I think an unexpected color would be fun! Try Google Images for "painted adirondack chair", to get some ideas.

When you google, click on images.
You may have better luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: Google images - painted picnic tables

Tritia- how about making the top to mimic a couple of game boards? This way the boys can play games with each other or there can be a family game.

I would be careful of using too much black paint so it doesn't get too hot on the seats and it doesn't show bird droppings as easy. Maybe a tan and red?

I included a link of a picnic table online- I hope this helps!

Here is a link that might be useful: game picnic table

How about painting it a fresh clean white -- and then add color with seat cushions and mats -- and maybe an umbrella to shade you? Add some plant pots of bright colors along the middle -- fill with culinary herbs for fun, food and color!

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

Ours is refreshened with a redwood stain almost every year. The only picture I could find I have a tablecloth on it. But you can see I like the traditional red. We find ourselves sitting out there all the time in summer.

Here is a link that might be useful: red picnic table

Is it in the sun? If so, you do not want Black - or any dark color for that matter - that will absorb the heat - you will be hot, not to mention get burned. I would think more in the cool colors - you will be happier in July & August.

Thanks everyone!!

I googled the chairs, very helpful!! And tried some more painted picnic table googling. I'm just not finding "that one". Although I LOVE the idea of the game boards, and may give that a shot. I can't help but want to do something with flowers, or polka dots :) 4 little boys around, I kind of what a space that's about ME. Hope that doesn't sound selfish. But, everything is about sports, cowboys, and starwars around here. I'd love to be able to create a space that was less masculine. Even my living room/kitchen I try to keep neutral.

And no, it's not in the sun. It's under my covered patio out my back door. For that reason, I'm hesitant to use it. As I know it would look better out in a yard, under a tree somewhere. But, we live in a newish cookie cutter house. Only tree is about 5 ft tall :) I just couldn't pass it up when it was given to us. And last summer we tried to sit out there on the wicker love seat and two chairs for dinner. Not too funy with plates balancing on our laps :)
Although there won't be a LOT of meals out there, due to the heat and bugs by mid summer.

Thanks again!