Chicago has an excellent range of well maintained public parks and spaces but some of these are much better spots for a summer picnic than others. The perfect picnic needs beautiful weather, fine company, good food and a serene green space to enjoy. Here are some of Chicago’s best

Welles Park offers something for everyone to enjoy. There’s a fenced in dog free playground along with a more traditional open area. If you’re a couple then you could cozy up in a romantic gazebo or grab a serene spot on the lawn. At night the gazebo lights up to bring an extra touch of romance to the whole experience, perfect for those hot, balmy nights. There are bathroom facilities at the field house and the park is an alcohol free zone. Access the park from the Western Brown Line stop or the Montrose, Lincoln and Western Ave buses.

Millennium Park has several amazing spots to choose from. If you’re looking for secluded and romantic, then go for one of the hedged enclosures in Lurie Garden which is always well maintained with beautiful seasonal blooms. The expansive lawn at Jay Pritzker Pavilion is a great place to picnic and also the home to the Grant Park Music Festival and other free concerts and events. Millennium Park offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline and has the added bonus of bathroom facilities. With a convenient Downtown location the park is easily accessible by all CTA trains and many bus routes.

If you’re looking for a great picnic spot on Chicago’s south side then Promontory Point in Burnham Park has to be your first choice. The park offers some of the most beautiful views in the city and is a popular choice for couples to have their nuptials at the point. Open to the public and right onto the water it offers a real feeling of escape from the hustle of the city. The shore is famous for its tree-lined picnic areas complete with Alfred Caldwell-designed stone sitting rings and huge play meadow. The vast meadow is a great place to relax with good food and friends and watch the kite flyers and fishermen.

At 30 acres, River Park is one of the largest parks in Chicago that is often overlooked. This makes it the perfect choice if you are searching for a hidden gem which avoids the summer crowds. Located at the point where the Chicago River meets the canal it is rich in wildlife and offers fishing and canoeing. River Park also boasts a dog area and two separate playgrounds, one of which features a swimming pool and interactive water playground perfect for hot summer days and less intimidating than the pool for younger kids. With bathroom facilities and a range of riverside paths to walk along this is a great place for picnic and a late summer stroll.

These are just our pick of the some of the best picnic spots in Chicago which are perfect for the visitor or resident alike. If you are thinking of relocating to Chicago you can find all the latest information and house prices at Areavibes website.

If you have found the ideal place for a picnic in Chicago City or would like to share a picnic recipe with us, please let us know in the comments box below.