With the official arrival of summer in Omaha, more and more students in town for school are looking for a chance to take advantage of the warm weather.

So, how about a picnic?

Omaha has over 250 city-owned parks, each with its own unique personality and special features.

“You can always find a lot to do,” said Brenda Paul, special projects coordinator for the Omaha Parks and Recreation Department. She gives her three recommendations for the best places to have a picnic:

* Zorinsky Park, one of Omaha’s larger regional parks located at about 156th and West Center, offers over 1,000 acres of activities for avid picnickers. Its centerpiece is Lake Zorinsky, a great place for water activities. “You can boat, there are great trails for riding, biking, and walking,” Paul said.

* If you are looking for a downtown setting, Paul suggests Heartland of America Park near 8th and Douglas. It offers not only green spaces but also terrific views of downtown and the Missouri River. Its size, roughly a mile around, makes it ideal for a walk.

* Historic Elmwood Park, located just behind UNO at 60th Street, is a popular choice for picnickers and those looking for a wide variety of activities. “It’s got playgrounds, picnic areas, and lots of green space,” Paul said.

One of the biggest events held at Elmwood Park every year is Nebraska Shakespeare’s annual Shakespeare on the Green, a three-week performance of two William Shakespeare plays that are free and open to the public.

“I think it’s a unique blend,” said Lora Kaup, general manager and director of finance for Nebraska Shakespeare. “We offer every age, every person, every demographic, something.”

Kaup said Shakespeare on the Green is the organization’s largest event of the year, and they try to accommodate those looking to picnic before the show. The park remains open throughout the day so people can arrive whenever to find a good seat for the show and enjoy the day. Some even arrive as early as two to three hours before the show starts at 8 p.m.

Kaup said the “ambience of the park” is what brings people in to see the show. She added that Nebraska Shakespeare is offering more for the audience, including a new Towne Square area offering seating, concessions, and live music.

Tents are also available to rent for large, private parties.

Everyone who attends the show is able to “find a little niche,” Kaup said.

With the spot picked out, it is time to choose what to pack to eat and drink. Martha Nepper, registered dietitian at Hy-Vee Supermarket on 51st and Center, recommends following the food pyramid for a healthy picnic.

“Obviously, fruit and veggies are always great,” Nepper said.

In addition, she offers recipes for a healthy trail mix made up of dried fruit, almonds, pretzels, granola, and dried raisins or cranberries.

For drinks Nepper recommends milk, juice, or bottled water. For dessert, “Look for cookies that are lower in fat and high in fiber,” Nepper said.

For more information on Omaha’s parks, visit http://www.ci.omaha.ne.us.