With warmer weather returning to Chicago, it’s time to take advantage of the city’s blooming gardens and parks. Grab some food to go and check out these green community spaces for the perfect place to picnic.
Maggie Daley Park
From Millennium Park, take the BP Bridge across Columbus Dr. to Maggie Daley Park. There, you’ll find several picnic groves with tables and plenty of shade. The groves are right next to a lawn and the Play Garden, so the kids will have plenty to do before and after eating.
Milton Lee Olive Park
The city skyline is on display from Milton Lee Olive Park, a sprawling, sunny space near Navy Pier. The park, named after the first African American recipient of the Medal of Honor for the Vietnam War, has benches, fields and trees throughout, suitable for blankets and hammocks.
Lakeshore East Park
Tucked inside downtown, Lakeshore East Park has a playground, dog park, splash pads and fountains. It’s a lush, shady spot steps away from the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, plus easy access to restaurants like Avli on The Park and a Mariano’s supermarket for all the food you’ll need.
Washington Square Park
It’s easy to miss Washington Square Park, a small green space across from the Newberry Library in Gold Coast. The main fountain is surrounded by a floral garden and an array of benches, making it ideal for a quiet picnic under the shade of trees. The park also has a free piano for anyone to play during select days in the summer.
Heritage Green Park
Heritage Green Park is a small community park in the West Loop. In the southwest corner stands a statue and garden which pays homage to Chicago’s sister city of Galway, Ireland. The park also provides a clear view of Old St. Patrick’s Church, a historic site which was one of the oldest buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Northerly Island Park
Adjacent to the Museum Campus south of the Adler Planetarium, Northerly Island Park is an expansive spot on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Spread across nearly 120 acres, the site was created to host the Century of Progress World’s Fair in 1933-4 and was transformed into a nature preserve in 2015. Northerly Island now has year-round events, festivals and space for leisurely picnics.
Montrose Beach at Lincoln Park
The Montrose Beach Fields consist of a sprawling setting in Uptown with easy access to Lake Michigan. With a skate park, sports fields, dog parks and playgrounds as well as plenty of flat, picnic-ready space, it’s a tranquil respite from a busy day in the city. Don’t miss the Peace Garden on the Lakefront Trail or the bird sanctuary at its eastern point.
