5 Peaceful Picnic Spots in Cincinnati Parks and Other Experiences

For its scores across five different park categories, The Trust for Public Land ranked Cincinnati as one of its top 5 cities out of 100 of the largest cities in the country. As such, it’s probably no surprise that there are many incredible picnic spots in Cincinnati Parks. From beautiful grassy areas to picnic tables and shelters, many popular parks in Cincinnati offer various places to enjoy the food that people bring with them, as well as other attractions and activities. Below, find out more about 5 scenic picnic spots in Cincinnati and what else each location has to offer.

5 Picnic Spots in Cincinnati Parks and Other Park Attractions and Activities

Spend some time in nature during your lunch break. Pack up your favorite picnic fare and head to one of the many great picnic spots in Cincinnati to enjoy your meal and all that a particular park has to offer. Whether you want to hear live music with your picnic or take part in other activities like hiking or roller skating, keep reading to learn more about 5 picnic spots in Cincinnati to consider!

  1. Enjoy special events and scenic settings with your picnic at Ault Park. This location offers picnic areas with grills, as well as a picnic shelter which is available on a first come, first-served basis or by reservation. Want to have live entertainment with the picnic that you bring or select from the local vendors? Check out the events occurring at this park, such as the monthly musical festivals that happen during the summer months.
  2. Find art, gardens, and other attractions at Eden Park. In addition to beautiful spots for your picnic, you’ll also find some of the most well-known things to do in Cincinnati at this park. Whether Eden Park is the focus of your weekend getaway or the intended destination for an afternoon, consider planning a visit to the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Krohn Conservatory or the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, as well as walking the paths or exploring the gardens, playgrounds and more.
  3. Pair your picnic with roller skating at Sawyer Point! This park is situated on the Ohio River and offers picnic areas. The opportunities for exercise available here are also some of the more unique ones to be found in the Cincinnati Parks. From specialty skating experiences at this park’s roller rink to the pickleball and volleyball courts, there’s a lot of fun to be had at Sawyer Point Park in addition to being a picturesque picnic spot in Cincinnati. Plus, the On Point Music Festival is a FREE two-day event that takes place at Sawyer Point – one of the many music festivals that happens in and around Cincinnati. Create a picnic you don’t even have to prepare with food and drinks provided by the available vendors and enjoy the many shows happening during this weekend.
  4. Play and picnic with your kids and pups at Washington ParkThe “Civic Lawn” at Washington Park is noted as “the largest green space in Over-the-Rhine,” so there’s plenty of space for many, many picnic blankets! If you prefer, benches and other seating options are also available for picnicking. Before or after your meal, enjoy the other family-friendly activities available at this park. Kids will love the sizable Children’s Playground and Interactive Water Park. Dogs and their people will love the spacious fenced-in dog park, which is over 10,000-square feet, and includes features like granite boulders and a water creek for pups to play in.
  5. Plan to picnic, fish and more at Burnet Woods. Picnic areas with grills are just one of the appealing features of this park. Do some catch-and-release fishing at the lake on this property or enjoy the hiking trails, paved paths, disc golf course and playgrounds! Additionally, both the Trailside Nature Center and Wolff Planetarium contribute to making this park an exciting picnic spot in Cincinnati!

Are you looking for picnic spots in Cincinnati for larger groups? In some locations, picnic shelters can be reserved during peak season (typically mid-April to mid-October), either for private groups or public events. Learn more about reserving picnic spots in Cincinnati Parks here. Often, shelters that are not reserved may be used on a first-come, first-served basis in addition to the use of the other available picnic options.

With so many stunning parks and incredible amenities available in them, there are many desirable picnic spots in Cincinnati to choose from. Trying to find an apartment in the Cincinnati area? Contact our leasing experts today for assistance!