Best of 18 picnic spots in Chicago
Picture perfect moments await you in Chicago's picnic spots. Enjoy an array of picturesque parks and scenic locales that make for ideal outdoor dining. From the stunning views of the skyline at Navy Pier, to the tranquil beauty of the Lincoln Park Zoo, there's no shortage of options for a memorable Chicago picnic. Discover these picnic spots in Chicago and create your own Windy City dining experience.
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- 1. Northerly Island Park
- 2. Promontory Point
- 3. Jackson (Andrew) Park
- 4. Humboldt (Alexander Von) Park
- 5. Tom (Ping) Memorial Park
- 6. Oz Park
- 7. Public Picnic Park
- 8. Milton Lee Olive Park
- 9. Great Lawn
- 10. Palmer Square Park
- 11. River Esplanade Park
- 12. Lakefront Park
- 13. Lincoln (Abraham) Park
- 14. Cotton Tail Park
- 15. Fullerton Woods Family Picnic Area
- 16. Lake View Park
- 17. LaBagh Woods - Picnic Grove #3
- 18. Waveland Picnic Field
1. Northerly Island Park
Converted ex-airfield with unique landscape
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Northerly Island is an ideal location for a picnic in Chicago. The area provides spectacular views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors. After visiting one of Chicago's top museums, Northerly Island is a perfect place to unwind and appreciate the city's natural beauty.
Visitors can find plenty of spaces to lay out a blanket and enjoy a picnic while taking in the stunning scenery. Northerly Island's green spaces and beautiful views offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether it's a quick lunch break or a leisurely afternoon outing, Northerly Island is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors in Chicago.
Northerly Island is an ideal location for a picnic in Chicago. The area provides spectacular views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors. After visiting one of Chicago's top museums, Northerly Island is a perfect place to unwind and appreciate the city's natural beauty.
Visitors can find plenty of spaces to lay out a blanket and enjoy a picnic while taking in the stunning scenery. Northerly Island's green spaces and beautiful views offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether it's a quick lunch break or a leisurely afternoon outing, Northerly Island is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors in Chicago.
2. Promontory Point
Historic site with cultural significance
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Promontory Point is a popular location for various events and activities, known for its stunning views of Navy Pier, Chicago's skyline, and Lake Michigan. The area features stone sitting rings and fire pits that date back to 1938, making it an ideal spot for weddings, corporate events, and family picnics. Its proximity to the city makes it a convenient and quick getaway from urbanity.
Aside from its attractive views, Promontory Point also boasts of a cool tunnel from the parking lot and free parking. It is a favorite place for people who want to take a break from the city and enjoy some peace and quiet while appreciating the natural beauty of the area. With its stone sitting rings and fire pits, it is an ideal spot to gather with family and friends for a picnic or a cozy bonfire.
Promontory Point is a popular location for various events and activities, known for its stunning views of Navy Pier, Chicago's skyline, and Lake Michigan. The area features stone sitting rings and fire pits that date back to 1938, making it an ideal spot for weddings, corporate events, and family picnics. Its proximity to the city makes it a convenient and quick getaway from urbanity.
Aside from its attractive views, Promontory Point also boasts of a cool tunnel from the parking lot and free parking. It is a favorite place for people who want to take a break from the city and enjoy some peace and quiet while appreciating the natural beauty of the area. With its stone sitting rings and fire pits, it is an ideal spot to gather with family and friends for a picnic or a cozy bonfire.
3. Jackson (Andrew) Park
Historic landmark and scenic beauty
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Jackson Park is an excellent location for a picnic, featuring well-organized picnic groves and ample space for all visitors. It's an ideal spot for a family outing, with a spacious and inviting atmosphere. One of the key advantages of the park is the abundance of shaded areas, making it a comfortable place to spend time even during the warmer hours of the day. During our visit, we had a wonderful time enjoying the scenic beauty and various amenities that the park has to offer.
Overall, our experience at Jackson Park was truly enjoyable. The park's spaciousness and thoughtful organization make it a great destination for groups of all sizes. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to enjoy a peaceful afternoon or a lively area to socialize with friends, Jackson Park has something for everyone. The abundance of shaded areas was particularly appreciated, providing a welcome respite from the sun and heat. We would highly recommend Jackson Park for anyone looking for a beautiful and relaxing outdoor destination.
Jackson Park is an excellent location for a picnic, featuring well-organized picnic groves and ample space for all visitors. It's an ideal spot for a family outing, with a spacious and inviting atmosphere. One of the key advantages of the park is the abundance of shaded areas, making it a comfortable place to spend time even during the warmer hours of the day. During our visit, we had a wonderful time enjoying the scenic beauty and various amenities that the park has to offer.
Overall, our experience at Jackson Park was truly enjoyable. The park's spaciousness and thoughtful organization make it a great destination for groups of all sizes. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to enjoy a peaceful afternoon or a lively area to socialize with friends, Jackson Park has something for everyone. The abundance of shaded areas was particularly appreciated, providing a welcome respite from the sun and heat. We would highly recommend Jackson Park for anyone looking for a beautiful and relaxing outdoor destination.
4. Humboldt (Alexander Von) Park
Free Admission
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The pavilion is a striking feature of the park, offering beautiful views of the water and families enjoying their time. The park itself is vast, providing multiple opportunities to explore and appreciate its scenic pavilions and vistas. It is an excellent place for walking, catching up with loved ones, and observing the vibrant activity in Chicago.
Visitors can enjoy the expansive park, which boasts several stunning pavilions and picturesque views. The atmosphere is perfect for a leisurely walk or a relaxing catch-up with friends and family, all while taking in the sights and sounds of Chicago. The park's size makes it an ideal location for various activities, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.
The pavilion is a striking feature of the park, offering beautiful views of the water and families enjoying their time. The park itself is vast, providing multiple opportunities to explore and appreciate its scenic pavilions and vistas. It is an excellent place for walking, catching up with loved ones, and observing the vibrant activity in Chicago.
Visitors can enjoy the expansive park, which boasts several stunning pavilions and picturesque views. The atmosphere is perfect for a leisurely walk or a relaxing catch-up with friends and family, all while taking in the sights and sounds of Chicago. The park's size makes it an ideal location for various activities, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.
5. Tom (Ping) Memorial Park
Offers educational programs and tours for school groups
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This park is a beautiful and pleasant green space, located in the residential area of Chinatown. It features a well-equipped playground for children to enjoy, while couples can take advantage of the peaceful walking paths. A Chinese pagoda, situated near the river, offers a shaded retreat for visitors.
The park provides a nice river view and a scenic perspective of the Chicago skyline. Its attractive setting makes it a great location for a relaxing afternoon or a picnic with family and friends. The combination of the urban skyline and the natural beauty of the park creates a unique and enjoyable experience for all who visit.
This park is a beautiful and pleasant green space, located in the residential area of Chinatown. It features a well-equipped playground for children to enjoy, while couples can take advantage of the peaceful walking paths. A Chinese pagoda, situated near the river, offers a shaded retreat for visitors.
The park provides a nice river view and a scenic perspective of the Chicago skyline. Its attractive setting makes it a great location for a relaxing afternoon or a picnic with family and friends. The combination of the urban skyline and the natural beauty of the park creates a unique and enjoyable experience for all who visit.
6. Oz Park
Based on the Wizard of Oz story
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A perfect picnic spot in the city offers lots of shade and beautiful scenery, creating an ideal atmosphere for a relaxing afternoon. Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors without having to leave the city, taking advantage of the well-maintained park and its numerous amenities.
The park is a great place for families to spread out and enjoy a meal together, offering plenty of open space. The well-maintained surroundings make for an enjoyable and comfortable setting, perfect for a picnic. The beautiful scenery adds to the experience, making it a memorable outing for all.
A perfect picnic spot in the city offers lots of shade and beautiful scenery, creating an ideal atmosphere for a relaxing afternoon. Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors without having to leave the city, taking advantage of the well-maintained park and its numerous amenities.
The park is a great place for families to spread out and enjoy a meal together, offering plenty of open space. The well-maintained surroundings make for an enjoyable and comfortable setting, perfect for a picnic. The beautiful scenery adds to the experience, making it a memorable outing for all.
7. Public Picnic Park
8. Milton Lee Olive Park
Dedicated to a Vietnam War hero
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Milton Lee Olive Park is a peaceful retreat located in the central area of Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. The park offers striking visual perspectives and panoramic views of the city's stunning Lakeshore Front. It's a great place to take in the beauty of the city and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The park is situated just north of Navy Pier, making it an ideal spot for visitors looking to enjoy some peace and quiet while still being close to the city's main attractions. One of the park's most notable features is its tranquility. Despite being in the heart of the city, Milton Lee Olive Park provides a sense of calm and relaxation that is hard to find elsewhere. The park is green, with well-maintained trails, making it the perfect place for a leisurely walk or a picnic with friends and family.
Milton Lee Olive Park is a peaceful retreat located in the central area of Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. The park offers striking visual perspectives and panoramic views of the city's stunning Lakeshore Front. It's a great place to take in the beauty of the city and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The park is situated just north of Navy Pier, making it an ideal spot for visitors looking to enjoy some peace and quiet while still being close to the city's main attractions. One of the park's most notable features is its tranquility. Despite being in the heart of the city, Milton Lee Olive Park provides a sense of calm and relaxation that is hard to find elsewhere. The park is green, with well-maintained trails, making it the perfect place for a leisurely walk or a picnic with friends and family.
9. Great Lawn
Scenic location for picnics, photos
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The Great Lawn at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago is a famous location for outdoor picnics, providing visitors with a chance to take a break from the busy city life. The lawn is situated near popular attractions such as the Pritzker Pavilion and Lurie Gardens, and its well-manicured landscaping creates a stunning contrast against the backdrop of the city skyline.
Visitors to the Great Lawn can enjoy breathtaking views of Chicago's skyline while savoring their meals in a peaceful and serene environment. Despite being surrounded by the sounds and sights of the city, the lawn offers a tranquil escape where visitors can unwind and recharge. The picturesque setting of the Great Lawn makes it an ideal spot for picnics and relaxation.
The Great Lawn at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago is a famous location for outdoor picnics, providing visitors with a chance to take a break from the busy city life. The lawn is situated near popular attractions such as the Pritzker Pavilion and Lurie Gardens, and its well-manicured landscaping creates a stunning contrast against the backdrop of the city skyline.
Visitors to the Great Lawn can enjoy breathtaking views of Chicago's skyline while savoring their meals in a peaceful and serene environment. Despite being surrounded by the sounds and sights of the city, the lawn offers a tranquil escape where visitors can unwind and recharge. The picturesque setting of the Great Lawn makes it an ideal spot for picnics and relaxation.
10. Palmer Square Park
Community events, unique architecture
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Palmer Square Park is a scenic and peaceful urban oasis, boasting lush greenery, tranquil walking paths, and a charming atmosphere that appeals to visitors of all ages. In the summer, it's the perfect place to relax with a good book or enjoy a picnic with family and friends, taking advantage of the park's beautiful surroundings to escape the stresses of city living.
For those looking to explore the surrounding area, Palmer Square Park offers convenient access to nearby attractions, including Logan Square and Humboldt Park. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the park's boulevard system, enjoying the sights and sounds of the city while remaining connected to the tranquility of nature. Whether seeking relaxation or adventure, Palmer Square Park is an ideal destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors in the heart of the city.
Palmer Square Park is a scenic and peaceful urban oasis, boasting lush greenery, tranquil walking paths, and a charming atmosphere that appeals to visitors of all ages. In the summer, it's the perfect place to relax with a good book or enjoy a picnic with family and friends, taking advantage of the park's beautiful surroundings to escape the stresses of city living.
For those looking to explore the surrounding area, Palmer Square Park offers convenient access to nearby attractions, including Logan Square and Humboldt Park. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the park's boulevard system, enjoying the sights and sounds of the city while remaining connected to the tranquility of nature. Whether seeking relaxation or adventure, Palmer Square Park is an ideal destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors in the heart of the city.
11. River Esplanade Park
Historic waterfront park
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River Esplanade Park is a 1.12 acre passive green space that is situated along the river. This park, which includes the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's centennial fountain and water cannon, provides an ideal location for visitors to take a leisurely stroll while watching boats pass by.
The park offers a serene and picturesque outdoor space for visitors to enjoy nature and relax. With its location along the riverfront, it serves as a peaceful retreat for individuals and families looking to unwind in a beautiful urban setting. The park stretches both east and west from the fountain and water cannon, providing ample space for visitors to explore and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
River Esplanade Park is a 1.12 acre passive green space that is situated along the river. This park, which includes the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's centennial fountain and water cannon, provides an ideal location for visitors to take a leisurely stroll while watching boats pass by.
The park offers a serene and picturesque outdoor space for visitors to enjoy nature and relax. With its location along the riverfront, it serves as a peaceful retreat for individuals and families looking to unwind in a beautiful urban setting. The park stretches both east and west from the fountain and water cannon, providing ample space for visitors to explore and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
12. Lakefront Park
Free admission
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Lakefront Park is an ideal location for a family picnic, offering ample green space and stunning views. It is recommended to bring a blanket and some snacks to enjoy a relaxing time in the park. The area is well-kept and clean, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful and enjoyable picnic.
During our visit to Lakefront Park, we had a delightful picnic experience. The park is clean and well-maintained, providing several benches and tables for visitors to use. The scenic beauty of the park added to our picnic experience, making it a memorable outing for our family.
Lakefront Park is an ideal location for a family picnic, offering ample green space and stunning views. It is recommended to bring a blanket and some snacks to enjoy a relaxing time in the park. The area is well-kept and clean, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful and enjoyable picnic.
During our visit to Lakefront Park, we had a delightful picnic experience. The park is clean and well-maintained, providing several benches and tables for visitors to use. The scenic beauty of the park added to our picnic experience, making it a memorable outing for our family.
13. Lincoln (Abraham) Park
Abraham Lincoln's legacy and Chicago history
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The park in question is a beautiful spot, ideal for an evening picnic. You can pick up food from a local restaurant, such as Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder, which travels well and adds a convenient touch to your outing. The area is not only perfect for a picnic but also great for a leisurely walk if the weather is warm. Additionally, shopping centers are located only about a mile away.
When planning your visit, it's worth noting that the zoo, which is nearby, requires advance ticket booking. To avoid disappointment, it's best to secure your tickets as far in advance as possible to ensure you can make the most of your time in the area. This park and the surrounding attractions make for a great day or evening out, and with a little planning, you can enjoy all that it has to offer.
The park in question is a beautiful spot, ideal for an evening picnic. You can pick up food from a local restaurant, such as Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder, which travels well and adds a convenient touch to your outing. The area is not only perfect for a picnic but also great for a leisurely walk if the weather is warm. Additionally, shopping centers are located only about a mile away.
When planning your visit, it's worth noting that the zoo, which is nearby, requires advance ticket booking. To avoid disappointment, it's best to secure your tickets as far in advance as possible to ensure you can make the most of your time in the area. This park and the surrounding attractions make for a great day or evening out, and with a little planning, you can enjoy all that it has to offer.
14. Cotton Tail Park
Recently renovated with new rides
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Lurie Garden is a perfect location for an afternoon picnic, covering over three acres of land with more than 350 plant species, many of which are native to the area. Visitors can walk along the winding wooden boardwalk and find a quiet spot to sit, relax, and enjoy the stunning skyline views.
Ping Tom Memorial Park is a charming park located along the Chicago River, offering a delightful setting for a picnic. The beautiful waterfront views make it an ideal location for spending a leisurely afternoon with friends or family. This scenic spot truly captures the essence of what a picnic should be all about.
Lurie Garden is a perfect location for an afternoon picnic, covering over three acres of land with more than 350 plant species, many of which are native to the area. Visitors can walk along the winding wooden boardwalk and find a quiet spot to sit, relax, and enjoy the stunning skyline views.
Ping Tom Memorial Park is a charming park located along the Chicago River, offering a delightful setting for a picnic. The beautiful waterfront views make it an ideal location for spending a leisurely afternoon with friends or family. This scenic spot truly captures the essence of what a picnic should be all about.
15. Fullerton Woods Family Picnic Area
Scenic views, family-friendly activities
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Fullerton Woods is a 119.0-acre park that provides a peaceful and scenic environment, making it an ideal location for a picnic. The park features picnic groves with shelters that can accommodate up to 200 people, making it perfect for large gatherings.
Visitors can enjoy a relaxing picnic in the expansive and picturesque Fullerton Woods. The park's picnic areas can comfortably accommodate both small and large groups, with shelters available to provide cover in case of inclement weather. The serene and natural setting of Fullerton Woods makes it an excellent choice for a memorable picnic experience.
Fullerton Woods is a 119.0-acre park that provides a peaceful and scenic environment, making it an ideal location for a picnic. The park features picnic groves with shelters that can accommodate up to 200 people, making it perfect for large gatherings.
Visitors can enjoy a relaxing picnic in the expansive and picturesque Fullerton Woods. The park's picnic areas can comfortably accommodate both small and large groups, with shelters available to provide cover in case of inclement weather. The serene and natural setting of Fullerton Woods makes it an excellent choice for a memorable picnic experience.
16. Lake View Park
17. LaBagh Woods - Picnic Grove #3
