Best Places to Picnic in Colorado Springs

Blame it on habit, cultural norms, possibly some biological remnant of our caveman roots - but when the weather gets nice, it's basic instinct for people to ditch the formal dining room and take their meals outdoors.

It's an especially common habit in Colorado Springs, where sunshine is the norm and parks and grill-out spots are plentiful. Whether you're planning an outdoor barbecue bash or just looking for a quiet spot to brown bag it, check out some of these eat-out spots across the city.

- Memorial Park

Located at the southwest corner of East Pikes Peak Avenue and Union Boulevard, this park offers a little something for everyone. Much of the park is made up of large grassy areas perfect for tossing a Frisbee with Fido and impromptu soccer games. Spread your picnic blanket here or mosey over to Prospect Lake in the park's south end. The lake is bordered by a well-populated 1.25-mile walking trail and offers plenty of shade, benches and even barbecue pavilions for large groups. Kids will love the many geese that live around the water, and, in the summer, there's a small swim beach with paddle boat rides. When you're done with your meal, make a day of it and try out some of the park's other offerings, like ice skating at the Sertich Ice Center, swimming at the indoor Aquatics and Fitness Center or bike racing at the U.S. Olympic Committee's Velodrome. Those looking for more sports-related fun can venture a few blocks north of the park for a free tour of the Olympic Training Center, where America's elite athletes live and train.

- Acacia Park

Ok, sure, there are some odd characters that hang out here. But during daylight hours, Acacia Park is a fun and safe place to hang out. Located in the heart of Colorado Springs' downtown, at Tejon and Bijou streets, the city's first park was donated by Colorado Springs founder Gen. William J. Palmer in 1871. The tree-filled spot is small - just 3.7 acres - but packs in a lot of fun. Summer concerts occur frequently in the park's band shell, plenty of benches and grassy areas are perfect for picnics, and the park's popular shuffleboard courts are open from June to mid-August. (The cost of one game? Just 25 cents.) Acacia Park is probably the most fun for kids, though. The park has a great playground and the extremely popular Uncle Wilbur's Fountain. The fountain is surrounded by spraying jets of water that kids can play in, and every 30 minutes, Uncle Wilbur pops out and "performs" some music for anyone who cares to listen.

- America the Beautiful Park

One of Colorado Springs' newer parks, this 30-acre spot is located in the city's developing SoDo (for south of downtown) district and, if all goes as planned, will soon be part of a major mixed-use development. For now, it's a diamond in the rough, standing out against the area's aging neighborhoods. Park visitors will find plenty of room to run and play, and - in case they don't - the park connects with two of the city's trails, the Midland Trail and the Pikes Peak Greenway. Kids love the large, 15,000-square-foot playground, which features imaginative equipment and is disabled accessible. The Julie Penrose Fountain is another big draw - towering above the park, the large circular structure rotates, spouts water and was recently outfitted so park visitors can play in it. A mid-sized picnic pavilion is great for meals, as are several benches throughout the park, and a weekly Wednesday-evening Farmer's Market at the park means you don't even have to worry about bringing food. And this summer, nighttime picnickers can enjoy a special treat - every Thursday evening, free sports-themed movies play on a big screen after sun down, and Olympians and Olympic hopefuls show up to meet and greet everyone who attends.

- Palmer Park

It's hard to miss Palmer Park - a massive wooded bluff rising out of the strip malls along Academy Boulevard and Maizeland. Miles of trails throughout the park make it a premier destination for mountain bikers, hikers and horseback riders. The main entrance to the park boasts a more traditional look, though - a large grassy expanse with volleyball courts, a playground, shaded picnic tables and barbecue pits. Chow down in the park and then venture further up the road to burn off the calories on a trail or play with your dog in the leash-free, fenced dog park. Or drive up to one of the park's many scenic overlooks, where you can park and eat while you enjoy the view. Huge party? Reserve one of the massive picnic and barbecue areas throughout the park for a private celebration.