If the weather is fine, pile the family in the car for a picnic in Santa Barbara. No need to pack a basket, as there are plenty of wonderful places to pick up food for an al fresco feast.

IN THE PARK PARK

Alameda Park’s Kids World is a community-built, 8,000 square-foot playground -- and the favorite of every kid I know. Multileveled and beautifully designed, it is full of hiding places. (I once lost my daughter, then aged 3, for 10 frantic minutes before I found her happily digging in the sand under a fort.) Picnic tables are plentiful as are grassy expanses to lay out a blanket. (1400 Santa Barbara St.)

Across Micheltorena Street, a full block is dedicated to Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens. My family calls it “Alice Keck Park Park,” -- Alice’s last name actually was Park. With winding walkways through gloriously vibrant flower beds and shady trees, it is one of Santa Barbara’s most beautiful spots.

A large gazebo overlooks the pond filled with koi and turtles. There are benches and grassy expanses for picnicking. Watch for Sunday weddings.

Nearby Cantwell’s Market offers delicious options for your picnic; the deli makes the best sandwiches in town. (1533 State St.; 966-3902)

BRING THE DOG(S)

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Dogs jump over hurdles, weave through poles and crawl through tunnels every Sunday morning at MacKenizie Park during Santa Barbara Flyers’ agility training. The dogs have at it to the delight of their human owners and onlookers starting at 7:45 a.m. You and your pup can join a free Flyball class starting at 12:45 p.m. There’s also a fun playground for kids; tables are nearby. (3101 State St.; www.santabarbaraflyers.com)

For your repast, grab an edible dog or two “to go” at Mad Dogs, Santa Barbara’s newest hot-doggery eatery. Don’t miss the marvelously messy chili cheese fries. (505 State St., 963-4233)

PIER PICNIC

Stearns Wharf is one of the most scenic locales anywhere. Sure, there are several restaurants there, but it’s also fun to just sit outside, eat lunch and take in the view. While you are there, take the kids to the crowd-pleasing Ty Warner Sea Center.

Grab takeout from the Wharf’s Santa Barbara Shellfish Company or the fish and chips stand and grab a bench at the Wharf’s end where the fishermen dip their lines. Don’t miss the ice cream shop on your way back to State Street. (www.stearnswharf.org)

TOES IN THE SAND

East Beach Grill is informal and fun, offering Mexican dishes and standard burgers, fries and shakes. Get a burrito “to go” and picnic here, at one of Santa Barbara’s most popular beaches. (1118 E. Cabrillo Blvd.; 965-8805)

Want to eat “sans sand?” You can’t get any closer to the beach than Leadbetter Beach’s Shoreline Caf/ — it has several tables right in the sand. Watch your kids play while you enjoy terrific fish tacos and cold beer with your toes in the sand. But be willing to wait: These tables are popular on nice weekends. (801 Shoreline Drive; 568-0064)

Julia McHugh can be reached at southon101column@yahoo.com.