Saturday is #NationalPicnicDay! 🧺
Summer is picnic season in Chicago. While there are plenty of amazing restaurants with outdoor dining, sometimes nothing can beat an old-fashioned picnic in the park. So what makes a good picnic area exactly? The best spots can be found in city parks with lots of green space to sprawl out — bonus points for anywhere with a view. Plus, it has to be close to some great local restaurants so you don’t have to schlep your supplies across town.
Here are a few of my favorite places for a picnic:
📍 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 – s a riverfront park that features Chinese-inspired design (like the ornate pavilion), a playground, and a boathouse with seasonal kayak rentals. The rolling green space was originally a rail yard but has been transformed into a treasured park for the Chinatown community. Find a picnic spot along the water and enjoy the unique skyline views.
📍 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 – One of the city’s most iconic green spaces, the Great Lawn at Millennium Park is a great place for an outdoor picnic. Find a spot in the grass beneath the soaring Pritzker Pavilion and marvel at the stunning architecture all around you. Afterward, go for a stroll in the peaceful Lurie Gardens.
📍 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 – Named for one of Chicago’s most famous architects, Burnham Park boasts an appropriately jaw-dropping skyline view. The lakefront oasis includes Promontory Point, which juts out into the blue waters of Lake Michigan and offers a picturesque picnic spot.
📍 Washington Park – is lovely all year round, but it’s particularly beautiful in the spring and summer. That’s when the park comes to life with colorful local flowers, making it a picture-perfect backdrop for an afternoon picnic. And make time to visit the nearby DuSable Museum when you’re done.
📍 Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool – While there are plenty of picnic spots around Lincoln Park, Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool is truly unique. This hidden gem is tucked away just to the north of Lincoln Park Zoo, creating a quiet oasis in the heart of Lincoln Park. Find a spot near the water to gaze out at the blooming lilies and peaceful waterfall.
Where's your go-to spot?
🖥️: To know more about the places, visit here!
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