ParkTalk Blog – Best Picnic Spots in Naperville

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Picnics are a simple way to turn a meal into a special outing. They offer amazing opportunities to benefit our physical and mental wellbeing, like creating special memories with family and friends, reducing stress, and spending time outdoors. With 140 parks throughout Naperville, there is no shortage of outdoor space to recreate – and picnic. There are small picnic shelters located at over 80 Naperville parks, and acres of open land for a classic picnic on a blanket. However, finding the perfect picnic spot can be a daunting challenge with the amount of options offered. Throughout this blog, you will discover several ideal picnicking spots, along with some hidden gems, in a few of the Naperville Park District’s most popular parks. 

Naperville Riverwalk

The Naperville Riverwalk is considered the “Crown Jewel” of Naperville for its beautiful landscape and proximity to the downtown district. Throughout the nearly two-mile stretch along the West Branch of the DuPage River, the Riverwalk features fountains, bridges and picturesque open spaces which create several ideal locations to unwind and enjoy.

Rotary Hill

Rotary Hill during a Millennium Carillon Summer Recital.

Located in the middle of the Downtown Riverwalk near the base of the Millenium Carillon and adjacent to the Paddleboat Quarry, is Rotary Hill. This well-known destination offers endless joy year-round as a sled hill in the winter and a scenic open area in the warmer seasons. There are plenty of spots to lay out a blanket and relax under the sun or beneath one of the larger trees. At the top of each hour, picnickers can enjoy the chimes of the Carillon bells - and if your picnic date falls on a Tuesday evening during the summer, there are free Carillon recitals. Located adjacent to the Paddleboat Quarry and steps off the Riverwalk, Rotary Hill provides picnickers with the calming sounds of the DuPage River mixed in with cheers of summer fun from nearby Centennial Beach.

Hidden Gem: Centennial Park

Open turf area near the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion.

Further down the west side of the Riverwalk, away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Naperville, is Centennial Park. This area checks just about every box for a picnic: individual picnic tables available throughout the area and plenty of trees that provide welcome shade on a hot day. This is a great spot to picnic in because it is a quiet space to reflect and relax but also has the amenities of a populated area with public bathrooms and a large, accessible playground 

Knoch Knolls Park

Knoch Knolls Park is a well-known hub for nature-based activities in Naperville. Accented by the Knoch Knolls Nature Center, visitors can immerse themselves in their local environment by hiking in the vast wooded area, fishing or canoeing in confluence of the DuPage River, playing disc golf, and, of course, picnicking! With acres upon acres of beautiful natural areas, there are countless spots for picnickers to take a welcome respite from daily life. 

Lower Grove Picnic Area

Open area on the Lower Grove with picnic tables and grill.

Located near the Knoch Knolls Nature Center is the Lower Grove Picnic Area. Underneath the natural canopy of trees is an open area where picnickers can become one with nature. The Lower Grove provides a variety of picnicking options. Scattered across the area are picnic tables, however, the Lower Grove is big enough to lay out a blanket for the classic picnic aesthetic as well. The Park District also provides charcoal grills on a first-come, first-serve basis for those looking to cook out. The Lower Grove’s proximity to the Nature Center’s washrooms and the park’s entrance makes it a convenient and beautiful location.

Hidden Gem: Upper Grove Pavilion

Frank J. Rus Pavilion in the Upper Grove of Knoch Knolls Park.

Hiking along the Knoch Knolls Park trail will take you to our next hidden gem, the Frank J. Rus Pavilion in the Upper Grove. This area’s new amenity has transformed the Upper Grove into one of the best picnic spots in Naperville. Constructed in 2024, the Frank J. Rus Pavilion is surrounded by mature trees, creating a scenic location to rest and eat lunch. Along with the picnic tables scattered throughout the area, the Upper Grove provides ample shade for picnickers who want to lounge on a blanket. Regardless of the manner you picnic, you’ll be enveloped by the calming sights and sounds of nature in this area.

Wolf's Crossing Community Park

Wolf’s Crossing Community Park, which opened to the community in 2021, is a 33-acre park with several unique amenities including a challenge course, splash pad, playground, sled hill, multipurpose fields, and more. The large open space provides visitors with a variety of options to picnic in one of the District’s largest and busiest community parks surrounded by many activities.

Hilltop Picnic Tables

Picnic shelter overlooking Wolf's Crossing Community Park.

Those who are brave enough to trek up the stairs to what becomes the sled hill in the winter months, are rewarded with another hidden gem atop the sled hill – a scenic picnic spot overlooking Wolf’s Crossing Community Park. For a region that is mostly flat, this view gives the feeling of sitting on top of the world. Accented with two picnic tables, this is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. Picnickers can witness people conquer the challenge course, make summertime memories at the splash pad, or score their first goal in soccer all from this towering vantage point.

Hidden Gem: Natural Area

Little picnic shelter at Wolf's Crossing Community Park.

Hidden behind the hill and situated along the looped trail is a small picnic shelter with a unique set of picnic tables. This area overlooks a native prairie covered with native pollinator plants. These plants attract a variety of native pollinators such as the Eastern Bumblebee, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Monarch Caterpillar and Bumblebee Moth. Along with a regular picnic table, the area is appropriately decorated with large mushroom tables that would likely appear in a magical forest from a fairy tale. Log benches complete the natural aesthetic of this picnic shelter. This area is tucked away from the cheerful noise of the park’s playground and splash pad, meaning visitors can quietly enjoy their picnic while observing local birds and insects in their natural habitats. 

Each of these locations are perfect locations for planned meet ups and drop-in picnic lunches. Their variety offer a unique experience for friends and family interested in enjoying the beauty of their community. This is just a short list of the wonderful picnic locations throughout Naperville and more can be discovered at www.napervilleparks.org/locations. Wherever you decide to picnic, please remember the most important rule: respect your community parks and keep public spaces clean by discarding your garbage In the appropriate containers!