Picnic Planner

112 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011 (map)

This authentic British shop in the West Village sells fish 'n' chips wrapped in a London newspaper--the most proper packaging for your picnic basket.

560 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 (map)

A vast prepared foods bar, a selection of fine cheeses and various nuts and chocolates make this downtown gourmet market the perfect pit stop before heading out to the park.

534 9th Ave, New York, NY 10018 (map)

Why go gourmet when you can go cheap and simple? Head here for a basic sandwich and drink meal. Most combos run less than $10, so you can save some loot for the ice cream cart later on.

5th Ave to Central Park W and 59th St to 110th St, New York, NY 10024 (map)

The biggest expanse of greenery in Gotham offers several ideal spots for spreading out your picnic blanket. Settle down at Sheep Meadow amidst the Frisbee throwers or find a quieter area. After eating and lounging about, consider visiting some of the park's other attractions, like the carousel, Loeb Boathouse or the zoo.

Riverside Dr to Hudson River, New York, NY 10040 (map)

Hilltop views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge make Fort Tryon irresistible to city-weary New Yorkers from all five boroughs. But the real attraction here is the Cloisters--don't leave without visiting the museum's medieval gardens.

Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11226 (map)

This oasis of a park is to Brooklyn what Central Park is to Manhattan--only wilder and less structured. Set on a whopping 585 acres, in addition to lots of open space Prospect Park boasts a 60 acre lake (with pedal boats!), a zoo and an actual forest.

Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115 (map)

Spanning more than four miles along the Hudson River, this Upper West Side park boasts an imposing display of meadows and grassy nooks. Thanks to roughly 83 community gardens, picnic-goers can enjoy sundry species of plants, trees and birds, and for additional fun, there are numerous playground areas and recreational courts. When you get hungry again, hit the Boathouse Cafe.

3205 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11106 (map)

This outdoor sculpture garden in Long Island City is full of wonderful artistic surprises. From May 10 to August 2, 2009, the park is hosting State Fair, an exhibit featuring the work of 11 different artists, plus games and performances. After your picnic, head over to nearby Harry's at Water Taxi Beach for cocktails under the sun.

500 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009 (map)

This charming East Village park sports one of the city's best dog runs and is home to many outdoor concerts and events, plus impromptu performances by street artists. A swimming pool, basketball courts and a playground make it a great spot to spend a lazy afternoon with the family.

110 University Pl, New York, NY 10003 (map)

Conveniently located near Union Square, this kitschy bowling alley is a sure bet for fun on a gray afternoon. You're bound to forget all about your botched picnic plans as soon as you roll that first ball down the lane ... or drink that first beer.

209 W Houston St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

An independent movie-lovers dream, this non-profit theater hosts cool classics (think "Easy Rider") and buzzed-about art house flicks alike. If Mother Nature rains on your picnic parade, go see a movie you've never heard of--who knows, it just might turn out to be the next "Little Miss Sunshine."

175 Central Park W Ste 208, New York, NY 10024 (map)

The Planetarium at the Museum of Natural History lets you reach for the stars without donning a cumbersome space suit or eating dehydrated ice cream aboard a space craft. But mostly it's just super entertaining.