Having a picnic with the family lets everyone spend time together sharing a meal and a memorable experience. Whether you want to have a picnic in a nature reserve, at a local zoo, or somewhere with beautiful views, enjoy these five spots to have a picnic in the Warrenville, Illinois, area.

Naperville Riverwalk

Sunday Morning by David Jakes is licensed with CC BY 2.0

The family will enjoy strolling along the 1.75-mile Naperville Riverwalk with fabulous views of the DuPage River. Many locals and visitors consider the Naperville Riverwalk one of the most beautiful places to stroll and have a picnic in the entire Midwest, with its bridges, fountains, landscaping, and darling shepherd’s-crook light poles. Additional amenities along the Naperville Walkway include an ADA-accessible playground with Braille and sign language panels, slides, swings, ropes, and more. The older kids can test their skills at the Centennial Skate Park, and everyone can enjoy the beauty of the Dandelion Fountain.

When you’re ready for a picnic, head to the Grand Pavilion. This covered structure has picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and electricity. Or, enjoy your meal at various spots and benches along the brick walkway. You can park at several downtown Naperville parking facilities before walking along the river and having a picnic at the Grand Pavilion.

Location of the Grand Pavilion: 912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Court

Contact: 630-848-5000

Warrenville Grove Forest Preserve

Warrenville Grove Forest Preserve is one of the best places to have a picnic and nature-filled experience in the Warrenville area. This 127-acre preserve has a wide range of natural activities to take part in, including having a picnic and relaxing. When you visit Warrenville Grove Forest Preserve, you’ll have access to trails that wander through the floodplains and upper woodlands of the DuPage River.

This special preserve is home to several fens, peat-formed wetlands, where you can spot native and migratory birds. Before having your meal at one of the picnic areas in the preserve, cast a line along the banks of the river to try your hand at catching fish. Warrenville Grove Forest Preserve is a great place to visit to learn about the flora and fauna of the area while having a wonderful day with your family.

While you can pack your food to take to Warrenville Grove Forest Preserve, consider ordering takeout from any of these plant-based restaurants in the Warrenville area for your picnic.

Location: Batavia Road south of Butterfield Road and west of Winfield Road

Contact: 630-933-7200

West Main Community Park

West Main Community Park is the perfect place to spend the day letting the kids burn off energy and finish with a healthy picnic. This 58.4-acre park has a softball and baseball field, two basketball courts, a roller hockey court, and a 1.34-mile hiking or jogging trail.

Family members who enjoy fishing can cast their line in the two-acre pond to see what they can catch. You can even bring your furry friend with you and let them romp with other dogs at the 3-acre fenced Bark Park found on the southwest corner of West Main Community Park. The dog park has agility equipment you can use to train your dog and water stations.

Location: 40W101 Main St. in Batavia

Contact Batavia Park District: 630-879-5235

The Morton Arboretum

If you want to learn more about trees and how to protect them, plan to visit The Morton Arboretum. All season, you can wander through the 16 miles of hiking trails admiring the local trees in their natural setting. Exhibitions include the Maze Garden, Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden, Of the Earth sculptures, and the Gateway to Tree Science, which showcases The Morton Arboretum’s arboreal research.

Throughout the year, the staff at The Morton Arboretum holds special events such as landscaping with native plants and lawn-free garden designs. The Arboretum also holds special kids’ events like The Science of the Seasons, Winter Explorers, and Little Sprouts. In the Children’s Garden, youngsters can play, splash, dig into immersive play, and explore hands-on learning activities aimed at education and conservation of the natural world.

After a busy day exploring The Morton Arboretum, the family will want something to eat. You’ll find places to picnic throughout the grounds where you can relax and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the place. If you didn’t pack a lunch, stop by the on-site Gingko Restaurant and Cafe to pick up freshly prepared foods such as salads, sandwiches, and bakery items. You can bring this purchased food to enjoy in your favorite spot on the Morton Arboretum grounds.

Location: 4100 Illinois Route 53 in Lisle

Contact: 630-968-0074

Cosley Zoo

Everyone in the family will enjoy seeing the native and exotic wildlife at the Cosley Zoo. This five-acre zoo houses farm animals as well as white-tailed deer, coyotes, red foxes, and various species of birds and reptiles. The Cosley Zoo team’s mission is to educate the community about the importance of conserving the animals in the community. As you take your children through the zoo, you’ll pass the 20 exhibits with over 200 animals representing over 50 species. The duck feeding and coyote training sessions are highlights of the Cosley Zoo.

After your adventure at the Cosley Zoo, pick up some food from the Coyote Cafe Concession Stand or bring your food to have a meal at the picnic area. Don’t forget to stop at the Wild Side Gift Shop to pick up souvenirs to remember your day at the Cosley Zoo.

Location: 1356 N. Gary Ave. in Wheaton

Contact: 630-665-5534

That’s a wrap of our team at Crème de la Crème of Warrenville’s list of some of the best places to take the family for a picnic in the Warrenville, Illinois, area. With so many natural areas, parks, and open spaces in our beautiful area, is there another place for a picnic we missed? If so, let us know. We enjoy knowing about other amazing places to visit and have a picnic around our town.