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The summer months are a great time for picnics, so pack up some sandwiches, grab a blanket and cut open the watermelon. We at NeighborhoodCircle.com scoped out some of our favorite picnic spots in the North Shore and compiled a handy picnic guide.
Have a spot you like better? Add a comment at the end of this story or write a blog telling us why your spot is the best place to grab some grub.
Click here to see an interactive map.
Evanston
Where: The bay next to the Norris Center, 1999 S. Campus Drive
Why: Take a seat and watch as the inhabitants of Lake Michigan swim up into the bay next to Northwestern’s Campus. Bask in the beauty of Lake Michigan at sunset and admire parts of the NU campus while enjoying an outdoor meal on your picnic blanket or lawn chair.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Glencoe
Where: Lakefront Park, 55 Hazel Ave.
Why: If you’re looking for a spot that has scenic views with an option of a picnic table or grassy area, Lakefront Park is one of the best spots in the area. The park overlooks Glencoe Beach and water is all that can been seen on the horizon. Once everyone has had their fill of the picnic goods, stop down at the beach for a romp in the water. There are also two playgrounds available for youngsters: one in the park and one on the beach.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Extra info: There’s plenty of wildlife running around Lakefront Park, so watch out for beautiful birds and cute chipmunks. Beach rates are $6/adults or $4/youth for residents and $9/adults or $7/children for nonresidents.
Glenview
Where: Little Bear Garden at Gallery Park, corner of Patriot Boulevard and Chestnut Avenue
Why: It’s the atmosphere of the Little Bear Garden that makes it the spot in Glenview for a summer picnic. It’s a picturesque location with all the amenities to keep the kids occupied. Spread out a blanket, sit at a table or swing on one of the hanging benches to take a bite. Afterwards, children can run through the kid-friendly water fountains, find their way through a garden labyrinth or dig through the large sandbox.
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Extra info: No dogs are allowed inside the Little Bear Garden so make sure to leave puppies at home.
Northbrook
Where: Village Green Park, 1344 Shermer Ave.
Why: There are a variety of favorable spots to stake out for a picnic in Northbrook’s Village Green Park. Spread out your picnic blanket along the river or take a seat at one of the two picnic tables close to the Village Green Center. The kids can run around the spacious lawn on the green or on the playground near Walters Avenue. For a cooler location out of the sun, stake out a spot under the gazebo in the middle of the action. In addition to these spots, a large open area on the west side of the Northbrook Historical Society on the Village Green is perfect for lying out, enjoying a book or playing catch.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Northfield
Where: Clarkson Park, 1950 Willow Road
Why: If you’re looking for a shady area with plenty of picnic tables, Clarkson Park has an open air pavilion with several. There’s plenty of room to run around and a playground not too far away. Plus, the Northfield Park District hosts several events throughout the summer months in the park.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Wilmette
Where: Mallinckrodt Park, 1041 Ridge Road
Why: The open space is perfect for summer picnics, walking the dog or relaxing on a summer afternoon. Enjoy the beautiful landscaping and variety of flowers that add color to the space. There are benches to sit down on along the walking paths as well as a large gazebo and grassy areas to set down a picnic basket.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Winnetka
Where: Tower Road Beach, Tower and Sheridan roads
Why: If you’re not afraid to get a little sand in your sandwich, Tower Road Beach is a great place to have a picnic with a few perks. The water is only a few steps away and families can spend that one hour needed before swimming building sandcastles. Or, at the entrance to the beach, there is a covered picnic shelter with tables for those wanting to keep the sand out of their mouths.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Extra info: The Winnetka Park District requires any picnics with 10 or more people to have a permit. Beach admission is $4/adult and $3/child for residents and $10/adult and $8/child for nonresidents.
