, looks yummy! Your family was in for a nice treat with your picnic!
That picnic basket is too cute! And yum to the avocado spread!
I want to come on a picnic with you.
Lisa recently posted…Stay Cool This Summer With These Ice Cream Treats
Mmmm, love this knock-off spread you made. That park sounds great too since you can bring your own lunch in and save money!
Liz Mays recently posted…Guilty Pleasures: My Top 5 Summer Reads
Awesome basket. I have never been to Schlitterbahn but would love to go
Veronica recently posted…Design Ideas For A Woodland Chic Sleeping Porch
Ya know what’s funny is I was going to say how that reminded me of a water park my relatives took me to when we visited them in 2010 in Texas and low and behold…TEXAS! I love it!
Sharon recently posted…Your Daddy Got Me Drunk. Again…
I have yet to visit Texas but at least I know what park to look for if I’m ever out that way! Packing your own picnic is a great idea, too bad more parks don’t adopt that idea! I love Avocado on pretty much everything!
Your lunch looks really good! And I absolutely love that basket! I never seen one with a cooler in it before.
Hilary @ The RNY Life recently posted…BE July Writing Challenge: Day 2- Personality Traits
My husband eats avocado every day. I bet he would love this spread! Thanks for the recipe!
Theresa recently posted…Wordless Wednesday~ Shoe Thief
Mayo on a warm day is not always a good idea! Will need to give this spread recipe a try!
Marielle Altenor recently posted…Summer Statement Necklace Review & Giveaway.
What a good idea. The hubs and I haven’t been on a picnic since before the boys were born.
LaTonya (Detroit Mom) recently posted…Trains & Fire Trucks DVD Giveaway U.S. Ends 7/24
Sounds lovely.. also the avocado spread.. not a fan of avocados as a fruit though, might try for the sandwich.. thanks
The avocado spread sounds amazing, my son eats avocados on everything and need to try the recipe.
The avocado spread looks yummy!!! I want to try something like that soon!
I have never had a picnic basket and I have been thinking of getting one. I love this one. Thanks for sharing.
Wow! that looks so delicious like you can reach in the computer monitor and grab the sandwich and take a bite..Yum and those beautiful strawberries look so good..Now I’m hungry and nothing I have can compare to that sandwich which I so want a bite of right now..Awesome pictures. I wish when I took pictures that they came out so nice and clear and beautiful and Wow!!! that is quite a beautiful looking picnic. Us we go to the park throw the tablecloth on bring the ugly cooler nothing like yours. It looks like something set up for prince charming. Loved your plastic ware and napkin container, it’s gorgeous.
*Minta Boggs recently posted…P&G everyday!
i was there years ago for a tour but I’d love to go back. that sandwich looks great
Melinda recently posted…2014 Kia Soul #DriveSTI
what a beautiful basket – love it. Never been to that water park. It sounds like fun!
I LOVE going on picnics. You are right you should always be prepared!
Becka recently posted…Welcome to the 23rd week of #wakeupwednesdaylinky
Oh my gosh that is the most awesome picnic basket EVER! I REALLY could use one of those! The Avocado spread looks amazing, can’t wait to make it for myself!
Mmm, that sandwich looks so good! Great lunch on the go!
Brett Martin recently posted…Glazed Pumpkin Bread Recipe #PumpkinCan
We love picnics and I actually have been in search of a new basket set! Your picnic came out lovely!
Christie recently posted…Save Big This Summer on Your Family Healthy Essentials #Moms4JNJConsumer
oh. my. Gosh! Thank you sooo much for this recipe! I loooove jimmy johns!!
Emilee recently posted….phone layout [july 2014]
That sandwich looks so good. That avocado spread sounds amazing!
Cassie @ Southeast by Midwest recently posted…Glossybox June 2014
Perfect lunch! I’ve never tried avocado before but I know so many love it!!
Definitely going to try making this spread. I am a huge avocado fan.
Tracey recently posted…Humpday Confessions: That Time I Almost Lost my Blog Forever
We don’t liv near a Schlitterbahn’s but will be going on picnics for sure! That sandwich looks delish by the way!
I love avocados, so I think this spread would be delicious! I’ll have to try it soon.
I love avocados but never thought of trying an avocado spread. Thanks for sharing this great recipe!
I need that picnic basket in my life! Thanks, I will be stopping by Target. Plus I like that sound of a waterpark that allows you to bring in your own food. Great way to save money!!
Tatanisha recently posted…Target Deal: Angel Soft Bath Tissue only $.16 per Regular Roll!
That avocado spread sounds so yummy! That basket is awesome.
Cam | Bibs and Baubles recently posted…The World Cup Invades… the playground
What a great spread for sandwiches. I am really hoping to get to schiltterbahns one day.
Toni recently posted…Becoming A Disney Voice Over Actor: Voicing Dipper From Planes: Fire and Rescue
That picnic basket is AWESOME! What happened to literally, just a basket? This is like a luxury, insulated one!
Trisha recently posted…My son wears Pink Nail Polish – and you can too!
Do you have any idea how happy this makes my heart, knowing you had a fun shopping trip at Target?
Have a BLAST at Schlitterbahn! Did I spell that correctly? I have no idea. I looooove water parks!
Amy recently posted…No More Lost Keys With XY
Mmmmmmm, looks like one heck of a picnic. That avocado spread is looking pretty tasty.
Tonia recently posted…Mommy Makeover Monday – Keeping the Bikini Line Fine with Schick Quatro
That basket is really great! I absolutely love going on picnics.
I love that picnic basket it is so-ooo cute! I can’t believe you found that at Target, I am going to get one! Thanks for sharing!
That is a fantastic picnic basket! I have basket-envy
Lavende & Lemonade recently posted…Fire & Smoke: A Pitmasters BBQ Secrets
Oh my, i love to eat that sandwich/burger!! It looks really tasty and the picture (y) awesome!!
Kenneth Agudo recently posted…Advantages and Disadvantages of Loom Bands
This sandwich spread sounds amazing! I’ll be trying it for a picnic we have planned next week!
What a delicious spread! I love avocado, it’s so yummy! And the pictures are beautiful, I really want to have a picnic now
Ooooh, that is a pretty picnic basket! I love it and I want one.
R U S S recently posted…HOW TO ADD PINTEREST BUTTONS TO IMAGES ON BLOGGER
the recipe looks amazing and sounds yummy too! very nice to ahve this summer and that picnic bag too
jane recently posted…Tips You Would Adore While Traveling Turkey
Those are great tips! I love using cupcake liners for little snacks! It’s the perfect portion!
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