The 13 best picnic spots in Chicago

Originally a railroad yard, Ping Tom Memorial Park is named for the Chinatown resident who was the leading force behind the creation of this community green space. What makes it a perfect picnic destination? Accessible by the Chicago Water Taxi (as well as public transit), the park is a stone's throw from popular dining destinations Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings, Kung Fu Tea and BBQ King House.

Whether you work in the Loop or you're in the area to visit one of the city's best museums, the Lurie Garden is an idyllic spot for an afternoon picnic. Boasting just over three acres of land, the garden is home to more than 350 plant species, many of which are native to the area. Walk along the winding wooden boardwalk until you find a quiet place to sit down, relax and take in the stellar skyline views.

Note: Only the outer walkways of the garden are accessible at this moment. Visitors are required to wear a face mask at all times. 

Sandwiched between Humboldt Park and Ukranian Village, this sprawling city oasis offers up almost 200 acres of green space that surrounds a sizable lagoon. And now that we don't have to worry about Chance the Snapper hiding out in the park, we're free to enjoy its many picnic nooks. Before you go, grab provisions at nearby pie shop Spinning J or Puerto Rican spot Diana's.

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue, this shady green space sits atop a parking garage—but you'd never know it. Equipped with a small fountain, lots of trees and several flower beds, this secret garden has plenty of places to sit down and take a load off while enjoying spoils from nearby eateries like Toni Patisserie, Shake Shack and Dollop Coffee.

Situated just north of the Lincoln Park Zoo, this secret hideaway is equal parts stunning and calming. If it's not already occupied, try to snag a seat in the garden's council ring, which offers a quiet place to lounge, chat and snack with a small group of friends. Look out for birds, dragonflies, butterflies and turtles, all of which call the lily pool home.

This pick isn't within city limits, but it's worth the trip to nearby Wilmette to see one of just eight remaining Bahá'í temples in the world. The perfectly manicured grounds of this otherworldly house of worship contain nine gardens, a handful of reflecting pools and plenty of places to sprawl out with a good book and lunch.

After an afternoon spent traipsing across the Nature Boardwalk and visiting the residents at the Lincoln Park Zoo, head north to the walking paths that wrap around the North Pond Nature Sanctuary. Away from the tourists and strollers, you'll be able to find a quiet place to settle in for a casual picnic.

Designed by famous landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Jackson Park became the chosen site for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. Today, the 500-plus-acre park offers golf, baseball, a fitness center, basketball, a playground, tennis courts and paths for walking, jogging or biking. Coincidentally, it's also a prime picnic destination—especially the serene Osaka Garden, which boasts a stunning moon bridge and traditional Japanese horticulture.

Originally an early 20th century country club, this gorgeous property was acquired by the Chicago Park District in 1975 and lovingly restored. These days, the main building hums with classes in the arts, culinary workshops, day camps and cultural programs; the grounds include a nature sanctuary, golf course, butterfly garden and plenty of beautifully maintained open spaces—making it the perfect backdrop for an impromptu picnic.

If you like your lunch with a side of breathtaking views, there's no better spot than the Chicago Riverwalk, which hugs the main branch of the Chicago River and provides a continuous walkway with restaurants, bars and urban attractions at every turn. Clever design features throughout offer areas to lounge around and enjoy the city from a stellar angle.

There are some places to sit down and catch your breath on this 2.7-mile path that connects Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Wicker Park and Bucktown, but it's an even better option for those who like to nosh on the go. And with plenty of coffee shops within walking distance of the trail, it's the ideal backdrop for a mobile morning picnic, complete with lattes and pastries.

Promising one of the best skyline views in town, it's no wonder that Promontory Point is a popular destination for sun-bathers, sunset-watchers and picnickers alike. The massive stones that line the lakefront park make for the perfect impromptu kitchen table—find a stable spot to sit down before unpacking your alfresco feast.

Most folks only head to Northerly Island to visit the Adler Planetarium or see a concert at Huntington Bank Pavilion, but the man-made peninsula is also home to beautiful prairie grasslands, a 5-acre pond and winding strolling paths that give way to striking skyline views. Grab a sandwich at Eleven City Diner or a doughnut from Stan's before hitting the trail.