7 Great Secret Picnic Spots Around NYC

Sherman Creek Park

One of Manhattan’s best kept hidden enclaves, Sherman Creek Park is just across the island from Fort Tryon Park and features idyllic vistas along the river. If you’re looking to pack some outdoor activity into your picnic, rent a bike and travel along the bike paths, or if you want to have a lazy day, check out their movie calendar for summer movie nights. Either way, you’re bound to find an enjoyable spot to escape from the city and enjoy some urban nature.

Randall’s Island

With plenty of space for lawn games and kite flying, Randall’s Island— AKA that place that hosts The Governor’s Ball, which maybe (one day!) you’ll save up enough for– is the ideal spot for anyone who wants plenty of outdoor activity to accompany their picnic experience. Encompassing 516 acres, there’s plenty of variety, depending on what you’re looking for in your afternoon. Urban farm? Check. Wildflower meadow? It’s got one of those too. Rock garden? You bet. Framed by picturesque bridges, Randall’s Island has a little bit of everything, sure to satisfy everyone in your crew.

Fort Tryon

Worth the journey uptown, Fort Tryon Park is known for being home to the Met museum’s Cloisters (remember– it’s pay what you want if you want to stop by) but stands on its own as a quiet corner of the city to hang out in. Need to walk off your meal? Head down along the river to the George Washington Bridge, which is worth walking across at least once: the elevated views of the city from the midpoint of the bridge can’t be matched.

Friendship Garden

Can’t afford a Broadway show? While it may lack the loud voices and commemorative Playbill, Hamilton Heights’ Friendship Garden doesn’t lack for charm and star power– and you’ll definitely get a front row seat. Tucked away on 150th, the park is the perfect spot to catch-up one-on-one when the weather’s nice. Didn’t pack any food? Stop by Hamilton’s Bakery + Coffee Bar for sandwiches on homemade bread, The Chipped Cup for excellent iced caffeinated drinks, or Harlem Public for a cool one (plus an order of avocado fries duh).

Queens County Farm

Like to experience the farm part of your farm-to-table meal? Head to Queens County Farm, where you can surround yourself with animals and orchards for a perfectly pastoral afternoon. Owned by the NYC Parks department, the farm is free to anyone who wants to visit and you can pick up farm-fresh ingredients from their shop. Keep an eye on their calendar to synch your visit with one of their events, like their Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Pow Wow or weekly farmer’s stand.

Elizabeth Street Garden

Towards the end of 2016, the Elizabeth Street Garden went up for potential demolition, in order to make way for affordable senior housing. For now, the garden is still open and welcoming visitors– but risks being closed in the near future (check out their website for ways to take action). While the space can get bustling on the weekends, it’s the perfect place to pop in for a weekday lunch or summer Friday. Don’t bother packing anything; GC favorite Springbone Kitchen is just a short walk away.

Socrates Sculture Park

Situated right against the water, Socrates Sculpture Park offers open views of the NYC skyline alongside engaging outdoor art. Last year, the space celebrated their 30th anniversary with Concave Room For Bees, an earth-based art installation planted with pollinator friendly plants of all different colors. The idea behind the project was to create a piece that would evolve with time; at the end of the installation, the enriched soil was distributed throughout the park, quite literally giving new life to space. This summer, the park is home to Nari Ward’s G.O.A.T., which recasts “tropes of outdoor structures”.