Central Park Outdoor Blanket & Cooler Bag from Skip Hop

Getting ready for a picnic at a T-ball game on our Central Park blanket by Skip Hop

This time every year we rave about our favorite picnic blanket because, with little kids, we all know how necessary a blanket is. This year is the first year, in the 5+ years I’ve written for Mommies with Style, that I’m changing my mind and telling you about a different blanket. This year, everywhere I go, I take the Central Park Outdoor Blanket & Cooler Bag.

So, what makes it so much better than my blanket of the past? This blanket is firm. The under-side is a firm canvas and the top its a satiny, easily wipeable fabric. The combination of these two qualities is key–it spreads out and lays down flat and keeps it shape, while the inevitable spills are clean-up-able.

The size of the blanket is deceiving from the angle of my picture (I really need a lesson in photography!) It actually measures 5×5, which is more than large enough for my family to eat and run on. And when the boys are running, the Huz and I have found ourselves relaxing with Little on the blanket.

What makes this blanket even better, and makes you think why didn’t anyone do this before?, is that it folds up inside itself and zips shut, into a square that wears as either a messenger, tote or a backpack. Plus, it has a detachble little bag that expands and can be used as a cooler bag. (The bag zips on and off. We keep it on even while we’re using it. You’re not likely to fit much more than a few water bottles inside it, but I use it to store an emergency diaper and a book.

I also love the idea of using it folded up as a seat cushion when you’re sitting at fall sports on the bleachers.

Thanks to Skip Hop for providing a sample for this review.