Pack the snacks, grab the picnic blanket and round up the family! These five picnic destinations across South Africa are perfect for sunny days, tasty treats and making memories together.
Zoo Lake, Johannesburg
This Joburg institution has it all: shady lawns for spreading out a blanket, a lake for a lazy family row-boat ride and ducks to feed. Free entry and easy parking make it a stress-free choice for a family outing.
More family-friendly picnic spots in Johannesburg:
- The Wilds Nature Reserve
- Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
- Delta Park
@jtflow13 Things to do with the kids this school holidays. #thingstodowithkids #visitzoolake #zoolake #holidays #picnic #boatride #games #fun #familyfun #familyandfriends #gettogether #fyp #schoolholidays ♬ ♡ ᶫᵒᵛᵉᵧₒᵤ ♡ – SoBerBoi
Durban Botanical Gardens, Durban
Africa’s oldest surviving botanical garden is a timeless favourite, with shady trees, wide lawns and colourful orchid displays to explore before you settle in. There’s a lake for a scenic backdrop, an on-site café if you don’t feel like packing everything yourself, and it’s free to enter, making it an easy, no-fuss choice for a family day out.
More family-friendly picnic spots in Durban:
- Yellowwood Park
- Mitchell Park
- Japanese Gardens, Durban North
@drishka_m The Durban Botanical Gaderns is the best Free activity to do in Durban! 🌿🫶🏼 #durban #durbancreators #thingstodo #thingstodo #sama28 ♬ swatting at flies – ethan mcneal
Green Point Park, Cape Town
Right in the city, with manicured gardens, a biodiversity showcase, an outdoor gym and a kids’ play area, it’s an easy, accessible spot for a family picnic with skyline and stadium views as a backdrop.
More family-friendly picnic spots in Cape Town:
- Oudekraal Nature Reserve
- Silvermine Nature Reserve
- Llandudno Beach
@africaunexpected A peaceful wetland… right in the middle of Cape Town 🌿 Bird sounds, walking paths, picnic spots, and mountain views — it honestly doesn’t feel like you’re in the city at all. One of the best free things to do in Cape Town? Grab some snacks and have a picnic at Green Point Park. #GreenPointPark #CapeTown #FreeThingsToDo #PicnicSpot #NatureLovers ♬ INTERESTELLAR – Kore Blanco
St George’s Park, Gqeberha
The city’s oldest and most iconic green space, with sprawling lawns, shaded trees and plenty of room to spread out, plus nearby cultural landmarks to explore after lunch. Fun fact: the park includes the iconic Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, the founder cricket club in South Africa.
More family-friendly picnic spots in Gqeberha:
- Victoria Park
- Hobie Beach
- King’s Beach
@sunshinesimplicities 𝗔 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁. 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲’𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸: Bet you didn’t know how beautiful the park is looking ❤️ and it’s thanks to the Friends of St. George’s Park and all the many volunteers who are working hard to make to make this space safe and accessible again. Also… I did the St George’s parkrun this morning! Such fun🤗 All the details and photos to follow. How beautiful is this!!! #sunshinesimplicities #findyoursunshine #discoversouthafrica #hiddengems ♬ original sound – Sunshine Simplicities
Jan Cilliers Park, Pretoria
Known as the ‘Fairy Park’, this Groenkloof gem is free, pet-friendly and one of the most loved picnic spots in the city, with miniature waterfalls, ponds and sprawling lawns perfect for an idyllic family afternoon.
More family-friendly picnic spots in Pretoria:
- Pretoria National Botanical Garden
- Magnolia Dell Park
- Rietvlei Nature Reserve
@wander_with_jesss parks 🌳🪴 Jan Cilliers Park •picnic spot• 📍Corner and, Wenning St & Broderick St, Groenkloof, Pretoria, 0027 one of my absolute favorite spots! i come here during my lunch breaks almost every week and have only ever had good experiences xx #jancillierspark #parksinpretoria #travel #traveltiktok #exploreyourcity #explorepta #exploresouthafrica #pretoria #thingstodo #parks #girltraveler #gauteng #pta #picnicspots #picnic #dateideas #datespots #readingspot #fyp #foryou #trending #viral #tiktok #explore #girltraveler #photography #vlogs #thingstodoinsteadofbeingonyourphone #thingstodo #thingstodoinpretoria ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show
Before you head out the door, make sure you’ve got your picnic essentials sorted. A traditional wicker basket keeps everything organised and adds a classic touch to your spread, while a sturdy blanket gives the whole family a comfortable spot to settle in for the afternoon. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed sun hat to keep shaded and comfortable while you soak up the day. With the basics covered, all that’s left to do is choose your spot and enjoy.
Also read: Picnic-perfect foods to pack this spring
