The 7 Best Picnic Spots for Families in NYC

picnic spots for families
Getty Images

The 7 Best Picnic Spots for Families in NYC

Warn weather is here, and that’s the perfect excuse to get out in the sun and spend some quality time with the people you love.

Flowers are blooming all over the city and we all know that New York has some of the most amazing parks that are perfect to enjoy a picnic in! Take some time away from your daily work load or tasks and surprise the family by taking them on a picnic.

PsstHere are 16 Extremely Fun Board Games for Family Game Night

Central Park (Great Lawn)

This 55-acre area is perfect for a good meal outdoors! It’s one of the most popular lawns, and for a good reason. There is so much space to lay down a blanket and relax for the afternoon.

The kids can play games on the grass while you read a book or sunbathe. Remember to take some silly family pictures to remember this charming park!

Prospect Park

Located in Brooklyn, this place isn’t just your standard park. They have a bunch of recreational facilities as well as a zoo which has amazing animals like sea lions and red pandas that will make the experience unforgettable.

Take notice of the park’s indigenous forest and manmade wetlands for a special sight. Extend the picnic to an entire day in the sun while you stop for lunch, relax under the sun and play with the kids!

Astoria Park

This park has beautiful views to pick from! Soak in the sun while you picnic on the fluffy grass. The kids can also enjoy the playgrounds, basketball courts or track around the area. They even have dog-friendly areas throughout the parks so that no one in the family is left behind!

Plus, if you need to do some work while the kids are playing in the lawn, you can go to one of the park’s Wi-Fi hot spots. You can also take the family to walk the multiple trails and enjoy the fresh air, or admire the view of the river!

Madison Square Park

Take advantage of the weather by heading to Madison Square Park! Grab the kids for a fun day out where they can enjoy the playground and space.

You can even bring your dog along for the adventure and if you find that you still need to do some work, the park provides free Wi-Fi for laptops in order to keep you connected.

Pack your own lunch or get some tasty burgers from the original Shake Shack and appreciate the peace of the park’s atmosphere!

Brooklyn Bridge Park

This amazing park has many fun things to do that the entire family will enjoy. Lay down blankets to enjoy the sights of the Brooklyn Bridge and New York Harbor. You can choose to sunbathe and relax or participate in the exciting activities around the park, like basketball, biking, fishing and more!

You can also check out their website to see what beautiful sights to see before the day is over as well as upcoming events and activities the family can participate in! Stop by the pier to take a flick with the family and take in the beautiful moment!

Bryant Park

Take a step outside the towering buildings and enter Bryant Park for some fresh air! This is a perfect place to sit down on the lawn with the family and eat a delicious meal.

Pass around a ball with the kids, or bring some lawn games from home, this park has enough greenery for any activity! Make sure that you take advantage of their free outdoor movie events and performances!

Governors Island

A short ferry ride from Manhattan or Brooklyn, Governors Island has plenty of spacious fields and picnic areas, including Hammock Grove and Picnic Point with stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan.

The island offers 120 acres of open space and a car-free environment. It is open to the public every day year-round.

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

CK Kids

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">CK Kids offers various classes and programs, including Afterschool Program, Lil Chefs, Boys Hip-Hop, Ninja Starz, Lil Artists, CK Kids Athletic Programs, Acrobatics, Dance and Drama, and Karate. </span></p>

Asphalt Green

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Asphalt Green’s high-quality sports programs start at 4 months old. Two beautiful facilities in vibrant Manhattan neighborhoods provide the optimal space for children to learn the fundamentals, play for leisure, or compete at the highest level.<br />As the leading sports and fitness facility in Manhattan, Asphalt Green’s never-before- seen training methods focus on improving your mental and physical game. Whether participating in swim, soccer, flag football, martial arts, basketball, baseball, tennis, or volleyball, coaches instill values that set athletes up for success in life and bring out their full potential in sports.</span></p>

New Settlement Community Center

<p>Offering a host of healthy, fun and exciting programs for children ages 6 months and up, including ballet and hi-hop dance with Alvin Ailey, group and private swimm classes, mixed martial arts, youth technology, piano, violin and guitar lessons, and more.</p>