Don't waste family (or couple!) time in a sad "Leave it to Beaver" attempt to create a gourmet picnic spread. Affordable and way more delish than your smooshed PB&J will ever be, these favorite Santa Clarita's foodie haunts can help you make a quick escape.

Gandolfo's NY Delicatessen

Ditch the "hold the mayo on mine!" instructions and provide a DIY spread for your group instead. We're fans of Gandolfo's NY Delicatessen chilled summer salads like Tomato Cucumber and Fresh Fruit. Pair 'em with fresh (and I mean fresh!) meat, veggie or salad platters and - if you're feeling sweet - NY Cheesecake, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Authentic Gelatos, Fresh Fruit & Yogurt Cups or cookies. Throw a bunch of Dr. Brown's Cream Sodas in the mix for an extra bubbly good time; 28060 Hasley Cyn Rd. in the Hasley Crossroads Center, Ste 110, Castaic 257-8844

Mediterranean Skewers

Why "drive through" when you can feed the whole family real, wholesome, delicious food for only $26.99? Mediterranean Skewers' Royal Family Meal boasts over two pounds of fresh, flavorful, moist meats, including three each of chicken and beef kabobs and luleh skewers, plus plenty of rice, homemade hummus, house salad and pita bread. Double your order for an affordably fabulous party; 28050 Hasley Cyn Rd. in the Hasley Crossroads Center, Ste 108, Castaic 294-6535

Wings, Pizza N Things

Awesome barbecue flavor - without the charcoal - can be yours with a call to Wings, Pizza N Things. Tastebuds will swoon over their famous wings (served with Sunset BBQ sauce) and specialty pizza (The Falcon is topped with grilled chicken, sauteed onions, BBQ sauce and extra cheese). Of course, you can go the more traditional route with a 100-percent Angus Beef burger hot off the grill. The perpetually-bikini-clad will love the Grilled Chicken Salad topped with fat-free balsamic vinaigrette; 28070 Hasley Cyn Rd. in the Hasley Crossroads Center, Ste 106, Castaic 295-1000

Submarina Californian Subs

Don't Settle for "Sub"-par! You've probably discovered that a newly-skinny spokesperson does not a delectable sandwich make. What does make for a fantastic sandwich are fresh-baked breads filled with goodness, not preservatives, and supreme-quality meats sliced when you place your order - which is how they do it at Submarina California Subs. The casual dining spot is known to inspire intense customer cravings that can be satisfied with only 15 minutes notice for a family meal for four; 26517 Carl Boyer Drive, Santa Clarita 259-4782

Where to Go
Placerita Canyon Nature Center
Cool, shaded oak groves provide an idyllic spot in which to dine. Take a quick hike to the Oak of the Golden Dream, the 1920-era Walker Cabin or the Nature Center museum. Just stay on the trails, friends. It's rattlesnake season; www.placerita.org

Concerts in the Park
On Saturdays at 7 through the summer at Central Park, you'll find a variety of musical entertainment that's sure to please both kids and adults. Get there early to snag a prime spot and bring a blanket or chairs if you're grass avert; www.santa-clarita.com/arts/concerts/

William S. Hart Park & Museum
Take your little animals to see bigger, smellier animals. The park is home to a herd of American Bison (buffalo), barnyard critters and fun nature trails; www.hartmuseum.org

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area
Pack your favorite Flintstone(s) into the car (comical faux "foot pedaling" optional) and head towards the dramatic, jagged desert scape that is Vasquez Rocks. There's no water on site, so pack extra and plan for a late morning or early evening trip; www.lacountyparks.org