It’s prime picnic season and with months of great weather ahead it’s the perfect time to do a little planning. There are lots of beautiful greenspaces in Scarborough to enjoy, each with its own unique features and attractions. From small, local parks to bustling waterfront destinations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few of our favourite ideas for how to plan a summer picnic in Scarborough.
L’Amoreaux Park
L’Amoreaux Park is a large, sprawling greenspace just north of Finch, between Kennedy and Birchmount. It covers a lot of area and includes a sports complex, the North Scarborough Green Loop Trail, and L’Amoreaux Kidstown Park (a really fun water park); it even continues north of McNicoll. The wooded park features lots of trails for hiking and biking, as well as a large pond. It is full of spots that would be perfect to lay down a blanket and have a picnic. Pick a tree with lots of shade and unpack your goodies!
Kidstown Water Park
It’s hard to deny the appeal of a water park on a hot day, and if you’ve got little ones in tow, Kidstown Water Park is the perfect picnic destination this summer. This spot is so popular that even families from neighbouring suburbs are regular visitors; it’s a day of guaranteed fun—and it’s free. Whether you’re packing an assortment of light, healthy snacks or a full lunch, we recommend not straying too far from the action. The water park is surrounded by grass so there are lots of places to spread out and relax, but a big part of the joy here is watching the little ones delight in the water.
Milliken Park
Milliken Park is a great spot to take pictures. You can walk along the boardwalk, watch the trumpeter swans, admire the flowers, wander the trails, or take the kids to the splash pad or the playground. This is a popular spot for picnics and gatherings, especially on weekends. Don’t forget about weekday and weeknight outings too; these are also good times to visit as there are fewer crowds but it’s still lively. If you’re lucky, you might even snag one of the gazebos.
Thomson Memorial Park
Thomson Memorial Park has it all: long, winding trails, a splash pad, a playground, an off-leash dog park, a tennis court, and plenty of picnic tables. There’s even outdoor fitness equipment for adults and an historical museum on site with four heritage buildings. Several sheltered picnic areas are perfect if you want a break from the sun or in case a raindrop or two starts to fall. This park is massive, just under 42 hectares, so there’s no shortage of places to unpack your picnic basket.
Scarborough Bluffs Park & Beach
Scarborough Bluffs Park & Beach is definitely the showstopper on this list. This park really wows and is worth visiting at different times, on different days of the week, to experience it in all its variety. We suggest going earlier in the day or midweek, if you can, so you can maximize the views and get a feel for the naturally laid back vibe. See the bluffs from on high, from below, perched on the rocks, sitting on a bench, or from a blanket spread out on the sand. This is one picnic destination where the views are transporting; it’s like an instant vacation.
We hope we’ve inspired you to start planning a few picnic outings of your own this summer. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to follow the Gemterra blog for more tips on how to make the most of the summer months in Scarborough.