Now that it's officially summer, it's time to get serious about the great outdoors. And in New York City, that translates to our outdoor parks.

Luckily, there are a ton of these. In fact, brace yourself for this jaw-dropping fact: there are more than 1,700 parks in New York City. (It's true! We totally Wikapedia'd it-- and we all know how legit that is.)

Once you choose from one of the 1,700 parks, it's time to plan a picnic in it.

These are great for a number of reasons, the most significant being we can eat and drink in the city and still feel like we're in nature, kinda.

Honestly, what's more New York than when "nature" is bordered by an epic skyline?

Now, when you decide to embark on a day in the park, you really need a game plan. This is no surprise, we're New Yorkers. We have a game plan when we know we're hitting a happy hour afterwork, for Pete's sake.

For a park day, this game plan comes in the form of a list.

There are things you absolutely need for a successful park day, and trust us, you're not going to want to deal with it once you've reserved your beloved spot (you know, the one under the tree that's in the action, but removed enough you have personal space).

So just go in prepared. Don't worry, we made this check list of 11 essentials for you. And yes, you're welcome.

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1. Solo cups

Ahh, solo cups. A standard for beer pong, keg parties... and a refreshing drink on the go. Who would have thought a red, plastic liquid holder would become so synonymous with fun?

For park purposes, these are necessary for all beverages, especially the ones originally housed in glass (a big park no-no).

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 2. Easy to conceal alcohol

You need something to pour IN the solo cups, right? Still, even transporting the contraband (read: booze) into the park needs to be somewhat a covert operation.

Technically, it's now allowed-- although, more often than not, as long as you attempt to keep it under wraps, park security will typically "look the other way."

You didn't hear that from us! Well, except you just did.

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3. Portable cooler  

We're not talking about the giant Igloo on wheels your dad has. Not saying that one isn't awesome (because it is), it's just not conducive for your inevitable commute to the park.

You need one you can easily stuff, secure, and throw over your shoulder for the train ride ascent (or descent) to your grassy knoll of choice.

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4. Waterproof blanket 

Need we remind you these are still New York City parks. A sheet won't do to protect you from the underbelly of infest that lives within these blades of grass.

You need something thick, waterproof, and ideally wraps up nicely so it's easily transportable.

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5. Games

What kind of park gamer you are says a lot about you as a person.

For instance, the laid back group may opt for a frisbee and a smile, while the real competitive, more dedicated picnic-ers could go as far to tote along an elaborate, portable badminton set that also doubles as a volleyball court.

Somewhere in between that are the board games (Cards Against Humanity always packs up nicely!).

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6. Sunscreen 

We're about to drop some Mom wisdom on you right now: just because you're not at a beach doesn't mean you're not in the sun.

No matter how much fun you have on the picnic day-- whether it's the best day of your life, you fall in love, or ride a unicorn home-- we promise you, all this fun will be erased when you wake up with a scorching sunburn.

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7. Shades 

A day in New York without shades, is like a day without sunshine.

See what we did there?

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8. Dips, chips... and probably more dips

Some snacks transport better than others, but a park day really isn't complete with something you can dip.

Cheese dip, guacamole, salsa... onion dip!

The list goes on. As do a plethora of snacking options and actual snacking that will ensue during a park day. (Oh, and also, cookies.)

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9. Water

Repeat after us: beer won't hydrate you. Not even the really watery Coors Light you're likely downing all day.

Do yourself a favor and just keep bottles of water on standby.

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10. Trash bags 

This could honestly be the most important thing on this list.

Minus the booze. Obviously.

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11. A solid group

Let's take it back, 90s yearbook style, for a second with this Dave Matthews Band quote, "Turns out not where but who you're with that really matters."

And ain't that the truth!

Check out 6 Perfect NYC Parks for a Picnic This Spring (Not Named Central Park)