Patch Picks: Where to Picnic

Now that summer is nearly here, it's time to get outside and make the most of the picture-perfect, sunny days that Southern California is famous for. Pack a picnic lunch, gather the family and head to any of the following local parks for a fun, relaxed—and inexpensive—break from the everyday routine:

Lacy Park. With a playground for kids, six tennis courts, two walking loops, lots of trees, a historic Rose Arbor and wide open spaces, Lacy Park offers opportunities for activities to please everyone in your group. 

. This popular family hangout in South Pasadena features paved walking paths, two lighted tennis courts, a playground, a horseshoe pit, picnic areas, restrooms, a playground and an enchanting rose garden. 

. Since I grew up in La Cañada, I have a soft spot for good ol’ Memorial Park, conveniently located on Foothill Blvd. There’s a playground, a huge grass area where you can play catch, throw a Frisbee or whatever, and a gazebo (which, granted, is not the biggest selling point, but I like saying the word “gazebo”).

Brookside Park. Adjacent to Pasadena’s iconic Rose Bowl stadium, Brookside has everything you need—softball diamonds, play areas, picnic tables, Kidspace Museum and the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center. Oh, and plenty of off-street parking, too.

Farnsworth Park. Located near the top of Lake Avenue in Pasadena, Farnsworth Park has picnic tables, grills and a baseball diamond. It’s also close to the trailhead for the Sam Merrill Trail, which leads up to Echo Mountain—just in case you want to work up a nice appetite before your picnic at the park!