Best Spots For Picnics In Chicago

Warm weather and picnics seem to go hand in hand, so finding that perfect picnic spot in Chicago is essential when the nice weather rolls in. Spending the day outside having a picnic is an excellent way to enjoy what the great City of Chicago has to offer; be sure to throw down a blanket and enjoy these best, no-cost spots for picnics in Chicago. For additional excellent places for a picnic, see the link here.

Lincoln Park
2045 N. Lincoln Park W.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-7726
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/lincoln-park

The American Planning Association singled out Lincoln Park as one of the 2009 Great Public Spaces in America for its outstanding amenities, wide range of activities and historic buildings and landmarks. Lincoln Park offers something for everyone and is an outstanding spot for couples or families to have a picnic. It even offers dog-friendly areas for the furry family members.

Jackson Park
6401 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 256-0903
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/jackson-park

Jackson Park is located in the Woodlawn community and offers great spots to picnic in Chicago. The Jackson Park Advisory Council has worked very hard to make the park an even better destination and is doing numerous things to change the park. Be sure to take a break and picnic at Jackson Park to see the wonderful changes that have happened and continue to happen. Lovely green features of the park include Wooded Island (includes the Japanese-styled Osaka Garden), vegetable garden, flower garden and Bobolink Meadows. Jackson Park is the perfect spot for families and individuals to picnic and enjoy the wonderful sounds and views of the Chicago area.

Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-2000
www.lpzoo.org

Lincoln Park Zoo is a great spot to picnic as numerous picnic areas are available for visitors to eat, rest and relax. The Lincoln Park Zoo is an excellent place for families and couples to spend the day and see the animals, but an added bonus is being able to picnic in the zoo. Kids will especially enjoy having a picnic at the zoo and being able to see the wildlife at the same time. If bringing in a picnic is not something that sounds fun, there are also concession stands available for food and drink purchases. The ability to have a picnic is made easy at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Related: Best Spots For A Mother's Day Picnic

Adler Planetarium
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-7827
www.adlerplanetarium.org

The Adler Planetarium is America's first planetarium and has one of the world's greatest collections of antique astronomical instruments. It is an amazing place visit and there is a cost for admission. However, many do not realize that the Adler Planetarium's front lawn is one of the top places to have a picnic and get an outstanding view of the city.

Montrose Beach
4400 N. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60640
(312) 742-5121
www.cpdbeaches.com

There is nothing better than having a picnic on the beach and Montrose Beach in Chicago is just the spot for this activity. There are designated places for swimmers and dogs to swim and Montrose Beach is one of the few beaches in Chicago that allows guests to rent and launch recreational watercraft.

Related: Best Picnic Spots Around Chicago

Michelle Guilbeau is an elementary teacher living in Chicago, Illinois. She has also experience in school administration and literacy coaching. Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.