Great Picnic Spots in Nassau County

Eisenhower Park — East Meadow

Smack in the middle of Nassau County, Eisenhower Park features a 930-acre open space with a number of picnic areas and an array of activities to keep the family engaged, including athletic fields and courts, playgrounds, fitness trails, and more. There's also an 18-hole miniature golf course that is sure to captivate and engage children. Nassau County residents can obtain a Leisure Pass for less expensive access.

Gerry Pond Park — Roslyn

With picturesque views and a serene atmosphere, Gerry Pond Park provides the perfect setting for a picnic day. While there is not a designated picnic area inside the park, it is spacious and has many places within to enjoy. Benches are available for seating. A favorite attraction is the large pond surrounded by trees that provide shade on a hot day. The pond is also popular with the ducks who call it home and that are known to join in on visitor’s lunches.

Jones Beach State Park — Wantagh

Jones Beach, New York's most visited state park, is a popular destination for families all summer. Why not cap off a fun day at the beach with a picnic or BBQ? Visitors can use the picnic areas at Field 6 or head over to the approved barbecue areas at Fields 5 or 10 to grill up some burgers and hot dogs. Afterward, enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk. Bathrooms are easily accessible for picnic-goers.

North Hempstead Beach Park — Port Washington

Formerly known as Bar Beach and Hempstead Harbor Park, this location has 34 acres of sandy beach and recreational activities. In addition to picnic areas with barbecues and shelter pavilions, there is also a fishing pier, boat ramp, bathhouse, concession area, and playground. There are also sports fields for basketball, softball, soccer, and more. 

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Picnic and explore the beautiful blooms at Old Westbury Gardens.

Old Westbury Gardens — Old Westbury

There are designated areas for picnicking as well as a cafe if you don’t want to bring in your own food. Families can enjoy a stroll through the beautiful grounds that boast 200 acres of gardens, woodlands, ponds, and lakes, and tour the magnificent mansion on their own. Guided tours are available.

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park and Coe Hall — Oyster Bay

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park is 409 acres of nature’s beauty at its best. With grounds that are well kept and vast, it is an ideal picnic destination, and its greenhouses, gardens, and hands-on programs for children make it a great day-trip option. Be sure to take a tour inside the mansion.

Great Picnic Spots in Suffolk County

Belmont Lake State Park — North Babylon

With more than 400 acres of natural Long Island scenery, Belmont Lake State Park makes a great picnic spot. This park has designated picnic areas as well as pavilions available. Belmont also has a variety of activities to get you up and moving after you’ve filled up on your picnic lunch. An exercise trail, playground, paddle boating, row boating, biking, and a walking trail are all accessible in the park. Grills are available.

Crab Meadow Beach — Northport

In addition to a beautiful beach and a large playground (with a jungle gym, see-saws, slides, and swings), there is also a picnic and pavilion area here, along with grills to use. Visitors to this Town of Huntington facility can fish, kayak, and canoe if the mood strikes. For a real treat, stay for the spectacular sunset.

Heckscher State Park — East Islip

The 1,600 acres of Heckscher State Park on the south shore of Long Island are used for a number of outdoor activities. The park's shady picnic groves are especially popular. Kids can play sports in one of the large open fields, as well as enjoy four miles of paved trails. There are amazing views of Great South Bay with Fire Island in the distance, and you just might spot some whitetail deer, a variety of birds, and other wildlife. Grills and concessions are available. Three of the park pavilions are available by permit only. Dogs are allowed in certain areas.

RELATED: Great Beach Playgrounds on the East End 

 Kids can work up an appetite playing on the beach at Sunken Meadow State Park.

Sunken Meadow State Park — Kings Park

Located on Long Island Sound, this park has a range of topography, including glacial bluffs, tidal flats, salt marshes, and a brackish creek. There are also large picnic areas and pavilions available for visitors to enjoy. The calm water is perfect for a swim (or kayaking and canoeing), and families can enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk. There is also a popular 27-hole golf course. 

Great Picnic Spots on the East End

Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard — Calverton

What's more picturesque than a picnic at an East End vineyard? Baiting Hollow offers plenty of picnic space, a chance for mom and dad to share some relaxing time, and a one-of-a-kind horse rescue facility. After the picnic, kids can interact with former racehorses and working horses whose rescues have been funded by proceeds from wine sales.

Great Lawn — Westhampton Beach

Sometimes simpler is better: See the Great Lawn of Westhampton Beach. With nearly six acres of open grass, the Great Lawn is an ideal place to take in the views as you partake in a picnic lunch. Sprawling lawns and huge trees provide a comfortable cushion for picnickers, and trees offer ample shade.

Indian Island County Park — Riverhead

Where can you picnic with the peacocks? At Indian Island County Park, a Suffolk County facility. With more than 275 acres of land, this park is adjacent to a small farm where you can see peacocks, goats, and a host of other animals. Located within the park are picnic tables and grills. Campsites are available with trailer and tent sites. The park is located at the mouth of the Peconic River, which provides a beautiful waterfront picnicking experience.

Wildwood State Park — Wading River

You get the best of both worlds picnicking at Wildwood State Park. With more than 600 acres of land and a bluff overlooking Long Island Sound, visitors can enjoy lunch by the water or picnic within the park. Picnic table areas are shaded from the sun, and there is a playground for children and even showers. There is also a campsite. Fishing and hiking are worth exploring while on your adventure.

A version of this post was published in 2017 and has since been updated. 

Photos by the author