KC Picnic Guide
My five favorite spots to picnic near midtown – and what to bring!
Photos by Courtney Wiebe
Summer is FULLY upon us, but I hope this article takes you through all of our four beautiful seasons in KC. The Paris of the Plains isn’t exactly known for its plethora of outdoor activities shall we say, so here we entertain the park picnic!
Maybe you don’t have an outdoor living space, or maybe you just need a break from your backyard, but there is something about grabbing your favorite book and throwing a blanket on the grass that feels like summer. The best part of picnicking is it’s free! You can pack up and go wherever and whenever you feel like it with minimal planning. You can make it as fancy or no-frills as you want, our furry best friends are welcome and most notably, it gives you a chance to appreciate and enjoy our city. A bottle of rosé, sparkling water, or a few cold Boulevards and you are set! Follow me and get outside!
The Nelson Lawn – can you ever possibly get sick of this space and view?! Hint: the answer is no. This spot is quintessentially Kansas City and provides so many great vantage points and insta worthy spaces. I recommend the hills by the sculpture park if you are looking for some solace, or the lawn if you want full sun and the chance to meet other groups and possibly jump in a game of soccer or yoga flow! Theis Park is just across the street and has a great grassy area, too.
Loose Park – one of the most popular parks in the city and for good reason. A rose garden, playgrounds, a small pond and a grove of trees. If you have a hammock, it’ll make this the perfect place for a picnic near the Plaza.
Liberty Memorial Park/WWI Memorial Lawn – a revered and historical way to spend a few hours. Not only will you have sweeping panoramas of the city, you can also enjoy a landmark that has been a fixture of peace since 1926. The National WW1 Museum and Memorial are also open daily from 10-5 if you want to add another activity to your day!
Gillham Park – if you live in midtown you are likely already very familiar with this park, but if not, I swear it is a hidden jewel of outdoor space. Starting from Brush Creek Boulevard and heading north along Gillham you will find a paved one-mile trail, splash park, skate park, tennis court and recreational fields. Your possibilities are endless!
Rosedale Park – if you want to add a little adventure to your picnic, then Rosedale is the park for you! I love Rosedale for its two incredible disc golf courses, with the “Down Under” being my favorite. After 18 holes along a wooded hillside, you will want to relax and enjoy this 55 acre urban green space. Grab some paninis at Cupini’s on your way!
These are just a few of my favorite spots, but the city is truly your oyster. I can’t wait to see your setup and how you picnic across KC. Snacks can range from easy to extravagant, but some ideas I love are charcuterie, fruit, salads, or pickup takeout from any of our local restaurants or grocery stores on your way. Grab your backpack or basket, a blanket, your favorite book, headphones or a speaker (be respectful!) and make sure to tag @MIKCexplore if you visit any of these spots!
