Our family has always loved picnics. There’s something so fun and relaxing about this simple date idea. Once Graham came along, it was easy to add him to our picnic dates! They’re such an inexpensive way of getting out of the house (and you don’t have to worry about table manners!). Here are our go-to Orlando picnic spots and what we usually pick up to eat when we go there!
Central Park (on Park Avenue in Winter Park)
As Orlando picnic spots go, this one is pretty perfect. It’s our original picnic location. We used to pick up 4Rivers BBQ to eat here when they were housed in their tiny original location on Fairbanks. 4Rivers is still a great option for Central Park, but there’s so much delicious take out in the area that we don’t feel limited. Most recently, we picked up a couple pizzas from Blaze and it was perfect. The nice thing about Central Park is that there’s plenty to walk around and see while you’re in the area, no matter what time you picnic!
UCF
There aren’t a ton of great picnic spots on the east end of town. Most people wouldn’t think of picnicking at a college, but it’s actually a great place for it! The fountain has steps around it that are perfect for a makeshift bench if you don’t have a picnic blanket with you. And with a 4Rivers location just down the street, the food doesn’t get better! Just make sure that if you go, you pay attention to where you park. Technically, UCF Parking Services patrols 24 hours a day. Don’t park in a spot marked “Reserved” or you could end up getting towed. We like to park right next to Millican Hall because it’s got the easiest access to the fountain.
The Beach
If there’s a rocket launch or even just a nice evening in the spring or summer we like to head over to the beach. Our food of choice has been my favorite beach meal since I was a kid: Publix subs. They’re easy to pick up on the way and keep cold and there’s just something so very “Florida” about a trip to the beach with a Pub sub. PSA for the pregnant ladies: Did you know they’ll make you a chicken or tuna salad sub?! I wish I had known this sooner, but it’s valuable information to get you over that time when you’re not supposed to eat deli meat.
Do you have a favorite picnic spot in the area? We’re always looking for somewhere new! Let me know in the comments!
Looks like a blast! Get it? Rocket Launch? Blast?? But, seriously, great ideas here!
Charlie has that same shirt!
And don’t forget the train that runs through Central Park! Trains have been my favorite since I was Graham’ s size! Love, love picnics!