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NYC's 10 Best Places To Picnic

Central Park
Visitors to Central Park on May 10, 2015. (credit: Roger Stern/1010 WINS)

Manhattan is home to arguably the world's most famous park, along with plenty of other lesser-known gems. We've narrowed down the 10 best spaces for picnic lunches, dinners and dates across the 5 boroughs. By Carina Cruz.

Washington Square Park
(credit: Washington Square Park)

Madison Square Park

E 23 St. To E 26 St.
New York, NY

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The lawn at Madison Square Park may be a bit crowded a nice day, so instead throw your blanket down by the rock near 24th Street. This side of the park has plenty of trees, so it's the perfect shady spot with plenty of room to relax.

Fort Tryon Park
(credit: Fort Tryon Park)

Fort Tryon Park

Cabrini Blvd. at Ft. Washington Ave
New York, NY

More: NYC's Best Parks For Local Hikes 

Fort Tryon Park sits way up in northern Manhattan. Picnic in a secluded place where rocks jut out and give you a view of the entire area. This park is also famous for being home to the Cloisters, a museum dedicated to medieval art.

ProspectPark
(credit: Prospect Park website)

Prospect Park

Brooklyn

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Prospect Park's Long Meadow is a picturesque picnic spot, ideal for spreading out with a blanket and enjoying a packed lunch on a warm, New York City day. Not far from Prospect Park is Fletcher's Brooklyn Barbecue, with takeout lunch specials that can help you craft the perfect summer meal.

Pier 63
(credit:www.hudsonriverpark.org)

Husdon River Park: Pier 63

Pier 63
New York, NY

More: Things To Do Along The Hudson River

Pier 63 in Chelsea, part of Hudson River Park, offers the perfect place for a picnic with a view of the waterfront. Feel free to bring the kids along -- right next door is the Chelsea Sports and Entertainment Complex as well as their iconic carousel.

Pelham Bay Park
(credit:www.nycgovparks.org)

Pelham Bay Park

1 Orchard Beach Rd
Bronx, NY

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Home to many of the cities wildlife sanctuaries and more than three times the size of Manhattan's Central Park, there's plenty of space to picnic at Pelham Bay Park. Then burn off the calories from those picnic snacks - there are many hiking trails, fields, and ball courts. Pelham Bay park also offers two golf courses and 13 mile view of the shoreline.

Moses Mountain
(credit:sigreenbelt.org)

The Greenbelt: Moses Mountain

200 Nevada Avenue
Staten Island, NY

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This "mountain" was made out of boulders and rock that were removed in the area in order to make way for a highway. The mound gives you a great view of the harbor and is a peaceful place for a picnic.

Carl Schurz Park
(credit:Carl Schurz Park)

Carl Schurz Park

East End Ave. at 86th St
New York, NY

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There's no need for a blanket at this park. Head over to the benches at waterfront for a view of the East River, the Triborough and Queensboro bridges, and Randall's and Roosevelt Islands. For a cozier spot, visit the bronze statue of Peter Pan -- situated in a circular courtyard.

Fort Washington Park
(credit: Fort Washington Park)

Fort Washington Park: The Little Red Lighthouse

Riverside Dr. at 181st
New York, NY

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Under the George Washington Bridge is the Little Red Lighthouse. The lighthouse was installed in 1921 and only stands 40 ft. tall. Today's restored version of the lighthouse is surrounded by picnic tables.  The park also offers tours of the lighthouse if you call ahead.

Washington Square Park
(credit: Washington Square Park)

Washington Square Park

Fifth Ave. at Waverly Pl.
New York, NY

Washington Square Park has been home to many fairs, festivals and events throughout the years. Join the many New York University students you'll probably encounter studying for their finals, and find a spot for your picnic on the grass around the water fountain.

The Great Lawn
(credit:www.centralpark.com)

Central Park: The Great Lawn

86th Steet Transverse Rd
New York, NY

Exploring Central Park: Eat, See Play

You knew we had to mention this one, right? Central Park boasts plenty of places to picnic, but in the center of Central Park is the Great Lawn. Stretching from 79th Street to 85th Street, it's the quintessential New York picnic spot. Spend the warm, lazy days sunbathing here, or pack a bite to eat and spend the day with friends.

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