The Best Picnic Spots Around Indy

Slice up that watermelon and break out the checkered blanket– it’s picnic time! 


There's no better way to spend summer days than outside, eating and drinking with your loved ones. Read on for our suggestions for the best picnic spot in Indy.





Monument Circle

Mile Square / 1 Monument Circle

There’s nothing that screams “Downtown Indy” more than Monument Circle and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Snag a spot on the steps for an impromptu lunch hour picnic and people watch as long as your heart desires. If you’re feeling brave (or just want to burn off some of those calories you just consumed), hike up the stairs to the top of the Monument to see Indy from a new perspective.





White River State Park

White River State Park / 801 W Washington St

Want a beautiful view of Indy, but scared of heights? Enjoy your picnic from White River State Park and you’ll get a fantastic view of Indy in all her glory. Grab a spot on the lawn, along the canal, or near one of the many public art installations, sit back, and enjoy the beautiful weather with a view that can’t be beat.





Holliday Park

Spring Mill / 6363 Spring Mill Rd

Take a Holliday from your normal dinner routine and head over to this park for your next picnic. You bring the snacks, Holliday Park will bring the bike trails, secluded hideaway spots, the White River, and ruins that once had a life as part of a skyscraper in NYC. Let’s just hope the rain doesn’t ruin your fun.





The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres

Woodstock / 1850 West 38th Street

Enjoy your artisan sandwich and organic fruit tray at the picturesque 100 Acres park at Newfields. Grab a spot on one of the twisting benches surrounding the lake, set up shop on Funky Bones, or make a spot in the meditation space and contemplate the meaning of life (if you’re feeling really existential).





The Idle

Fletcher Place / 800 Virginia Ave

Tucked away off Virginia Avenue, Idle is a park you might miss if you’re not aware of it. Created to promote unity between the separated Fletcher Place and Fountain Square neighborhoods, this park has a great view of the 65/70 split. Enjoy a side of schadenfreude with your picnic as you watch cars sit in traffic during rush hour, knowing that you’re one of the lucky ones not in that mess.





Highland Park

Holy Cross / 1100 E New York St

The San Francisco-esque scene of the skyline sets the scene at this small park on the near eastside. Not only is it a perfect picnic spot — it doubles as one of the best lowkey spots in the city to see fireworks on the Fourth of July. It's small but underrated — the little park that could.





Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park

Lawrence / 5753 Glenn Road

This northside haunt is one of the best spots in the state to hike, bike, bring your dog,s hammock, and yes, even picnic. Find a spot near the walnut grove, or hike up the big hill and picnic with a view — the world is your oyster.




Where are your fav spots to picnic in town? Let us know at [email protected].