23 Picnic Spots in ILLINOIS (Relaxing, Scenic, & Serene)
Having a picnic at a charming spot with many scenic views is an excellent way to spend some quality time with your family.
You will be able to create countless memories by conversing for hours, enjoying the views, and sharing your favorite meals together.
In addition, picnics are a great way to meet new people, which can become lifelong friendships.
Lucky for you, Illinois has the best picnic spots in the country!
Plan your next family picnic now at one of these sites to unwind from the busy life in the urban areas and deepen your bond as a family.
Without further ado, here are 23 picnic spots in Illinois!
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Vacation Spots in Illinois.
Picnic Spots in Chicago, Illinois
1. Millennium Park (Green Lawn & Avant-Garde Architecture)
With an astounding, almost perfect 4.8-star rating by over 70,000 visitors, you can rest assured you will have a great time during your stay at Millennium Park!
Millennium Park’s most famous picnic spot is at Green Lawn, characterized by its beautiful green Bermuda grass and avant-garde architecture, making your experience unforgettable.
After having a meal with friends, freely roam around Lurie Gardens and capture the lush bed of flowers to share their beauty with the world.
It is a definite must for you to check this place out during its annual events, which are often crowded with thousands of people wanting to have fun.
Stop by Millennium Park during the Cultural Affairs and Special Events, wherein you will learn about various cultures and traditions in Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602, United States
2. theMart River Park (Al-Fresco Seating & Modern Design)
Characterized by its al-fresco-style seating and modern architectural design, theMart River Park is one of the most sought-after picnic spots in Chicago, Illinois!
Prepare your favorite snacks and sandwiches now, put them in your picnic basket, and get ready to have a relaxing time during your stay at this park.
In addition, theMart River Park has countless picturesque spots perfect for taking pictures to post on your Instagram wall!
Spend hours talking with your friends to catch up on what is happening in your lives and share a delicious meal.
Take a ton of pictures to commemorate your joyous time in the park.
Create countless new memories with your friends that will last for a lifetime!
Deepen your bonds by spending quality time with your peers!
Address: W Merchandise Mart Plaza #1871, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
3. Irene C. Hernandez Family Picnic Grove (Natural Setting & Playground Fun)
Without a doubt, Irene C. Hernandez Family Picnic Grove has the most natural setting out of all the picnic spots in Chicago, Illinois, which is why avid lovers of nature will a hundred percent be delighted in this place!
Have a pleasant picnic with your family and fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural views of the picnic grove.
Enjoy snacks and light dishes and breathe in the fresh air you have longed for.
Together with your children, have fun at the playground area and try out the different features of the playing field.
Play a casual game of frisbee in the broad fields of the picnic grove to exercise your muscles!
What are you still waiting for?
Plan your next trip now here at Irene C. Hernandez Family Picnic Grove!
Address: 4498 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60630, United States
4. Ping Tom Memorial Park (Chinese Landscape & Aesthetic Beauty)
Ping Tom Memorial Park has 17 acres of land dedicated to giving its guests a place of comfort and relaxation characterized by its natural setting to take the visitors’ minds off the busy city life.
This spot was originally a Chicago and Western Indiana Railroad yard but was transformed into a rolling green space where children can freely play with each other, where the community can gather for various meetings and get to enjoy Chinese landscape design elements.
While enjoying a picnic on the healthy grass, appreciate the beauty of the Chinese-themed landscape design of the gardens.
What’s more, the memorial park is very aesthetic, thus, making it an excellent place for taking a ton of pictures to share with your followers in the ‘gram!
Address: 1700 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
5. Burnham Park (Breathtaking Scenery & Artificial Islands)
Indeed, you will have a blast on your visit to this spot; having an excellent 4.6-star rating by almost four thousand visitors, Burnham Park is one of the most popular parks in Chicago to have a relaxing picnic.
Walk around the green grasslands of the park, explore the area, and choose which spot is the perfect place to have your picnic.
Bring your favorite snacks and savor each taste while looking at the breathtaking scenery of Burnham Park.
Having possessed several artificial islands, you can quickly explore them.
Explore Lake Michigan through a boat to see the views it has to offer and bring your fishing gear along to catch some fish!
After catching them, cook them up for a delicious meal you can share with your family!
Address: 1200-5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60615, United States
Also see our article on Botanical Gardens in Illinois.
Picnic Spots in Oglesby, Illinois
1. Starved Rock State Park (Waterfalls & Recreational Activities)
Voted as the number one attraction in Illinois, Starved Rock State Park is a one-of-a-kind tourist destination where you can experience a variety of things and see countless alluring views.
Starved Rock State Park features waterfalls, extraordinary views of nature, and 13 miles of trails you can explore on foot.
Furthermore, the park has countless picnic spots where you can quietly have a lovely meal without being bothered by the noisy sounds of the suburbs.
Not only are you going to experience picnicking with your family, but you will also do different recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, and so much more!
Subsequently, after a tiring but fun day at the park, stay at one of the lodgings around the place where you can fully relax and rest to recharge for the next day.
Address: Oglesby, IL 61348, United States
2. McPhedran Park (Newest Park & Family Bonding)
Spend quality time with your children to make up for all those times you were too busy with work at McPhedran Park, the newest park in Oglesby!
Set up your picnic baskets at one of the shelters or picnic tables, make yourself comfortable, and breathe in some fresh air.
Enjoy the snacks you have prepared at your home under the shade of the park’s towering trees.
Take your children to the playground and guide them as they play with other kids!
Play sports with the whole family at the sports compound of McPhedran Park, wherein you may amuse yourselves with basketball, baseball, softball, or tennis.
Meet new people and socialize with them to exchange stories about your lives to get to know them.
Address: 229-, 299 Oakwood Ave, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States
3. Matthiessen State Park (Dells Area & Trail Exploration)
Talking about Matthiessen State Park, you will be able to have the perfect picnic at Dells Area with your family and friends!
Dells Area provides the right setting for picnicking; you will see the restored fort and main trail to the Cascade Falls.
Furthermore, this spot is equipped with picnic tables, water fountains, and toilet facilities, which is why all you will have to worry about is what snacks and meals you are going to bring.
Share a delicious meal with your family and talk for hours about what is happening in your lives.
Explore the trail to the Cascade Falls to catch sight of nature’s views and cool off at the bottom of the falls.
Want to extend your stay?
Camp at Matthiessen State Park and immerse yourself in the alluring night sky!
Address: 7km away from Oglesby, IL, United States
4. Illini State Park (Historical Picnic Spots & Geocaching)
The perfect place for picnicking, Illini State Park is widely known for having countless spots for big picnics and family gatherings; thus, you can take your whole family to spend a ton of time together!
Illini State Park is not only known for its picnic spots but also its abundant history, making it a popular destination for truth seekers of America’s past.
Set up your camp at one of the sites near the body of water, fish for some meal you can share for dinner, and enjoy the tasty snacks you have prepared beforehand.
Play around the park’s vast area, toss that frisbee, or engage in a casual game of hide and seek.
Illini State Park also offers geocaching, wherein you will search for caches to finish the game!
Address: 34km away from Oglesby, IL, United States
Also see our article on Amusement parks in Illinois.
Picnic Spots in Makanda, Illinois
1. Giant City State Park (4,000 Acres & Wildlife Exploration)
Just from reading its name, you are now probably intrigued by Giant City State Park.
Giant City State Park is one of the best places for picnicking in Illinois; it has 4,000 acres of land, which you can explore to see the wildlife and the plants residing in it.
The park staff are very friendly and accommodating; they will recommend the finest spots for having your picnic.
Pack your things now, grab your whole family, and have the time of your lives at Giant City State Park!
Bring your favorite meals and enjoy them at the lovely premises of the park.
Create new memories you won’t forget for the rest of your lives, and capture those precious moments by taking many pictures to commemorate your wondrous time at this place.
Address: 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, United States
2. Makanda Creekside Park (Nature Lovers’ Paradise & Rock Formations)
For avid nature lovers, this park is the perfect picnic spot!
Get ready to experience various things you can only experience here at Makanda Creekside Park!
Place your picnic baskets at one of the shelters or tables, and you can rest assured your things will be safe here since the personnel of Makanda Park is constantly patrolling the area.
Be rest assured you will have a great time and will be able to take your mind off all your worries!
Breathe in some fresh air to relax and unwind from the fast-paced and suffocating business world in the cities.
Fully engross yourself in nature’s alluring scenery and reclaim the peace of mind you have lost!
See the astonishing rock formations in the park and ask the tour guides how they transformed into their current states.
Address: 578-602 Makanda Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, United States
3. McCann Springs Picnic Area (Relaxing Atmosphere & Cultural Diversity)
Truly, McCann Springs Picnic Area is among the most relaxing picnic spots in Illinois, wherein you will get to enjoy the fresh air and breathtaking scenery nature has to offer.
Together with your closest friends, unwind from your tiring work and busy lives in the urban areas.
Take a breather in this area by having a pleasant picnic to enjoy some good food.
Plan out your visit, suggest what foods you are going to bring, and make them diverse by choosing dishes that come from a variety of cuisines from all over the world.
Imagine sharing a delicious meal in a well-preserved area, talking for hours to deepen your knowledge of each other, and appreciating nature’s beauty.
Doesn’t that sound wonderful?
There is no time to waste; plan your next getaway at McCann Springs Picnic Area!
Address: 42km away from Makanda, IL, United States
Also see our article on Playgrounds in Illinois.
Picnic Spots in Mount Morris, Illinois
1. White Pines Forest State Park (Scenic Views & Intimate Setting)
You will definitely have an unforgettable experience here at White Pines Forest State Park, supported by its astounding 4.7-star rating by over a thousand of its guests; you will have a blast at this spot with your family and friends!
Casually roam around the park to see its scenic views.
Enjoy the presence of others by socializing with the other visitors to the park; you never know, you might make a lifelong friendship!
Under the towering trees, lay down your blanket and spend time with your significant other.
Open a bottle of wine and spend hours talking with each other to deepen your bonds.
Eat the delicious snacks you have made at your home.
Come and have a barbeque in the vast area of the park with the whole family!
Address: W Pines Rd, Mt Morris, IL 61054, United States
2. Dillehay Park (Parent-Child Bonding & Recreational Fun)
Have a lovely picnic with your children at Dillehay Park, widely known for its features perfect for parent-child bonding.
Make yourself comfortable at one of the picnic shelters and enjoy a casual meal with your family.
Immerse yourself in the clean, fresh air surrounding the park and unwind from hectic work.
Play at the nine-hole golf course to have a friendly competition with your friends.
Show them how good you really are at golf, and have a bet on who’s going to pay for dinner!
Have fun at the Dillehay Park playground, observe your children as they get to know other kids, and encourage them to make new friends!
Dillehay Park also has a basketball court, tennis court, soccer field, and baseball field open for everyone.
Address: 307 Barbara St, Mt Morris, IL 61054, United States
3. Zickuhr Park (Scenic Nature & Stargazing)
Casually roam around the scenic setting of Zickuhr Park to reconnect with nature, breathe in some fresh air, and release all your suppressed stress and negative emotions from the busy city life.
Listen to the pleasant singing of the birds while picnicking with your family.
Enjoy a delicious meal on the charming premises of this picnic spot.
Converse with your beloved one and reminisce about the good old days when you were courting each other.
Share your stories of when you were teenagers with your children and deepen your bonds with each other!
A popular activity in this park is lying down on the green grass to stargaze.
Show your children the joys of looking at the stars and how beautiful the night sky is.
Address: 510 W 1st St, Mt Morris, IL 61054, USA
4. Castle Rock State Park (2,000 Acres & Diverse Topography)
Isn’t this spot’s name enough to tell you how interesting it is?
Castle Rock State Park is one of the most renowned tourist attractions in Illinois, which has 2,000 acres of land and is along the banks of the Rock River.
Because of its topography, it is an excellent picnic spot where you will be able to experience various recreational activities, making your visit a very memorable one!
You can rest assured the place is well preserved, and you’ll be able to completely reconnect with nature because Castle Rock’s staff are incredibly passionate about their jobs.
The staff give their best efforts to keeping the premises clean and taking care of the plants.
Put your whole focus on having a memorable picnic, enjoying a delicious meal, and exploring the park’s several trails.
Address: 15km away from Mount Morris, IL, United States
Also see our article on Trampoline Parks in Illinois.
Picnic Spots in Urbana, Illinois
1. Meadowbrook Park (Extensive Amenities & Lush Gardens)
Meadowbrook Park has an excellent 4.8-star rating from hundreds of its guests, which means this is a great spot to relax, unwind, and have a picnic.
Experience the park’s different amenities, such as a playground, community gardens, open fields, natural areas, drinking fountains, water features, grills, picnic tables, and so much more!
Grab your family now and plan your next weekend’s getaway at Meadowbrook Park!
Beforehand, cook your favorite dishes and enjoy them together at the park’s picnic tables.
Walk around the lush bed of flowers at the community gardens and appreciate their beauty.
Play in the open fields with your children to spend a ton of quality time.
Have a barbeque party at Meadowbrook Park’s designated area for grilling.
Address: 2808 S Race St, Urbana, IL 61802, United States
2. Busey Woods (Intimate Woodland & Bird Watching)
Busey Woods is an incredibly intimate and relaxing place to stay, with 59 acres of native woodland featuring numerous spots for observing birds and wildflowers.
During your stay here, you will have an enjoyable time with your family and a meaningful one since you will learn about the wildlife and plants residing in Busey Woods.
Unwind from the busy city life to have a casual picnic with your whole family.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Busey Woods and take a ton of photos to commemorate your time here.
Try out birdwatching to see the various species of feathered animals in the woods.
Learn from knowledgeable tour guides regarding the diverse plants of Busey Woods to deepen your understanding of them!
Address: 1505 N Broadway Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
3. Leal Park (Historical Setting & Date Night)
Leal Park truly is the ideal getaway for people looking for a picnic spot to relax and explore nature’s beauty!
This place was an Indian cemetery in the past but was then turned into a park in 1909 to provide a location where the community could unwind and loosen up.
Lay down your blanket on the healthy grass of Leal Park and immerse yourself in its beautiful scenery.
Conduct a date with your significant other here, drink a delicious bottle of wine, eat tasty snacks, and talk for hours to spend quality time together.
Deepen your bonds with each other and make brand new memories you will remember for the rest of your lives!
See the historical sites at the park, such as the Historic Greek Revival Cottage and Historic Gazebo.
Address: 303 W University Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
4. Crystal Lake Park (Mature Urban Forest & Recreational Activities)
Obviously, there is nothing more relaxing and intimate than Crystal Lake Park, which features 144 acres of land with a mature urban forest, a scenic parkway drive, and various amenities you can try out.
During your stay here, you will be delighted as you choose from a vast selection of picnic shelters and tables, meaning you will always have a spot to spend time with your family.
While under the shade of the enormous trees, savor the taste of the delicious snacks you have made at your home and share it with your family.
Cook up some barbeque at the grills, which you can rent from the management.
Experience various things in the park, such as fishing, boating, playing sand volleyball, swimming, and much more!
Address: 206 W Park St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
Also see our article on Golf Courses in Illinois.
Picnic Spots in Rockford, Illinois
1. Anderson Japanese Gardens (Japanese-themed Tranquility & Programs)
From over three thousand visitors, Anderson Japanese Gardens prides itself on an excellent 4.7-star rating, serving as evidence of it being one of the best spots for picnicking in Rockford, Illinois!
Casually explore the scenic views of this place, featuring a 12-acre Japanese-themed garden that has waterfalls, winding pathways, koi-filled ponds, and streams.
This site is truly the right spot for deep lovers of Japanese culture!
In this tranquil place, it is a definite must to try picnicking here, especially if you want to relax to calm your nerves and release your suppressed stress.
Sign up for one of the programs & events, where you will learn about gardening and Japanese culture.
Anderson Japanese Gardens also has wellness classes, including yoga, tai chi, meditation for grief and resilience, and the use of ma in gardens and life.
Address: 318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107, United States
2. Highland Park (Recreational Activities & Family Time)
Create countless new memories with your family in this spot by not only having a comfortable picnic but also trying out the various recreational activities lined up for you to experience!
Grab your family and friends, take them to Highland Park, share a delightful meal while observing the scenic views of the place, and talk for hours about your lives.
Interact with the other guests to make friends and get to know them.
Sign up your kid for one of the sports leagues or camps at the park, where he can stay fit and learn various skills he can use in the future.
Highland Park also has camps featuring professional instructors teaching them about nature.
Support your children as they develop a deeper understanding of the environment and how to care for it.
Address: Rockford, IL 61107, United States
3. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens (Aesthetic Beauty & Educational Exhibits)
The perfect example of a picturesque and aesthetically pleasing place, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, provides a beautiful site where you can unwind and relax with your family.
Lay down your blanket in the gardens, walk around the lush bed of flowers, breathe in some fresh air, and explore the picturesque place.
Capture your precious moments with your family by taking many pictures and sharing them with the world!
Visit the various exhibits of the gardens to learn more about different subject matters and give your children an unforgettable experience.
See the colorful butterflies of the Secret Life of Butterflies exhibit and learn about their lives from the tour guides.
Catch sight of the garden’s diverse flowers in the In Full Bloom: Orchid Display exhibit to increase your knowledge about the different floras residing in Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens.
Address: 1354 N 2nd St, Rockford, IL 61107, United States
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best zoos, botanical gardens, and Planetariums in Illinois.
Looking beyond Illinois? Check out our article on the best Picnic Spots in Texas and Florida.