12 practical products to extend and enhance your next park hang

Heading to a park for the afternoon is a summertime staple. Snacks are a must, sunscreen, a blanket or two, and perhaps a book and some games. But if you're planning to plant yourself there for extra hours, whether alone or with family or friends (or your pup!) — and depending on COVID-19 restrictions — these items can help enhance the experience and extend your stay. Below you'll find a selection of very portable things to make your picnicking, lounging and playing in the park a little more enjoyable this summer.

While an old blanket will certainly do the job, this padded lounger may make extended stays at the park a little comfier. It's foldable, easy to transport, and can be configured as a full-body mat, a cushioned seat, or as a lounger with headrest.

OUI Foldable Beach Lounger, $44.50, Indigo

This little tent may make time (and maybe even naptime) in the park with kids a little easier this season. It's anti-UV coated, has mosquito netting, and is ventilated to keep things breezy. It's also super portable; it weighs one and a half pounds, sets up in three seconds thanks to its pop-up design, and comes with a bag for carrying.

Babymoov Anti-UV Baby Tent, $59.99, West Coast Kids 

If your park has minimal spots to secure some shade, beach umbrellas and golf umbrellas are a great bet. But, if you want to invest in something a little bigger, these sun shades from Society6 are big enough to fit more than one person or pet (roughly five feet by five and half feet when assembled), are easy to transport with their carrying bag and carrying strap, and the setup looks like it would be easy to keep them standing for hours on end. Unlike a tent, the sides are open, allowing you to keep things breezy while avoiding the sun's rays. They're also available in lots and lots of pretty patterns.

Sun Shade, $168.55, Society6

If you're planning to picnic, a cooler is a must. This one is on wheels, meaning you can really load it up without having to worry about weight, even if you're walking to your destination. And while there are lots of roller coolers out there, this one comes with a place setting for four (complete with tiny salt and pepper shakers!).

Outbound Wheeled Picnic Cooler, $79.99, Canadian Tire 

We love the very affordable insulated cooler bags at the dollar store or local grocery store. Or, you could even DIY your own. We also really like this insulated backpack that holds beverages, snacks, or a small meal for the day ahead. It can be carried like a tote if you wish, or like a traditional backpack when you want to free up your hands, especially if you're bicycling. Plus it's small enough to take when you're exploring the city without feeling too cumbersome.

OUI Canvas Wine Cooler Backpack Tote, $34.50, Indigo 

While a tiny table might seem superfluous for an afternoon in the park, I have recently used one of these and it was actually a game changer. For one, your meal, or iced coffee won't topple over in the grass. It's also a really great surface for playing board games or card games in the sun. It's low to the ground and made for sitting on the grass so you won't need to bring chairs and it can seat four adults around it. It's also easy to assemble and carry even if you're walking to your park hang.

Table in a Bag, $99.95, Crate&Barrel

Depending on permits and local bylaws, BBQ-ing in the park may be an option. And this portable propane tabletop option seems ideal for grilling on the go. It is compact, but can still grill up to 14 burgers, weighs under 20 pounds, and it's priced at under $100.

NEXGrill 1-Burner Portable Propane Table Top BBQ, $78.98, Home Depot

Charcoal grilling in the park may also be an option for an al fresco dinner! And while there are lots of charcoal options out there at various price points, this one from Berghoff looks so compact and so easy to carry. It also says that its adjustable airflow allows you to set it up in no time, which sounds pretty promising for when the burger cravings hit.

Berghoff Tabletop Charcoal BBQ, $299.99, Loblaws 

Something about Royal Chinet really screams summertime picnic. But there are lots of outdoor dinnerware sets available at so many price points that can be reused year after year that you'll always have on hand when it's time for a picnic. If you're looking to invest in one, this set from Ekobo is really pretty and it's made of responsibly-sourced, food-grade bamboo fibre. It's a 12-piece set for four, including side plates, dinner plates, cups and a tray — and it's dishwasher safe.

Bamboo Lunch Set and Tray, $100, Goodee World

We did not forget about the pups! Not only does this bottle come with a bowl conveniently attached (the less stuff to remember to pack, the better!), but the bottle is also insulated. This means their water doesn't need to take up cooler space, but it will still stay refreshingly cool. 

Asobu Dog Bowl, $37.53, Amazon 

This small, very portable LED lantern is solar powered and therefore does not require you to remember batteries! It's great for extending park hangs past dusk, and at this price, picking up a couple seems super doable. 

SOLVINDEN LED Solar Powered Table Lamp, $12.99, Ikea

If you find yourself spending time in a particularly buggy park in the evenings, this lantern may come in handy. Instead of an open flame from a citronella candle, this battery-powered lantern helps keep mosquitoes away without using DEET or scent. The lantern and the repellent work independently, so you can use whichever function you're in need of.

Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repellent Lantern, $44.99, Canadian Tire