We love a family picnic. There is something special about grabbing your favorite food, a blanket, and heading into the outdoors to eat together. It has become one of our favorite activities to have great conversations and laugh together.
As much as we love family picnics, our kids don’t have the same attention span for sitting and chatting. As soon as they are done eating, they want to be off doing something. Here are some great spots in Utah County that have pretty picnic places, but also something fun to do for the kids.
Nielsen’s Grove: Orem
This park has lovely grounds for a pleasant stroll. There is a lot of grass, which is perfect for your family picnic and games of catch with a Frisbee or ball after. Your kids will enjoy the playground, a walk through the flowers, or a visit to the little duck pond.
Big Springs Park: Provo Canyon
This is our favorite park for picnics in the Fall, but it is great all year round. There are plenty of tables and a huge grassy area to spread out and eat. Then you can go explore the stream or enjoy the Big Springs hike.
Bicentennial Park: Provo
One of our personal favorites for a family picnic, Bicentennial Park is a great spot. There is a little pond, plus a boardwalk through the wetlands, and a fun playground. There is a dog park and a disc golf course, so there is something for everyone.
Shoreline Park: Saratoga Springs
We love spending a few hours around Shoreline Park. There is a nice grassy area next to a pond. You can fish, walk around the pond, and even walk down to the lake, or follow the Utah Lake Trail.
Dry Creek Trail Park: Lehi
This park has a creek running right through it, so it makes for a lovely picnic listening to the stream chuckle by. There’s plenty of grass for a picnic and then you can enjoy the disc golf course, a nature walk along the creek, or even fishing along the bank. There is also a small playground here, too.
Highland Glen Park: Highland
Highland Glen has a little bit of everything, so it is a great spot for a picnic. There is a pavilion and tables, plus grassy areas for you to spread out the sandwiches. Kids can enjoy the playground, the sandy beach, the fishing platforms, the walking trails, and of course, the views of the mountains.
Bridal Veil Falls Park: Provo Canyon
Located up Provo Canyon, this park has a lot of picnic tables in the shade to enjoy your food. When you are ready, you can walk up to the waterfall, stroll along the Provo Canyon Parkway, or toss a few rocks into the river.
Rock Canyon Park: Provo
This park has a super fun playground and beautiful views of the mountains. There is a huge grassy area for picnics and other games, plus you can walk up to the Rocky Canyon Trailhead and enjoy the Interpretive Trails.
Paul Ream Wilderness Park: Provo
This little known park is a great picnic spot because it sits right next to the Provo River. There are a ton of ducks, so watch your food. You can explore in the trees or play on the playground. We saw folks fishing and splashing in the shallow water. The Provo River Parkway also walks right along here, so you can enjoy a little trail, too.
Salem Pond: Salem
The pond in Salem has a fun playground, lots of grass, a cute bridge for photo ops, plus fishing benches and stations around the pond. This is a classic picnic spot for morning or afternoon with family or a loved one.
Wines Park: Lehi
One reason that we love this park is all of the large shade trees. There is a lot of grass and a pavilion on each corner of the park, so you can have a picnic almost anywhere. The playground is a ton of fun and there is a separate toddler play area, too.
Canyon View Park: Spanish Fork
This park has a lovely pond and a playground, which are perfect for the kids after they finish browsing at the picnic table.There is also a gazebo and easy access to the Spanish Fork River Trail if you’d like to enjoy a hike.
Jolley Ranch/Kelly’s Grove: Hobble Creek Canyon
We have not visited this area, but have heard it is beautiful and perfect for a picnic. At Jolley’s Ranch there are picnic tables, a pavilion, a playground, grass, and even a campground. Sounds like a great place to have a family picnic. Kelly’s Grove is also nearby with pavilions and picnic tables and two playgrounds. This is on our list to enjoy a picnic here this year.
For other picnic ideas, check out this post: 13 Best Picnic Spots in Utah Valley.
