We went to the LA Zoo yesterday and had a picnic lunch near the kids' playground. It was in the grass under a shady tree. We brought along this 80″ x 60″ picnic blanket ([amazon_link asins='B071D7M3S3′ template='PriceLink' store='boingboing' marketplace='US' link_id='a918b52b-ef0e-4076-a695-abcdb4bd7de8′] on Amazon). It folds up into a small package and comes with a handle for easy carrying. The underside is made of a tough material to resist scratching, and the top is softer and easy to wipe down. It has a thin layer of foam to provide a bit of a cushion. We've used it a bunch of times and it holds up well.
Good deal on a padded picnic blanket
