16 Picnic Spots with Space for Kids and Views for Adults
Finding the perfect picnic spot that caters to both kids and adults can be a real treat. Whether you’re looking for wide-open spaces where children can run around or scenic views that offer a moment of calm for adults, there are plenty of spots that offer the best of both worlds. From lush parks in the heart of bustling cities to peaceful spots tucked away in nature, these locations are designed to bring everyone together. Kids can enjoy playing, exploring, or even engaging in fun outdoor activities, while adults can relax and enjoy the beauty around them. It’s all about creating a balanced day out where the whole family can enjoy the surroundings and each other’s company. A perfect picnic spot can make any day special, offering both fun and relaxation in one beautiful package.
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Central Park, New York City
Central Park is an iconic location that caters to both children and adults, offering a sprawling green oasis in the middle of Manhattan. Families can enjoy picnicking on the Great Lawn or in one of the many shaded areas, while kids can engage in a variety of activities, from playgrounds to bike riding. For adults, the park offers stunning views of the city skyline and peaceful paths to stroll.
The Bethesda Terrace and Fountain provide a picturesque spot to relax while watching the boats glide by on the lake. Whether you’re relaxing on a blanket or exploring the park’s many attractions, there is something for everyone. Adults can enjoy a quiet moment at the conservatory garden, which provides an ideal spot for reflection amidst vibrant flowers. Central Park is the perfect place to have a picnic and enjoy nature within the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest cities in the world.
Stanley Park, Vancouver
Stanley Park is a favorite spot for both families and those seeking spectacular views. This park is a vast green space offering picnic areas surrounded by tall trees and expansive lawns. Kids can play in the park’s popular playgrounds or visit the Vancouver Aquarium, which is located within the park. For adults, Stanley Park’s Seawall offers stunning views of the water, mountains, and city skyline.
The park’s Lost Lagoon is another beautiful spot, perfect for a peaceful walk or a lakeside picnic. It’s also home to the famous Totem Poles, which offer a great cultural experience. With so much space and a variety of scenic views, Stanley Park is the perfect spot to unwind with your family and take in the beauty of nature.
Hyde Park, London
Hyde Park in London is another prime location for a family picnic. The park’s expansive size means there is plenty of room for kids to run around and play. Families can enjoy lunch near the Serpentine, a large lake where children often feed the ducks. Adults, on the other hand, can appreciate the beauty of the gardens and the iconic Speaker’s Corner, a famous site for free speech.
The park also offers easy access to the Kensington Gardens, where you can explore the Italian Gardens or visit the Kensington Palace. There are many spots perfect for a quiet picnic or a lively family outing. Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most beloved green spaces, offering a serene escape while still being close to the city’s cultural heart.
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Golden Gate Park is an expansive park in San Francisco that offers a wealth of experiences for both kids and adults. Families can enjoy a picnic in one of the many designated areas, while children can have fun at the Koret Children’s Quarter, which includes play structures and a carousel. Adults can relax by the peaceful Stow Lake or take in the views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the park’s various vantage points.
The California Academy of Sciences, located within the park, is another great stop, providing educational fun for kids. Additionally, the park’s lush gardens and scenic paths offer plenty of opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Golden Gate Park combines nature with culture, making it a perfect picnic spot for families looking to enjoy a full day of activities.
Balboa Park, San Diego
Balboa Park is another fantastic spot in San Diego that offers the best of both worlds for kids and adults. The park features multiple playgrounds for children and a variety of picnic areas surrounded by lush gardens. Kids can explore the many museums or enjoy a train ride at the Balboa Park Miniature Railway.
Adults can take in the beauty of the park’s Spanish-style architecture or visit the botanical gardens, which are a serene retreat from the hustle of the city. The park also offers walking trails that lead to some of the most beautiful viewpoints in San Diego. With its blend of cultural institutions and natural beauty, Balboa Park is an ideal picnic destination for families looking for both adventure and relaxation.
Jardin des Tuileries, Paris
Located between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries is a beautiful park in Paris that offers a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the city. Kids can enjoy the large central playground, while adults can relax by the fountains or walk along the tree-lined pathways. The park offers fantastic views of the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, making it a great place for a family picnic with a backdrop of Parisian landmarks.
The Tuileries also has beautiful sculptures and manicured gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll after a meal. The calm atmosphere of the park makes it an ideal spot to unwind. Whether you are with family or friends, the Jardin des Tuileries is a spot that blends cultural beauty with green spaces, ideal for a day out in Paris.
Kew Gardens, London
Kew Gardens is a must-visit botanical garden in London that offers a serene and beautiful setting for a family picnic. The gardens feature expansive lawns where kids can run freely while enjoying the natural surroundings. Adults can take in the beauty of the exotic plants housed in the glasshouses or explore the treetop walk, which offers incredible views of the gardens from above.
The Palm House and Waterlily House are two highlights that offer unique experiences for visitors. Kids can also enjoy the garden’s family-friendly trails and educational exhibits. Kew Gardens is the perfect place to enjoy nature, with plenty of space for both energetic play and peaceful relaxation. It’s a spot where families can connect with nature while being close to the heart of London.
Mount Royal Park, Montreal
Mount Royal Park is a central hub for outdoor activities in Montreal, offering ample space for picnics and relaxation. Families can gather at one of the many scenic picnic areas while kids explore the park’s playgrounds or go ice skating in the winter. The park’s most famous spot, the Kondiaronk Belvedere, offers stunning views of Montreal’s skyline and the St. Lawrence River, making it a perfect spot for adults to enjoy the city’s beauty.
Mount Royal also features walking trails, which are ideal for a peaceful hike or a leisurely stroll. Whether it is for a winter outing or a summer picnic, Mount Royal is a versatile and family-friendly park in the heart of Montreal.
Parc de la Villette, Paris
Parc de la Villette is one of Paris’s most modern and expansive parks, offering a blend of nature, art, and play. This park features large open spaces where families can enjoy a relaxed picnic, and there are several themed gardens to explore. Kids can enjoy the playgrounds or visit the Cité des Sciences, a science museum that offers interactive exhibits.
Adults can appreciate the park’s contemporary architecture, including the striking “Folies” pavilions, or visit the open-air concert hall. The park’s canals and green lawns provide a perfect setting for a peaceful picnic while still being in the heart of the city. Parc de la Villette offers a dynamic and creative atmosphere where both children and adults can enjoy a variety of activities.
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Prospect Park in Brooklyn is a sprawling urban park with an abundance of space for families to enjoy. The park offers designated picnic areas where families can set up and relax while kids explore the playgrounds, go on a nature walk, or enjoy a ride on the historic carousel. Adults can appreciate the beauty of the park’s many landscapes, including the serene Long Meadow or the picturesque Prospect Park Lake.
The park also offers the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, which is a peaceful place to stroll through gardens filled with beautiful plants and flowers. Whether it’s enjoying the park’s natural beauty or taking part in one of the many activities, Prospect Park offers a perfect balance of relaxation and recreation for the whole family.
Millennium Park, Chicago
Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s most famous public spaces, offering a wide variety of activities and beautiful settings for a family picnic. Kids can explore the interactive Crown Fountain, where water jets shoot up and cool off little ones on a hot day. For adults, the park’s iconic Cloud Gate (also known as “The Bean”) provides a great photo opportunity with views of the Chicago skyline in the background.
The Lurie Garden offers a peaceful retreat, perfect for a quiet picnic while enjoying the beauty of native plants and flowers. The park also hosts live performances at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, adding an extra layer of culture and entertainment. With ample lawn space and spectacular views, Millennium Park is a top spot for a family-friendly outing in Chicago.
Alamo Square Park, San Francisco
Alamo Square Park is a charming park located in San Francisco, offering expansive grassy areas perfect for a family picnic. Kids can run around freely while enjoying the views of the iconic “Painted Ladies” Victorian houses in the background. The park offers plenty of space for sports or relaxation, and the nearby playground ensures that children are entertained.
Adults can sit back and take in the views of downtown San Francisco and the Bay Area, while also enjoying the peaceful atmosphere that the park provides. A short walk to the nearby Haight-Ashbury district offers additional opportunities for exploration and discovery. Alamo Square Park is an excellent spot for those looking to relax with the family while taking in a scenic slice of San Francisco.
The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney
The Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney is a beautifully landscaped park right next to Sydney Harbour. Families can set up a picnic by the water while enjoying stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Kids can explore the vast open spaces or take part in educational programs that introduce them to the wonders of nature.
The garden is home to a wide variety of plant species, making it a great spot for adults who appreciate horticulture. Adults can also take a leisurely walk through the garden’s themed sections, including the Herb Garden and the Rose Garden. Whether you’re relaxing by the water or exploring the lush surroundings, this garden offers something for both children and adults.
Jardin des Plantes, Paris
Jardin des Plantes, located in the heart of Paris, is a perfect blend of nature and education, offering a wonderful spot for a picnic with kids. The park features beautiful, meticulously maintained gardens and open lawns that are perfect for picnicking or playing games. Children will enjoy visiting the menagerie, one of the oldest zoos in the world, and exploring the natural history museum.
Adults can appreciate the beautiful landscaping, featuring a variety of botanical gardens, including the Alpine Garden and the Rose Garden. The park’s tranquil atmosphere makes it an excellent place to relax and unwind while still being close to the vibrant city. With plenty of space for families and plenty to do, Jardin des Plantes is a lovely family-friendly escape in Paris.
Jardin de Luxembourg, Paris
The Jardin de Luxembourg in Paris is one of the city’s most beloved parks, offering a peaceful setting for a family picnic. The park features wide lawns and tree-lined paths, perfect for setting up a picnic blanket or playing frisbee. Children can enjoy the large playgrounds, puppet shows, or take a ride on the vintage carousel.
For adults, the park offers a beautiful pond where you can watch the model boats glide by. The elegant fountains and beautifully designed gardens make it an excellent spot for relaxation and leisurely walks. With its combination of nature, art, and history, the Jardin de Luxembourg is an ideal picnic location for families visiting Paris.
Banff National Park, Canada
Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, offers an unparalleled combination of stunning mountain scenery and outdoor activities perfect for families. Families can set up a picnic at one of the many designated picnic areas, while kids enjoy exploring the surrounding wilderness.
The park offers plenty of activities for children, including hiking, canoeing, and wildlife watching. For adults, the views of Lake Louise and the surrounding Rocky Mountains are breathtaking. The park also offers hot springs, which are perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of outdoor adventures. Banff National Park is an ideal destination for families seeking adventure, natural beauty, and a place to unwind.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.