When the sun is shining and the grass is green, it’s time to start taking your meals outside. Packing a picnic is a perfect way to delight in the warmer season. You can stop along a wooded trail, lay out a spread at a table by a playground, book a pavilion for a group meal, or more — and you can do it all in Prince George’s.

 

Try one of these 10 fantastic picnic spots:

 

  1. At Watkins Regional Park, there are plenty of spots for picnics. You can search for a picnic table near one of the Upper Marlboro park’s playgrounds or natural sites, lay out a blanket under one of the park’s shady trees, or book a picnic shelter for a group celebration. Don’t miss the Nature Center, the Wonderful World of Watkins Amusement Complex, and the Old Maryland Farm.

 

  1. If you’re looking for a picnic spot by the water, stop by Bladensburg Waterfront Park. If it’s not booked, you can pop into the pavilion, which contains 24 picnic tables under its roof — or you can book the space yourself. Watch the boats float by as you eat, and then rent one of your own.

 

  1. Have your picnic amid the tree collection at the Kilmer Street Park & Arboretum in Cheverly. Every year, a team of arborists and volunteers reviews the growth and health of the trees, and you can stroll through them after you eat. The community space includes an ADA-accessible trail and remnants of the private property it once was.

 

  1. For a fancy picnic that is perfect for a special moment, book a Posh Picnic at Louise F. Cosca Regional Park in Clinton. You can reserve a package for up to 12 people, and the team will set up a cozy seating arrangement for you and your crew. You bring the food, and they’ll bring the rugs, pillows, table, and decor. Be sure to book ahead for this experience.

 

  1. Add some extra excitement to your picnic at Glenn Dale Splash Park. Your family can swim at the outdoor pool, holler down the water slide, and run through the fountains at the splash pad. You can also book swim lessons, a water fitness course, or adaptive aquatics sessions. Don’t miss the playground and vending areas while you’re there.

 

  1. Pack your picnic basket and bring the family to Mount Rainier Nature Center. In addition to picnic tables and green space, this kid-friendly spot offers hands-on exhibits, live animals, a playground, and a fire pit. Keep an eye out for events at the center or in the outdoor amphitheater, or book a class and then add your picnic to the beginning or end of your learning experience.

 

  1. For a family-friendly barbecue, head to the quiet Oxon Run Park. The easy-to-access park has playground equipment, green space, barbecue grills, and a picnic pavilion. There’s also plenty of parking, and you can reserve the pavilion for a larger group.

 

  1. The University of Maryland in College Park is a gorgeous campus, and much of that is thanks to its Arboretum and Botanical Garden team. Horticulture, landscape design, and environmental stewardship ensure the green spaces are picnic-perfect. You can follow the school's guides on dedicated trees, gardens, and outdoor art to find the best space for your meal.

 

  1. Go for a stroll along the Little Paint Branch Trail in Beltsville and stop along the way to enjoy a picnic under a canopy of treetops. You can bike, skate, or walk the 6.4-mile asphalt trail. Carry a simple picnic and find a shady spot to enjoy it.

 

  1. While the Ravenswood Community Forest in Riverdale was built to tackle critical environmental issues, including improved water quality, pollinator habitats, and healthy tree canopies, it also serves as an important community space. You can pack a picnic, let the kids play in the forest’s natural play areas, and watch the birdhouses as you snack.

 

Want to eat outside but don’t want to pack your own meal? Try one of these Prince George’s outdoor dining spots.