How to Picnic With Pollen Allergies Posted on June 12, 2026 by Goodyear Office Summer is the perfect time to fill a picnic basket with sparkling water, sandwiches and fresh watermelon. Unfortunately, for approximately 20 million people in the U.S., pollen allergies can get in the way of the perfect picnic.[1] With the high grass pollen count in the summer, an excellent picnic experience depends on your ability to manage your allergy symptoms. Let’s look at a few tips below. Bring a Picnic Blanket This tip might sound obvious, but it’s crucial. Bring a large picnic blanket, preferably waterproof, to keep you off the grass as much as possible. If you don’t own a picnic blanket, choosing an area like Wildflower Park North with picnic tables is a great second option. If your blanket is machine washable, wash it between uses to remove built-up pollen. If you can’t put it in the washing machine, wipe it off with a multi-purpose spray between uses. Wear Pants and Long-Sleeve Shirts In addition to sitting on a blanket or at a table, you can reduce your risk of hives by wearing pants and long-sleeve shirts. Look for a lightweight fabric that won’t cause you to overheat in the hot Arizona sun. Schedule Your Picnic Keep an eye on the pollen count in your area and schedule your picnic when it’s low. Shower When You Get Home Pollen likes to stick to your clothes and hair long after you leave the park. Shower after returning home and throw your clothes in the hamper to reduce your risk of spreading the allergen around your house. Avoid sitting on your furniture before showering. If you bring your dog to the park, wash or brush them to remove any grass they may have accumulated. Take Allergy Medication Allergy medication provides short-term relief for allergy symptoms. Take some medication in the morning or the night before your picnic for the best results. You can also bring an antihistamine cream, nasal spray or eye drops to the park if you’re prone to skin, nose or eye symptoms. Consider Immunotherapy Immunotherapy gradually reduces your sensitivity to specific substances like grass pollen. If your allergy symptoms are severe, call Goodyear Office today to discuss whether immunotherapy is right for you. Do You Have a Real Penicillin Allergy?Is It Okay To Take Antihistamines Before an Allergy Test?What Allergens Can You Expect in Arizona? [1] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Pollen allergy. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/pollen-allergy