Top Spots To Go On A Picnic Near Denver
Lookout Mountain (credit: Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
The weather is finally warming up and spring is officially here. Time to get out of the house to soak up some of the beautiful Colorado sunshine. Start your season off right with a family picnic at any of these wonderful picnic spots in the Denver area. Make it a fun spur-of-the-moment surprise or plan a special day out to celebrate National Picnic Day on April 23. No matter how you enjoy these beautiful picnic areas, just be sure to take lots of photos because these spots all have some of the most beautiful views in all of Colorado.
Daniel's Park
8699 N. Daniels Park Road
Sedalia, CO 80135
(720) 865-0900
www.denvergov.org/denverparks
If you're looking for a hidden gem, you can't go wrong with a picnic in Daniel's Park. The park is on the smaller side but you'll find an old rock picnic area, complete with a stone fireplace plus several other picnic tables and grills found all over the park. The best part of this spot, however, is the amazing view of the Front Range. You'll marvel at the panoramic views, especially if you make it for a sunset picnic when the views are at their most spectacular. On really nice evenings you may find tables a little harder to come by but during the week, you'll have no trouble finding the perfect place to enjoy a family picnic and incredible views.
Lookout Mountain
999 Lookout Mountain Road
Lakewood, CO 80401
www.jeffco.us
Another amazing picnic spot if you are willing to make a short drive is Lookout Mountain. It's about a 40-minute drive outside of Denver but you're rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of the entire city, which is especially spectacular at night. Head up during the day and bring the kids if you want to explore the area where, on a clear day, you can see all the way to Denver International Airport. You'll also be very close to Buffalo Bill's Grave and Museum, so you can make an educational day of it, too. Stop by this historic spot for information on the notorious Buffalo Bill and a short one-mile hike to his gravesite.
Related: Top Spots To Go Fishing Near Denver
Washington Park
S. Downing and E. Louisiana Ave.
Denver, CO 80209
www.washpark.com
If you want to keep your picnic in the city, you can't go wrong with a trip to Washington Park. Sure, it can get a bit crowded on the weekend, but that's part of the fun of this favorite hot-spot. People watching here is always a lot of fun, and you can enjoy all the different dogs as the family pups get a little daily exercise. Bring a picnic, find a comfortable spot, spread out a blanket, and then enjoy the beautiful Denver sunshine. Bring a volleyball net if you want to start up a game, as volleyball is always a popular weekend activity here. Be on the lookout for bikers since the paths can get pretty busy, and always watch for the geese, as there are tons of them around these parts.
Confluence Park
2200 15th St.
Denver, CO 80202
www.denvergov.org
Confluence Park is a surprisingly beautiful spot, hidden right in the middle of Denver where the Cherry Creek and South Platte River meet. There are plenty of beautiful waterfront spots to sit down and enjoy a picnic lunch, or find a spot closer to the bridges for a different view. The water here is always fun to watch, as you'll find lots of kayakers and tubers riding the rapids, braving the rocks and fast-moving water. You can also soak up a little history here, as gold was discovered in this spot in 1858, which helped lead to the development of the city of Denver. Confluence Park is the perfect spot for a spur-of-the-moment afternoon picnic without having to go too far from home.
Related: Top Playgrounds In Denver
Sloan's Lake Park
Sheridan Blvd and 17th Ave.
Denver, CO 80219
www.denvergov.org
You can't drive along Sheridan Boulevard near 17th Avenue without seeing lots of people enjoying the day on Sloan's Lake. This large lake is a huge focal point in the neighborhood, with a lot of pretty spots all around it for a relaxing picnic. Head to the east side of the lake and enjoy a beautiful sunset view or stake out a spot any time of the day for that relaxing view of the calm lake. The only downside to visiting Sloan's Lake is the parking, as it can be very difficult to find a spot on a busy weekend afternoon. Take the bus or public transportation if you can, it will save you a big headache.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
