Great Escape: Picnics and Grilling

We’ve gone from exceptional heat to monsoons and back again. If you’ve been spending your days lounging by  the AC and hiding from the rain in stores and under awnings during the others, than you are ready for a break. Well, here’s your chance. There is good weather on the horizon, so grab a blanket, fill up that picnic basket and head out for a weekend of family fun and barbecues. And with plenty of great hang-out space nearby, you’ll be able to make your own picnic oasis in the city.

Gorgas Park - Roxborough and Manayunk just can’t get enough of Gorgas Park. It’s a nice park with a lot of rural features in an urban environment. In addition to the touted gardens, war memorial, playground and open baseball fields, Gorgas Park also houses a gazebo for those looking to get a little fancier than the typical blanket-and-ants  family picnic. Just make sure you contact the Philadelphia Recreation Department for a permit if you’re looking to have a big cookout.
Where: Ridge Ave & Leverington Ave., 19128

Wister Woods - If you’re looking to get out of your typical picnic spots, head down Germantown Avenue toward La Salle University’s campus for an afternoon at Wister Woods. This area of the Fairmount Park system is really starting to see some payoff after a few years of area cleanings, and with memorial statues, barbeque spots and the area campus in the distance, you’ll enjoy your party at Wister Woods. And if you don’t feel like packing a meal, head up to the university’s food court and take a walk around the gardened areas of the historic Peale House.
Where: 1900 West Olney Avenue, 19141

The Schuylkill Center - The Schuylkill Center has an amazing spot for a big old family picnic. Sure, you know the Schuylkill River Trail and your kids have spent time at the center for environmental education. But come out to the Pavilion and Ampitheatre after a long day on the trails or for your summer family reunion. The area overlooks the Springhouse Pond and is the perfect picnic getaway for a family of trailblazers. But make sure you pack your sandwiches - though this is a beautiful picnic spot, the fire pit and grill are not open for public use.
Where: 8480 Hagys Mill Rd , 19128

Sutcliffe Park - If you’re looking to head a wee bit out of the city for your grilling and picnicking adventures, head west on 76 to lovely Conshohocken for your day getaway. Here you will find Sutcliffe Park, one of the handful of lovely and well-embellished parks in the area. Sutcliffe is one of two area parks that does not have rules posted, but according to the borough website, permits are required for bigger events on the property. Sutcliffe is home to free summer concerts, like the Norris Tones and the Paul Moore Band, and is a great spot to play some catch, grill some burgers, or take your kids and dates on a fun-filled picnic.
Where: Colewell Lane, Conshohocken, 19428

Awbury Arboretum - If you’re looking for a nice spot for a few hours that has all the amenities of a great picnc area as well as an educational vibe and scenery that really sets it apart, look no further than the Awbury Arboretum. The Arboretum is underutilized considering its sheer beauty and history. With dozens of foreign and domestic trees, examples of environmental fortitude in its rain gardens and runoff areas and acres of open meadow to picnic in, this park space is the epitome of historic and environmental splendor in the area.
Where: One Awbury Road, Philadelphia, PA 19138