Best Picnic Spots in Albany for Spring & Summer Afternoons
There's no better way to enjoy the nice weather in the Capital Region than having a picnic! Whether it's a romantic lunch with your significant other or a casual family outing, the Albany area has a number of great outdoor locations that are perfect for spreading out your gingham blanket and enjoying a meal al fresco.
Washington Park - Plan a Romantic Date
Albany's historic and premier park, Washington Park, just west of downtown is a great place to plan a romantic afternoon picnic when the weather is nice. Visit in the spring during the park's Tulip Festival to picnic amongst the 200,000 blooming tulips and go for a picturesque walk across the cobblestone bridge that crosses Washington Park Lake.
The Crossings of Colonie - Great for Families
Take the kids for a picnic at The Crossings of Colonie and stay for the whole afternoon! You can choose to lay out a blanket on the grass or dine in one of their pavilions with picnic tables. There's plenty to do after the meal to entertain the whole family for the rest of the day: swing sets, a labyrinth maze, paved trails for rollerblading, and a pond stocked with turtles and koi fish. Parents will appreciate the clean bathrooms, water fountains, and vending machines, too!
Buckingham Lake Park - Private + Peaceful
Tucked in a quiet neighborhood, this peaceful, quaint park is perfect for a private and relaxing picnic. The expansive pond and fountains provide a nice soundscape to your afternoon lunch and the ducks and geese are entertaining to watch while eating. The short trail around the pond (about a mile) is perfect for a post-meal walk.
Lincoln Park - Plenty to Do + See
Go for a swim and then have a picnic! Located in the heart of downtown, Lincoln Park is the only Albany park to have an outdoor public swimming pool. Bring the family and watch locals play tennis, basketball, or baseball. There's plenty of activities to keep your children active and busy after you eat.
John Boyd Thacher State Park - Hikers + Nature Lovers Paradise
Have your picnic overlooking a panoramic view of mountains and trees or next to a waterfall, you decide! A 20-minute drive west of Albany, John Boyd Thacher State Park in nearby Voorheesville is the perfect picnic destination for an adventurous young couple. Plan to have your picnic at some point along the 2hr long hike. Dogs are welcome here too, so you don't have to leave your pooch at home!