Memorial Park is the perfect setting for a picnic, offering lush green spaces, scenic views, and amenities that cater to visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic date or a relaxing solo retreat, Memorial Park provides the ideal backdrop. While you can find several picnic tables and green areas scattered about the Park, it helps to have a plan and a destination in mind so you can make the most of your trip! Keep reading for our favorite spots and guidelines to enjoy your next picnic at the Park.
Best Picnic Spots
Clay Family Eastern Glades
This beautifully designed area features picnic tables, shaded pavilions and views of Hines Lake, making it a popular spot for gatherings of all kinds.
The central lawn has ample space to spread out a blanket, with alcoves set among the trees for privacy. Benches are also situated throughout the area along the trail and Wetlands Boardwalk.
Live Oak Court offers a cluster of picnic tables situated under twinkling lights—you’ll also find rotating Food Trucks with refreshments for sale.
The picnic pavilions are free for general use on a first-come, first-served basis. Online reservations are also available for a fee to ensure a specific date and time for private use. Head to our Reservations Page or email reservations@memorialparkconservancy.org to learn more about pavilion reservations.
Picnic Loop
The Picnic Loop didn’t get it’s name for nothing! Picnic Loop is a longtime favorite for picnickers, offering ample picnic tables, barbecue grills and plenty of shaded areas. This section of the park is especially great for larger gatherings, providing easy access to parking and restrooms. There is plenty of space to spread out or play games when your meal is through!
Online reservations are also available for a fee to ensure a specific date and time for private use. Head to our Reservations Page or email reservations@memorialparkconservancy.org to learn more about pavilion reservations.
Running Complex
The Running Complex is for more than just exercise! There are several areas perfect for dining al fresco with great views of nature all around.
The Event Plaza offers a concrete area with tables and chairs behind the Cullen Running Trails Center. Pop inside during operating hours to grab a drink or snack and visit with our welcoming Park staff!
The Rally Pavilion provides several picnic tables for your leisure and is situated between the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Prairie and the Roy H. Cullen Timing Track.
Don’t want to bring your own picnic? Vibrant Cafe offers all-day food and beverage service with indoor and outdoor seating.
After your meal you can embark on a stroll through the Prairie to discover a variety of native flowers and wildlife. Atop the Kinder Land Bridges, you can enjoy the view of the Uptown-Galleria area while also catching a birds-eye view of the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Prairie down below. If you don’t mind a journey with your picnic items, The Kinder Land Bridge is also a wonderful place to roll out a blanket and enjoy your meal with a view!
Picnic Tips and Guidelines
Pack the Essentials
Ensure your picnic is a success by bringing everything you need! The Cullen Running Trails Center also has essentials like picnic blankets, water bottles, bug repellant and sunscreen in case you forget something.
- Food and Drinks: It’s not a picnic without something to eat! Bring sandwiches, salads, snacks and refreshing beverages. Pack items that are easy to transport and don’t require reheating. If you don’t want to bring your own food, consider picking something up from one of our onsite dining options!
- Picnic Blanket or Tablecloth, Utensils and Napkins: A durable blanket or cloth will make your picnic more comfortable. Don’t forget plates, cups, and utensils for serving your food!
- Cooler or Insulated Bag: Keep your food and drinks fresh, especially on warmer spring days.
- Sunscreen or Hats and Bug Spray: Protect yourself from the sun while enjoying the outdoors and don’t forget bug repellant to keep insects at bay, especially in the wooded areas.
- Games or Entertainment: Bring a frisbee, soccer ball or board games for some added fun to your day! A good book, journal or some music can also enhance your picnic—just be sure to keep those around you in mind with portable speakers and yard games!
- Trash Bags: There are trash cans located throughout the Park, but there might not be one close to where you choose to post up for your picnic. Help keep the park clean by having a place to collect and dispose of your trash.
Plan Ahead
Be prepared for a day at the Park and don’t let any unexpected surprises stop you from enjoying your visit!
- Clothing: Temperatures can vary throughout the day in Houston! Be sure to bring layers so you have what you need to bask in the sun or cozy up when there’s a cool breeze.
- Parking: Head to our Parking Map and FAQ to find the closest options to where you would like to have your picnic. Get there early (especially if it’s a beautiful weekend day!) to secure your preferred spot before the Park gets busy.
- Restrooms and Water: There are several facilities throughout the Park, but it helps to know exactly where the closest ones are and make sure you are within a comfortable distance, especially if you’re picnicking with young children. View locations of all restroom facilities on our Park Map.
- Reservations: The picnic areas and pavilions are free for general use on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have a large gathering planned and want to ensure space for your group, online reservations are available for a fee to ensure a specific date and time for private use. Head to our Reservations Page or email reservations@memorialparkconservancy.org to learn more about pavilion reservations.
- Park Rules: Review Park Rules & FAQ page before packing your picnic. Help maintain Memorial Park’s beauty and make the experience enjoyable for all by adhering to general guidelines and specific rules for the Park area you choose to visit.
With its stunning beauty, modern amenities and variety of dynamic spaces, it’s no wonder that Houstonians and visitors alike flock to Memorial Park to make memories in nature! Be sure to tag us on Instagram and Facebook so we can see and share your adventures!
