Nothing beats a spring picnic. Enjoy food, fellowship, and fun with friends and family at these locations in the Cumberland Valley. Whether you pack your own basket or purchase takeout from a nearby restaurant, these top picnic spots provide open spaces, fresh air, and plenty of opportunities for the kids to explore.
100 East Penn Drive, Enola, PA 17025
Why It’s Great: This park includes pavilions, picnic tables, hiking trails, athletic fields, walk-in access to the Conodoguinet Creek, and an impressive children’s playground.
Best For: Families with young children or folks who’d like to go fishing or play some pickleball afterwards
Nearby Activities: A farmers market is across the street from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Thursday from mid-May through mid-October, where you can pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables or homemade baked goods.
Middlesex Township Park
50 Beagle Club Road, Carlisle, PA 17013
Why It’s Great: The park’s 127 acres provide ample space for the family. During the summer months, little ones can cool off at the Splash Pad. Older teens and adults can enjoy a round of disc golf before settling down for a meal.
Best For: Beating the heat, challenging some friends to a game of basketball or volleyball, or trying disc golf for the first time
Nearby Activities: For more family fun, visit Carlisle Sports Emporium for indoor and outdoor entertainment, featuring go-karts, laser tag, and mini golf.
Waggoner’s Gap Hawk Watch
Waggoner’s Gap Rd (Rte 74), Carlisle, PA 17015
Why It’s Great: Watch the fall raptor migration along the Kittatinny Ridge while enjoying one of the best views in the Cumberland Valley.
Best For: Autumn afternoons, hikers with appropriate footwear and an extra layer to stay warm in the wind
Nearby Activities: Hike both the Hawk and Songbird trails and then continue to the Tuscarora Trail.
Negley Park
418 Cumberland Road, Lemoyne, PA 17043
Why It’s Great: Splendid views of the Harrisburg skyline and Susquehanna River make this one of the best parks for picnics. There’s also a playground, walking trails, and pickleball courts.
Best For: Relaxing and unwinding in nature or watching the sunset
Nearby Activities: Stop at the West Shore Farmers Market (open Friday & Saturday) for picnic food, and check out the upscale boutiques on the second floor. On a hot summer day, cool off at the Lemoyne Community Swimming Pool.
LeTort Park
260 East Pomfret Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
Why It’s Great: Shaded picnic tables, a meandering stream, and a quiet setting, plus a spray pool and an ADA-compliant playground, make this one of Cumberland Valley’s best picnic spots.
Best For: Families, casual picnics, and enjoying nature close to town.
Nearby Activities: Explore the LeTort Spring Run Nature Trail or visit downtown Carlisle.
Children’s Lake
Located off Rte 174, Boiling Springs, PA 17007
Why It’s Great: The bubbling lake in the heart of Boiling Springs provides a picture-perfect setting for a picnic. There are several benches and a gazebo, but no tables or pavilion, so plan accordingly.
Best For: Observing waterfowl, fishermen, and a charming historic village
Nearby Activities: From the lake, you can stroll across the street to the historic Iron Furnace and follow the white blazes across the creek and into the woods as you walk along the Appalachian Trail. Or visit TCO Outdoors for everything you need to try your hand at fly-fishing.
Lower Allen Community Park
4075 Lisburn Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Why It’s Great: This 110-acre park is filled with amenities, including a large playground, a golf driving range, and a nature trail. Dogs can join in on the family fun at the Doggie Dugout, a free and open-to-the-public off-leash dog park.
Best For: Dog lovers, families, golfers, or anyone who wants to follow their picnic with an outdoor activity
Nearby Activities: Fish along the Yellow Breeches Creek or at the “catch and release” pond (from spring to late fall for children 12 and under only). Or head into Mechanicsburg to check out the Mechanicsburg Museum or Climbnasium indoor climbing park.
Trails & Trees Environmental Center
1731 S. York Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Why It’s Great: Trails & Trees is conveniently located near downtown Mechanicsburg, yet it allows visitors to escape into nature, offering picture-perfect views of four counties from its hilltop. With a forest, a meadow, a stream, several hiking trails, and a modern pavilion, settle in for a refreshing and relaxing afternoon or evening picnic.
Best For: Nature lovers of all ages, birdwatchers, hikers, and photographers
Nearby Activities: Pick up seasonal produce and delicious home-baked goods at the nearby Paulus Farm Market, which also includes a children’s play area, barnyard animals, and pick-your-own flower fields.
City Island
City Island, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Why It’s Great: This unique treasure nestled in the middle of the Susquehanna River offers pavilions for picnics plus other fun, family-friendly activities, including a train ride around the island, an antique carousel, and mini-golf.
Best For: Families, adults looking for a touch of nostalgia, and anyone who loves waterfront views and watching the sun set over the Susquehanna River
Nearby Activities: Visitors can also enjoy seasonal activities, such as watching a minor league baseball game or cruising on the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat.
Dykeman Park
1 Dykeman Road, Shippensburg, PA 17257
Why It’s Great: Surrounding historic Dykeman Springs, the park has three different trails, each featuring different wildlife and terrain, including wetlands, meadows, and woods. There are also two ponds and several picnic tables.
Best For: Anyone who loves wildlife, local history, or is interested in the various ecosystems in Cumberland Valley
Nearby Activities: Pick up some treats from Art of Pie Cafe in downtown Shippensburg and enjoy a sweet and perfect ending to your picnic. Afterwards, check out the nearby Cumberland Valley Railroad Museum and adjacent Conrail Museum to discover how the region was impacted by the railroad.
Picnic Perfect Food Ideas
Sandwiches, fruits and veggies, charcuterie, and simple desserts like brownies or cookies are all picnic staples. To pack your picnic basket, check out nearby delis, farmers markets, farm stores and stands, and bakeries.
TIP: Picnic tables and pavilions are available at most locations; however, larger groups are encouraged to reserve a pavilion to ensure they have the necessary space. Contact the appropriate township office to rent a pavilion. If you prefer not to use the facilities, you are welcome to bring your own lawn chairs or spread out a blanket on the ground.
