Spring in New York City is one of the best times of the year. While you can argue that for any season, we do think we have some of the best picnic spots in the world! We love going on picnics as a family but this is also something you can do with friends in some of the best places in the city. Look out for the recipe posts we’ll have coming out soon, but in the meantime, let’s focus on locations to get picnic season all planned out! Grab your picnic blanket, basket or cooler and let’s chat about the best picnic areas in NYC!
Central Park
Central Park is an iconic urban oasis offering plenty of green space and scenic spots perfect for a picnic. From the rolling hills to the peaceful lakeside, there’s always a perfect place to spread out your blanket. With easy access to food vendors and beautiful walking paths, it’s ideal for a relaxing, all-day picnic experience. It’s the perfect spot for a family picnic and a lot of people actually bring games. So you have plenty of space to chase a frisby and can of course, bring your dog! The scenic views aren’t bad either!
Rockefeller Park
Rockefeller Park is a calm, family-friendly environment, perfect for a peaceful day outdoors. The park is less crowded than some of the city’s bigger parks, giving you space to relax and enjoy nature. Its lush greenery and central location make it a hidden gem for picnicking in the heart of the city. It’s great in warm weather and packed on days like Memorial Day but it’s one of our favorite picnic spots and not too far from our apartment! Located in lower Manhattan, you can get a great view of Jersey City and the water.
Prospect Park
Prospect Park is a large, natural sanctuary with pretty meadows, serene lakes, and scenic woodlands. It has the perfect balance of quiet spaces and lively areas, allowing you to pick the vibe that suits your picnic needs. With ample amenities like BBQ pits and playgrounds, it’s great for families and groups of friends. So if you are looking bring food and BBQ, make sure to get there a bit earlier than you think so you can use the pits to cook your items! In the summer months, it is pretty packed but the best place to do some bird watching or the perfect location to enjoy Labor Day.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park has stunning views of the East River and the Manhattan skyline, making it a picturesque spot for a picnic. You know we love an Instagrammable moment! With spacious piers, grassy fields, and waterfront seating, you can enjoy a picnic while soaking in the beauty of the bridges and skyline. The park’s variety of spaces provides options for everything from relaxing to playing frisbee. Bring your picnic basket and enjoy this public park for an entire day! They have plenty of spots to sit at and dog-friendly areas. They do have some of the very best views in town, being at the top of waterfront parks on our list.
Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park is an urban retreat right in the heart of Manhattan. It has tons of green space surrounded by architectural beauty. With benches, lawns, and beautiful sculptures, it’s a great spot for a leisurely picnic with a touch of culture. Its proximity to local eateries and cafes means you can easily grab a bite to complement your picnic spread. It does start to get more busy in early April but we enjoy this spot for a picnic lunch. There are tons of food spots around there, as well so you can go grab baguettini sandwiches or pack your own for a great time!
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