Miami Picnic Planner

1656 Alton Rd, Miami, FL 33139 (map)

What Zabar's is to New York, this gourmet market is to South Florida. The catering menu offers platters that would satisfy any large group of picnicking foodies. Whether you're in the mood for crab tarts or grilled shrimp skewers with mushroom caps, this South Beach institution delivers authentic local eats.

4016 SW 57TH Ave, Miami, FL 33155 (map)

Load up on Spaniard staples like Serrano ham, Manchego cheese and choice chorizo. The Spanish "tortilla" is the house specialty, basically a thick omelet loaded with potato chunks and pieces of chorizo. Have it cut it up into bite-sized squares to make your outing easier.

7621 SW 87th Ave, Miami, FL 33173 (map)

Salmon or squash, mangoes or meats, this South Miami produce market has it all delivered fresh daily. If you're missing that cookout flavor, stuff your basket with pre-made goodies like barbecue brisket sandwiches and tasty sides such as baked beans and macaroni with cheese that can be bought by the pound.

901 Flamingo Rd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026 (map)

Broward's best park has nearly 300 acres of family fun, including a lagoon and white-sand beaches. The flagship Paradise Cover water park is open seasonally, typically on warm weekends and all summer long, so bring a swimsuit when it's in season. Boats can also be rented to paddle through the 80 acres of lakes.

9610 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156 (map)

Take a dip in the atoll lagoon or walk through one of the many nature trails as you work up an appetite. Then it's just a matter of finding a shady spot--and there are plenty of those--to lay out your spread and dig in. Several movies like "There's Something About Mary" and "Random Hearts" filmed here, so you can be the next big star to check it out.

1120 Andalusia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134 (map)

Before you dig into that basket full of picnic eats, counter those calories with plenty of cardio. Play around or just play hard at this wonderful Coral Gables park, where a dozen tennis courts make you work for those French macaroons waiting for you at the end of your match. The adjacent children's playground area offers several shady tables when it's time to eat.

7900 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155 (map)

Rent a canopy-covered family cycle and pedal your way to the perfect, shady lunch spot. You'll have plenty of choices, with several shelters positioned around playgrounds and lakes at the bottom of hilly terrain. Most park goers come in through the main entrance on Bird Road, but you'll find it easier to find a vacant spot if you come in through the back on Miller Drive.

101 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130 (map)

Explore South Florida and Caribbean prehistory at this comprehensive museum in Downtown Miami. The rainy day upside here is that you can take Metrorail to get to the majestic building. Just get off at the Government Center exit and the museum is just across the street.

980 MacArthur Cswy, Miami, FL 33132 (map)

You don't need to be a toddler to enjoy the 56,500 square feet of kid-friendly fun at this waterfront attraction. Adults have as much fun as their kids as they explore hands-on exhibits detailing career-oriented pursuits like loading cargo on a ship, scanning groceries or sliding down a fire station pole. You can bring your lunch, but if you don't want to make your own sandwich there is a Subway by the entrance.

5780 Sunset Dr, South Miami, FL 33143 (map)

Leave your umbrella in the car. This trip begins with an enclosed parking garage and covered walkways through three floors of mall-based diversions. Between the 24-screen AMC multiplex, the 14-lane Splitsville bowling alley and the dual-level GameWorks arcade, you'll have plenty to do between bites and window shopping.