Photography by Mike Miller
Saint Louis Art Museum
The beloved 1,326-acre park is home to the Saint Louis Art Museum, the zoo, scenic lakes, bike trails, and, of course, plenty of prime picnic grounds. While this spot might be familiar to most St. Louisans, few have fully explored all that Forest Park has to offer. For picnics, we recommend the grassy fields on Art Hill, right outside SLAM and overlooking the serene grand basin. While you’re on Art Hill, escape the heat for a moment and head inside the museum to check out the new Catching the Moment contemporary art exhibition, which runs through September 11. Note: Art Hill can be crowded on sunny days and weekends,, so check out the grass lawns at Pagoda Circle or the areas surrounding Post-Dispatch Lake if you want a bit more privacy. (For a thorough breakdown of attractions, check out this map.) 5595 Grand.
The park and arboretum includes vast stretches of green meadows and varied plant life. There's no shortage of stylish pavilions, ideal for fun gatherings, celebrations, and community events. The park also hosts cultural and educational events including the Children’s Performances Series and popular Tower Grove Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings. A full event calendar can be found here. 4257 Northeast.
Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Citygarden
Between its breathtaking landscape, renowned sculptures, and state-of-the-art water features, there’s a lot to take in at Citygarden. The downtown green space is a local favorite when it comes to enjoying public art amid stunning plantings, a water fountain, a children’s spray plaza, and a hardscape of granite, bluestone, and limestone. A 14-foot long limestone wall also displays movies, photography, and video art from local artists; check out the website to see what’s on view. 801 Market.
Photography by Mike Miller
Missouri Botanical Garden
Celebrate summer hump days by spending an evening listening to music and relaxing with friends inside one of the region’s most beautiful spaces. Each Wednesday evening through August 3, the garden opens to picnickers eager to spread out on the lawn and take in some tunes. Just be sure to register ahead of time. Free reservations can be made for up to 10 guests at a time, but they fill up fast. 4344 Shaw.
5. Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park
At 2,145 acres, Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park is the largest park in St. Louis. Picnic on the sand beach, enjoy the scenic lake view, and visit the “Dripping Springs” waterfall along the southeast shore. Want to explore more? Follow a water trail across the lake and up the creek to experience the area’s natural flora and fauna. 13725 Marine.
Immerse yourself in nature and culture with visit to Laumeier. Enjoy lunch while gazing at en plein air modern and contemporary sculptures. While you're there, check out the late-summer exhibition Forest Through the Trees, illustrating how art and nature contribute to wellness. 12580 Rott.
An overlook in Castlewood State Park. Photograph by Chris Naffziger
Castlewood is perfect for a good ol’ family gathering. The park features several picnic sites, complete with a picnic table and pedestal charcoal grill. The site is also good for fishing, biking, and a host of river activities, such as canoeing and rafting. 1401 Kiefer.
Courtesy of Gabriel Mireless
One of the oldest public parks in Missouri, Lafayette is a quaint getaway in the heart of Lafayette Square. Minimally adorned, with a few bronze sculptures and pavilions, the park is ideal for those wanting peace and quiet during a picnic outing. Visitors can enjoy a lake view, where a couple of loving swans can be seen, and appreciate the Victorian townhouses along Lafayette Avenue. It’s also one of the best places in St. Louis to take photos. 2023 Lafayette.
Home to a 1920s carousel, a butterfly house, and a large playground, Faust Park will keep kids busy while you relax. Among the top attractions is Faust Historic Village, which showcases a variety of architectural styles and buildings from 1840 to 1910. If you're planning a family outing this summer, check the local calendar. 15025 Faust Park.
Whether you're looking to hike or just sit and unwind, this 2,400-acre reserve has something for any outdoor enthusiast. Create your own adventure while navigating the tallgrass prairie, floodplain forest, and wetland area, and then take a break at one of the picnic pavilions. 307 Pinetum Loop, Gray Summit.
