The Best Picnic Spots in Dallas

You know what they say about the weather in Texas – If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.  No telling if it will be hot, cold, or rainy. With the weather being beautiful almost year round, we know Dallas likes to take picnics. We’ve compiled a list of places to have a picnic in Dallas, Texas. Don’t forget to to pack your picnic basket and wine bag to complete your trip. 

White Rock Lake: White Rock Lake scenic loop is in East Dallas. Runners, walkers, cyclists, in-line skaters — everybody uses the asphalt trail. Many cyclists, however, avoid the foot traffic by sticking to the outer roads around the lake when possible. Sunset Bay is a popular spot for picnic dining. (The easiest way to get to Sunset Bay is to take Buckner Boulevard south from Northwest Highway or Mockingbird Lane, heading toward Garland Road. Take a right at the light at Poppy Lane (where at Doctor’s Hospital). Follow Poppy into the park. At the stop sign, take a left at East Lawther Drive and proceed until you come to the turn-around at Winfrey Point. You’ll notice the CCC Statue on your left and a dock extending into the lake on your right. The park maintenance office, restrooms, a drinking fountain, and a cool spray are all located off the parking lot on your left.)

Prather Park: Prather Park is located across Euclid Avenue from Town Hall at 4500 Drexel Avenue.  This scenic park features paths and benches along Hackberry Creek.

Main Street Garden: Located in the thriving center of downtown, Main Street Garden is a public park, owned and developed by the City of Dallas and is programmed and managed by Downtown Dallas, Inc. Spanning a full city block bordered by Main Street, St. Paul, Commerce and Harwood, Main Street Garden is surrounded by historical architecturally significant buildings such as Mercantile Place, the Universities Center at Dallas and Old City Hall (the future University of North Texas School of Law.)

Lakeside Park: Beautiful Lakeside Park sits on over 14 acres of highly landscaped grounds along Turtle Creek between Beverly Drive and Armstrong Parkway. The walking paths and numerous benches along the way are the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.  Enjoy the scenic views from the bridge atop the Turtle Creek Dam, the whimsy of the Teddy Bear statues, and the tranquility of the Read Memorial.

Dallas Arboretum: The Dallas Arboretum, one of the most beautiful outdoor attractions in Dallas, features 66-acres of spectacular display gardens that showcase incredible seasonal flowers, ornamental shrubs, trees and plant collections in a serene setting on White Rock Lake.

Celestial Park: This quiet, 4-acre neighborhood park on the north side of Celestial Road at Bellbrook Drive is a good spot to sit and reflect on the beautiful surroundings. It features a jogging trail, steps with celestial quotations and poetry leading up to a human sundial, park benches, plant identification throughout the park, and pet waste dispensers.

Virtruvian Park: Lots of great space (19 acres!) and absolutely beautiful during Christmas time. There aren’t any playgrounds for children here, but

Robert E Lee Park:  Located in Uptown, this is a great place to stop by.   Lots of great events happen here, be sure to check their site and see everything that is going on to stay in the loop. Look for parking where Rawlins meets Lee Parkway.

Founder’s Plaza Observation Area: This is a great location to bring guests (especially those from out of town). Watch airplanes land and take off daily during park hours (open 7am-7pm daily).

Griggs Park: Get a great view of Uptown and Downtown from this quaint park. There isn’t a kids park but lots of green area to lay out or to let your dog roam.

Addison Circle Park: Known for all of the great Addison events and apartment complexes, Addison Circle Park is a great place to take a family for a picnic. There are lots of benches and splash pads. Not to mention, if you’re still thirsty after your picnic it’s surrounded by restaurants.

The Dallas Park and Recreation Department maintains more than 21,000 park acres including 17 lakes with 4,400 surface acres of water at 17 park sites, 17,196 acres of greenbelt / park land, and 61.60 miles of jogging and bike trails at 24 locations. To find more parks and places for picnics, visit their official site.

Let us know where your favorite place to picnic in Dallas is so we can add it to the list!