There’s nothing quite like a family picnic when you’re looking for a way to enjoy time with the kids and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re planning a relaxing day just lounging and eating the meal you’ve packed or you want a fun-filled outing complete with swimming, fishing, hiking, or other outdoor activities, the area in and around Cedar Park has plenty of options.

You’ll find a range of parks, lakes, and more perfect for a picnic without traveling far. You can plan an impromptu day just with your immediate family or rent a pavilion for a bigger group outing, so no matter what you have on your itinerary you’ll find the right place close to home. Let Crème de la Crème of Cedar Park (Parmer Ln.) take the guesswork out of planning with this list.

Brushy Creek Lake Park

“cooked food prepare on the picnic area” used with permission via Unsplash by mariailves

You can’t go wrong by planning a day at Cedar Park’s Brushy Creek Lake Park if you’re in the mood for a family picnic. This 90-acre park boasts a range of recreational opportunities to fill your day with fun. With both a playscape and water playscape (open daily from May through August and on weekends in September) on-site, you’re sure to keep the kiddos entertained when they’re not eating.

Sand volleyball courts add to the fun, and if you’re into walking or hiking, Brush Creek Trail has you covered. As the park’s name hints, there’s also a lake at this park, offering the perfect spot for fishing or non-motorized boating.

Elizabeth Milburn Community Park

Elizabeth Milburn Community Park is another Cedar Park spot perfect for a picnic. This park spans a little over 42 acres and includes a variety of amenities ideal for meals outdoors, including a large picnic shelter, small picnic shelters, barbecue pits, and picnic tables.

There’s plenty of open field space, too, not to mention a range of other possibilities for fun. Whether you make use of the walking trail, treat the kids to some fun on the playground, or get active at the basketball court, tennis courts, or soccer fields, you’re in for a day of fun at this local park.

Cedar Park Sculpture Garden

Kiddos into art? Then you can’t miss Cedar Park Sculpture Garden when you’re planning some family time outside. Located next to the Cedar Park Recreation Center, the Sculpture Garden delivers an array of sculptures through an annual rotating display. Three artworks are part of the City of Cedar Park’s permanent art collection, with most others on loan from artists and available for sale. Have fun strolling with the kids taking in the unique pieces here before enjoying an outdoor meal.

Champion Park

Champion Park, with its sprawling open space, picnic tables, and picnic pavilions, makes for another great Cedar Park picnic location. Your kids are sure to delight in digging for dinosaur bone castings in the covered children’s play area. A playscape with swings and boulders designed for climbing takes the day to the next level. You can also walk, hike, or bike along the Brushy Creek Regional Trail from this park.

The large covered picnic pavilions complete with built-in grills are ideal for group gatherings with family and friends. You can reserve the Pecan North and Pecan South pavilions ahead of time to ensure you have the perfect picnic place ready for you. If not previously reserved, the pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Heritage Oak Park

If you’re searching for a low-key space to relax and enjoy nature, just head over to Heritage Oak Park. This 1-acre park is home to Cedar Park’s amazing oak tree, which is 400 years old and 57 feet tall. The park may be small, but it’s great when you need a quick stop to recharge outdoors with the kids.

Veterans Memorial Park

Rent a group pavilion or just enjoy an impromptu outing to Veterans Memorial Park, another great Cedar Park option. This park boasts a range of features to enjoy. The large outdoor aquatic facility includes a zero-depth “beach” area, a water playscape with a huge dump bucket, a mid-depth area for older kids, and more. Then there’s the community garden, tennis courts, basketball courts, and sports practice fields. Veterans Memorial Park even includes a 5-acre dog park, so it’s ideal if you want to bring the family pet along for your outing.

Twin Lakes Park

Twin Lakes Park is another area gem ideal for spending family time outdoors. This 50-acre space features an archery range, multi-purpose sports fields, and sand volleyball courts, not to mention a ropes course and beach/swimming area. The park also offers pavilions and serves as another gateway to the Brushy Creek Regional Trail.

Southwest Williamson County Regional Park

Head over to Southwest Williamson County Regional Park for more outdoor fun not far from Cedar Park. This park has something for everyone, including 11 soccer fields, a football field, eight tennis courts, two softball fields, and six basketball courts. There’s also a playscape and a network of crushed granite and natural surface trails for hiking and biking. The Quarry Splash Pad is open between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, and the Cedar Rock Railroad miniature train is a real highlight for kids.

Lake Travis

When you want to plan for a day by the water, it’s time to put an outing to Lake Travis on your calendar. Located just about 10 miles from Cedar Park, this lake is worth the drive for families craving outdoor fun and water-based relaxation. The scenic lake draws in visitors interested in swimming, fishing, boating, and more, so you can rest assured you’ll find the exact activities that meet your family’s needs. After all, Lake Travis spans over 62 miles, so there’s room for everyone here.

Lake Georgetown

Lake Georgetown is another place to have on your list when you’re interested in lake-based activities. Three parks around the lake have boat ramps, and both developed and primitive camping sites are available at a number of parks.

That wraps up the list from Crème de la Crème of Cedar Park (Parmer Ln.) of great picnic places close to home. Do you have another local favorite? Let us know where you go when you’re in the mood for a picnic so we can add your go-to spot!