The places and how-tos of this summer tradition
Memories
of picnics bring to mind a tasty, leisurely meal enjoyed outdoors on a sunny day. You can make new memories, thanks to local park districts where picnic spots are plentiful. Chicago Park District alone has 570 parks covering more than 7,600 acres perfect for outdoor eating. Add in the suburban parks and the choices increase. There are no fees for a small group to enjoy a picnic at these parks. Social distancing and mask wearing rules must be observed. Here are five suggestions to get started plus a few picnic pointers:
Ping Tom Memorial Park 1700 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago
Located along the south branch of the Chicago River at the edge of Chinatown, this 17.44-acre-park is named in honor of Chinatown’s noted civic leader, Ping Tom.
The park has a pagoda pavilion and other interesting Asian accents. Walk along the trails or rent a kayak to see the amazing skyline views. The park also has a Chicago Water Taxi Stop where you can catch a ride to downtown. There are no picnic tables but there is open space for spreading out a blanket and several benches for those who don’t want to sit on the ground. Restrooms are available in the Ping Tom Park Boathouse at the north end of the park. Metered parking is available along Wentworth Avenue.
Promontory Point 5491 South Shore Drive, Chicago
For fabulous Lake Michigan views, picnic at Promontory Point located in the 600-acre Burnham Park. This 12-acre man-made peninsula landscaped by renown designer Alfred Caldwell juts out into the lake and has open green space perfect for a picnic. There are also benches throughout the park. Restrooms can be found at the Promontory Point venue, 5491 S. South Shore Drive. Hourly fee parking is available at Standard Parking, 5575 S. South Shore Drive.
Pottawatomie Park 8 North Ave., St. Charles
This 38-acre park named in honor of the Pottawatomie Tribe that once inhabited the area is on the east edge of the Fox River. There are ample picnic tables and a picnic shelter along with free parking and restrooms. During the summer, there are boat rentals, concessions and paddlewheel riverboat rides on either the St. Charles Belle II or the Fox River Queen. All pathways are asphalt and there is access to the Fox River Trail in the park.
Sinnissippi Garden, 1354 North Second St., Rockford
The Sinnissippi Gardens, located along the Rock River, includes an all American Rose Selection accredited rose garden with more than 2,000 plants, a 32-foot floral clock, a perennial collection and the Nicholas Conservatory filled with a tropical botanical collection. Entrance to all the outdoor gardens is free. There are picnic tables as well as open green spaces for picnics. Parking and public restrooms are also available. Most of the paths are paved for easy access. Admission to the conservatory is $9 for adults and $7 for seniors. The peak time for blooming roses begins the third week in June.
Herrick Lake Forest Preserve Butterfield Road, Wheaton
To see nature and wildlife at its finest, picnic at this 887-acre park. Fishing and hiking on limestone paths around the lake adds to the fun. Boat rentals are available on the weekends. There are picnic tables and picnic shelters throughout the park. Bathrooms are located on the east side of the park and parking is available at both the Butterfield Road and Herrick Road entrances.
Picnic pointers
Consider these suggestions as you prepare for your outdoor eating adventure:
Logistics
• •
If the plan is to eat on the ground, be sure to take a blanket and a sheet of plastic or plastic tablecloth for under the blanket in case the ground is moist.
Pack needed serving tools such as a bottle opener, a cutting board, • • •
Prevention
• • • • serving utensils.
Include a small tray to provide a place to set the food without spilling. Take garbage bags to dispose of waste.
Bring paper towels and sanitizing wipes to keep germs away.
Pack bug spray in case insects are aggressive.
Take sunscreen to avoid burns. If the day is sunny, taking an umbrella may be a good idea.
Avoid insect invasion of open soda cans or beverages by placing a cupcake liner or napkin over the open beverage.
Pack a muffin tin to hold drinks steady if you are sitting on the ground. Place cups or cans in the muffin tin holes and reduce the threat of spilling the beverages.
Tricks
• Freeze water bottles to use as ice packs and then drink them when they thaw.
Keep cut fruit from turning brown with pineapple juice instead of lemon juice to avoid the sour punch. Pack food in screw top jars to reduce spills. • •
Menu
• Think outside the sandwich with items like cold fried chicken, fruit kabobs, wraps and salads.
Include interesting sides like olives, pickles, chips and fruit for variety. Make individual portions of salads and desserts in small jars for serving ease. If cupcakes are on the menu, cut them in half and sandwich the frosting in the middle to avoid a sticky mess. For steamy hot dogs without a grill, simply place hot dogs in a thermos with hot water and seal. They will stay hot for several hours. • • • •