Picnic Perfection

The world is coming back to life after a long year of health concerns and limited socializing. But as mask wearing continues in many places while restrictions lift, people are often still gathering outdoors. Finding some great picnic spots near Jersey City will be a boon to your summer plans. Check out these fun ideas and take some meals al fresco this season! 

The Best Picnic Spots in Jersey City

Jersey City is known for its fantastic restaurants and nightlife, but don’t forget about the beautiful open spaces as well. Here’s a handy list of all the best places to go solo or with the family and enjoy the outdoors. 

• Liberty State Park – If you’re looking for shade on a hot day, this is the spot. Enjoy your picnic lunch with a beautiful view of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Kids can enjoy the playground or a game of frisbee. 
• Riverview Fisk Park – This park has many views and many options for fun. Take in your lunch while watching the NYC skyline, the Hudson River as well as the Verrazano and George Washington Bridge. Adults and kids alike will enjoy the gazebo and the basketball courts and the playground is one of the best. Finally, you’ll love the Riverview Farmer’s Market on Sundays. 
• Lincoln Park – Jersey City residents know this park has it all. Families love the over 250 acres of grass, protected marshlands and endless outdoor amenities. Choose from baseball diamonds, a running track or playgrounds. There’s also a dog park, a pond for fishing and places for biking. You’ll have so much to do but there’s no rush! Enjoy every moment.
• Hamilton Park – Located downton, there are plenty of options if you decide to enjoy time relaxing outside but head indoors to eat. The well-lit tennis courts for night matches are particularly enticing, and there are parks for big and small dogs alike. 
• Newport Green Park – When the mercury rises, head to Newport Green. Between the sandy beach and the sprinkler park, you’ll find ways to cool off when you aren’t enjoying your picnic lunch. Your little ones will love the padded playground and the carousel. 
• Van Vorst State Park – This lovely area has plenty of green space and room to spread out. You can go for evening walks or enjoy snacks near the sandbox and swings. Summertime means the splash pad will be open for kids, which they love. 

Mouth-Watering Picnic Food

Going on a picnic doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it can be as simple as a snack and as elaborate as a multi-course meal. Depending on the size of your party and your goals, you can go for romantic, kid friendly or fancy.  

Sandwich Ideas

These grab-and-go meals are perfect for picnicking or maybe one will become your new favorite summertime dinner on the deck.

• Caprese Sandwich – Fresh tomatoes taste like summer in this hearty, vegetarian mainstay. 
• The Cubano – This traditional Cuban sandwich is classic summertime. A mix of crunchy pickles, juicy pork and all the fixings is a great choice. 
• Vietnamese Turkey – Add a little spice to an everyday meal. The salami and cilantro are a surprising and welcome addition. 
• Vegetarian Club – Another meatless winner. This will win over all the hungry folks in your picnic party. 

Picnic Salads

Summer means salads outside. The best is when you can grow your own ingredients and feel a sense of pride mixed with healthy choices. Mixed green salads tend to wilt quickly in the summertime, so go for a pasta base or substantial veggies that will hold up. 

• Green Bean and Tomato Salad – Thinking of going fancy? This make ahead salad will wow your picnic pals with its delicious tarragon dressing. 
• Mango Corn Salsa with Black Beans – Okay so this isn’t technically a salad, but it’s so good and good for you. Enjoy with chips, alongside grilled meat or alone! 
• Picnic Pasta Salads – It’s really impossible to just include one recipe here. One you start, you’ll get on a roll trying new ones. You can go traditional macaroni or add a little zip to your life with tortellini or Asian noodles. 
• Brown Rice Salad with Apples, Cherries and Walnuts – Rice is a surprisingly perfect choice for an outdoor picnic or beach meal. The crunch of the nuts and sweet flavor is great for a hot day. 
• A Perfect Fruit Salad – Don’t forget fruit on an outdoor excursion. The lemon zest and orange juice keeps this salad crisp and delectable 

Geek out with Picnic Gear

Finally, there’s the gear for when you’ve found those perfect picnic spots. As with every excursion and activity, you can make it as elaborate as you want. But having a few key items will help make your outdoor meals a success. 

• Picnic baskets – Here’s a list of the best choices for 2021. You’ll want to consider size, price and material among other things. 
• Outdoor blankets – Who knew there were lists of the top picnic blankets? These people have really thought about this, all for your benefit! 
• Time for a new cooler? Probably. Most of us have one that has seen better days. Upgrade to a state-of-the-art rotomolded model or a soft cooler you can grab and go. 
• Other Picnic Accessories You Didn’t Realize You Needed – Celebrate summer with that bamboo flatware you always dreamed of. Or a pop up beach tent to nap in after your portable picnic cocktail. Whatever you choose will help make your picnic spot more enjoyable. 

Unplug and Connect 

When it comes down to it, picnics are just another way for us to spend time with friends and family. Need to recharge your relationship? Head outdoors with a bottle of wine and a cheese plate on a blanket. Kids overdoing it on screens? Take dinner outside with a board game for afterwards. Summer is a wonderful time to try new traditions—and picnic spots!—, so make this the year you become a picnic connoisseur.