Pack a Basket! The Best Family Picnic Spots Across the Merrimack Valley
There is something special about enjoying a meal outdoors. Whether you pack homemade sandwiches, grab takeout from a favorite local restaurant, or fill a cooler with snacks and treats, a picnic is an easy and affordable way to spend quality time together.
The Merrimack Valley is filled with beautiful parks, peaceful conservation areas, playgrounds, walking trails, waterfront views, and open green spaces that make wonderful backdrops for a family picnic. From a quiet lunch surrounded by nature to an afternoon filled with playground adventures, hiking, and outdoor games, there is a picnic destination for every family.
Grab a blanket, pack the sunscreen, and explore some of our favorite picnic spots in Georgetown, Groveland, Andover, North Andover, Boxford, Methuen, Haverhill, and Lawrence!
Georgetown: Camp Denison
Camp Denison is a longtime Georgetown favorite and a wonderful place to spend a relaxing afternoon outdoors. With open green spaces, wooded surroundings, walking areas, and plenty of room for children to explore, it offers a peaceful escape without leaving town.
Families love that Camp Denison feels tucked away from the busyness of everyday life. Spread out a blanket, enjoy lunch under the trees, bring a ball or Frisbee, and allow plenty of time to explore.
Why families love it:
Beautiful natural surroundings
Open space for children to play
Walking trails and wooded areas
A quiet, peaceful atmosphere
Plenty of room for outdoor games
Macaroni KID Tip: Pack bug spray, comfortable walking shoes, and a few outdoor games to turn lunch into an afternoon adventure.
Groveland: The Pines Recreation Area
Located along the Merrimack River, the Pines Recreation Area is a scenic destination for families who enjoy combining a picnic with outdoor recreation.
Bring lunch and enjoy the river views before taking a walk, watching boats pass by, or allowing the kids to enjoy the open space. The peaceful waterfront setting makes it a lovely place to slow down and spend time together.
Why families love it:
Beautiful views of the Merrimack River
Open recreational space
Room for children to move and play
A relaxing community atmosphere
Great scenery for a family picnic
Macaroni KID Tip: Bring binoculars and see how many birds, boats, and other signs of nature your family can spot.
Andover: Pomps Pond Recreation Area
Pomps Pond is one of Andover's favorite warm-weather destinations. Families can enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature and make a full day of their visit with swimming, walking, and outdoor recreation when seasonal facilities are open.
The combination of sandy beach areas, water views, trails, and picnic spaces makes Pomps Pond feel like a mini summer vacation close to home.
Why families love it:
Freshwater pond and sandy beach
Picnic areas
Walking trails
Seasonal swimming opportunities
Plenty of ways to enjoy an entire summer day
Macaroni KID Tip: During the summer season, check current admission requirements, swimming schedules, parking information, and residency rules before visiting.
Andover: Harold Parker State Forest
For families who prefer a picnic surrounded by towering trees and peaceful ponds, Harold Parker State Forest is hard to beat.
With miles of wooded trails and numerous ponds, there are plenty of opportunities to hike, explore nature, fish, and find a quiet place to enjoy lunch. Families can choose a short walk with younger children or make the picnic part of a longer outdoor adventure.
Why families love it:
Miles of scenic hiking trails
Beautiful ponds and forest views
Opportunities for nature exploration
Plenty of shade on warm summer days
A peaceful setting away from busy roads
Macaroni KID Tip: Download or photograph a trail map before beginning your hike, and pack more water than you think you will need.
North Andover: Weir Hill
If your family enjoys earning its picnic with a scenic walk, Weir Hill is a beautiful choice. The reservation offers trails and impressive views overlooking Lake Cochichewick.
Pack a lightweight lunch in a backpack and find a scenic place to enjoy it after exploring the trails. The combination of water views, wooded paths, and peaceful surroundings makes this a memorable destination for families with older children who enjoy hiking.
Why families love it:
Beautiful views of Lake Cochichewick
Scenic hiking trails
Opportunities for birdwatching
Peaceful natural surroundings
Beautiful scenery throughout the seasons
Macaroni KID Tip: A backpack picnic works best here. Pack sandwiches, reusable water bottles, fruit, and snacks that are easy to carry.
North Andover: North Andover Town Common
For a more traditional picnic experience, the North Andover Town Common offers a charming community setting with open green space.
Bring a blanket, enjoy lunch on the lawn, and give the kids room to play. The central location makes it easy to pair your picnic with another local activity or a stop for ice cream.
Why families love it:
Open lawn for picnics and play
Classic New England community atmosphere
Convenient location
Space for simple outdoor games
Easy to combine with other activities
Boxford: Boxford State Forest
Boxford is known for its beautiful wooded landscapes, and Boxford State Forest is a wonderful destination for families seeking a quiet, nature-filled outing.
Pack lunch in a backpack and explore the forest trails before finding a comfortable place to stop and eat. This destination is best for families who enjoy hiking and don't need playgrounds or traditional picnic amenities.
Why families love it:
Quiet wooded trails
Opportunities to explore local wildlife
Plenty of shade
A peaceful escape into nature
A great destination for active families
Macaroni KID Tip: This is more of a hiking picnic than a traditional picnic-table destination. Wear sturdy shoes and bring everything you need with you.
Methuen: Forest Lake
Forest Lake is a favorite warm-weather destination for Methuen families. Its waterfront setting provides a beautiful backdrop for a summer picnic and offers opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Pack a cooler, bring towels and sunscreen, and plan to spend several hours relaxing near the water when seasonal recreation areas are open.
Why families love it:
Scenic lake views
A relaxing summer atmosphere
Space to enjoy lunch outdoors
Opportunities for seasonal recreation
A fun setting for a family day close to home
Macaroni KID Tip: Check current seasonal hours, swimming information, parking rules, and admission requirements before heading out.
Haverhill: Winnekenni Castle and Winnekenni Park
A picnic beside a castle? Yes, please!
Winnekenni Castle and the surrounding park offer one of Haverhill's most unique outdoor destinations. Families can enjoy walking trails, wooded scenery, open areas, and beautiful views around Kenoza Lake.
Children will love seeing the castle, while adults will appreciate the peaceful surroundings and opportunities for walking and photography.
Why families love it:
A real castle creates a magical backdrop
Scenic walking and hiking trails
Views of Kenoza Lake
Wooded areas and open spaces
Great opportunities for family photos
Macaroni KID Tip: Turn your picnic into a royal adventure! Invite children to dress as knights, princesses, dragons, or explorers.
Haverhill: Riverside Park
Riverside Park is a great choice for active families who want plenty of recreation along with their picnic.
Bring lunch, outdoor games, and sports equipment, and enjoy an afternoon together. The park's recreational setting makes it a good destination for children who want to run and play before—or after—they eat.
Why families love it:
Plenty of space for active play
Recreational opportunities
Open areas for family gatherings
A casual community atmosphere
Easy to enjoy with children of different ages
Lawrence: Den Rock Park
Den Rock Park offers a nature-filled escape near the Lawrence and Andover line. This wooded preserve features walking trails, impressive rock formations, scenic overlooks, and access to the Shawsheen River.
Families can pack a portable lunch and enjoy a hike before finding a peaceful place to stop and recharge. The park is especially appealing to older children and teens who enjoy exploring.
Why families love it:
Wooded hiking trails
Unique rock formations
Scenic overlooks
Access to the Shawsheen River
Opportunities for nature exploration
Macaroni KID Tip: Stay on marked trails and supervise children closely near rocks, steep areas, and waterways.
Lawrence: Riverfront State Park
For a picnic with views of the Merrimack River, Riverfront State Park offers a convenient outdoor gathering place in the city.
Enjoy lunch near the river, take a walk, and watch the activity along the waterfront. The park is a great reminder that families don't have to travel far to enjoy fresh air and beautiful views.
Why families love it:
Merrimack River views
Walking areas
Open green space
Convenient city location
A relaxing place to enjoy time outdoors
What to Pack for the Perfect Family Picnic
A little preparation can make your picnic more comfortable and enjoyable. Consider bringing:
A picnic blanket or folding chairs
Sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and easy-to-serve foods
Plenty of water
Sunscreen and hats
Bug spray
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
A trash bag for cleanup
Frisbees, bubbles, balls, or outdoor games
A change of clothes for younger children
Towels and water shoes if visiting a swimming area
Remember to follow posted park rules and carry out everything you bring.
Make a Picnic Part of Your Summer Bucket List
Family adventures don't have to be expensive or complicated. Sometimes all you need is a picnic blanket, a favorite meal, and a beautiful place to enjoy it.
Whether your family prefers a peaceful lunch beside the water, a hike through the woods, a playground adventure, or an afternoon relaxing on an open lawn, the Merrimack Valley offers plenty of wonderful places to unplug, reconnect, and make summer memories together.
Which local picnic spot does your family love most?
