The summer allows for a series of fantastic activities that can’t be practiced during the cold, winter months of hibernation. Such activities include beachcombing, sunbathing, having a barbecue or bonfire, enjoying the patio, picking wild berries, and more. And often at the top of the list: picnics.
Why Picnic?
Picnics are popular, aesthetic ones often making people’s Instagram feeds, and for good reason. They allow people to enjoy their friends, family and partners, the outdoors and good food and drinks without pressure. You can laze around soaking up the sun for the better part of your day. Or you can picnic in between activities. It’s up to you! That’s the beauty of a picnic.
What Do You Need to Picnic?
For a picnic of any kind, all you need is a blanket, a tablecloth or a beach towel, a meal, treats, snacks and desserts of your choice (fresh fruits are classic!). Don’t forget beverages, and maybe a cooler or bags to carry everything. If you want to use cute containers or vintage mason jars, go ahead!
Who you’re sharing a meal with and what time of day you’re having a picnic will influence what you’re bringing. Bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and a beach umbrella is always recommended. Picnics also aren’t necessarily synonymous with homemade food. If that’s your case, try to support your local restaurants and shops.
Where Can You Picnic?
You can have a picnic anywhere from your backyard to the top of a mountain mid-hike. That said, here are a few parks around the world perfect for picnics to inspire you!
Central Park, New York City, United States
Central Park is said to have “influenced the development of urban parks nationwide and is widely regarded” as a “masterpiece of landscape architecture.” The park is a National Historic Landscape that stretches between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West from 59th Street to 110th Street. A breath of fresh air at the heart of the bustling city!
What you can do in Central Park, much like in New York City, is endless. Take a gondola ride or boat on Central Park Lake, check out the green meadows, the woodlands, wander by a playground, watch live theatre or Shakespeare in the Park.
Most importantly, find a picnic spot in Central park here. If you don’t have time to make it or are struggling to put together a picnic, purchase a grab & go picnic here.
High Park, Toronto, Canada
As Toronto’s largest public park, High Park has 18 designated picnic areas meant to seat hundreds of people. For larger groups, reservations are mandatory. You can also choose to picnic in one of the park’s countless other green spaces. High Park has many hiking trails, a lovely lakefront, a dog park, beautiful gardens and vegetation.
In April or May, you can enjoy the Sakura trees’ beautiful cherry blossoms, sit under them and have a picnic. The park also has a mini zoo, various children’s playgrounds, greenhouses and eateries. It’s easily accessible via public transit as it’s located right in downtown Toronto.
Hyde Park, London, United Kingdom
Hyde Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers an area of 350 acres. Located in the heart of London, Hyde Park allows you to play tennis, jog and cycle. You can also attend distinguished events or concerts. The Rolling Stones, Queen and Live 8 have notably played at Hyde Park. The park also offers quiet places to unwind where you can picnic.
Have a picnic by the Diana Memorial Fountain or the Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. You can also enjoy some brunch at the waterside cafe while admiring the lake. Relax by the Serpentine Lido or wander by the playgrounds or the Bandstand to spot another picnic spot.
Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland, Rangeville, Queensland, Australia
Toowoomba’s heritage-listed Picnic Point is made up of 160 acres. It’s on the Great Dividing Range’s crest, overlooking the Lockyer Valley and Main Range.
As per Southern Queensland County, Hoop pines and South Queensland kauris lead to escarpment views and manicured lawns. The park has free barbecues you can use and quiet spots under bunya trees ideal for birdwatching and picnics.
Check out the playground, weekend children’s train, walking trails and waterfall. Or try the Firetail Trail Table Top Mountain climb, a great place to catch the sunrise and picnic.
The park’s lower section has impressive vistas and is ideal for picnics or barbecues. Make sure to stop by the park’s cafe or restaurant if you need to refuel or your picnic’s running low on food and drinks.
Villa Doria Pamphili, Rome, Italy
Villa Doria Pamphili is a 17th-century villa and it has the largest landscaped and public park in central Rome. Many of its exits lead you into lovely residential neighbourhoods. Located in Monteverde’s quarter, on the Gianicolo, the park is on the outskirts of the Porta San Pancrazio in Rome’s ancient walls. The park surrounds the aristocratic Pamphili family villa.
The manicured gardens and hedges, woodland and lake area have fountains, grottos and nature trails. With some wild vegetation, various benches, and open fields, as well as more intimate spaces, it’s the perfect park for a picnic. The park is also popular with runners and cyclists.
Have a Picnic!
If you can’t travel just yet or don’t have time to prepare anything elaborate, take one of your three daily meals outside and call it a picnic. Enjoy the nice summer weather while you can!
