Pack a Picnic in Chester & Delaware Counties

Sunny summer days just beg to be spent outdoors. And how better to enjoy our region’s natural beauty than with a delicious picnic? We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite places around the area to enjoy a meal beneath a tree, in a verdant meadow and on the waterfront. Wherever you picnic, be sure to leave no trace — remove all trash and, where pets are allowed, clean up after your pup.

Everhart Park

For picnicking in West Chester, you can’t beat Everhart Park. The borough’s second-oldest park is on land originally owned by entrepreneur and shipwreck survivor William Everhart — read his fascinating story in our April 2024 issue. Today, the 10.2-acre park is home to over 400 trees, plus a fountain, gazebo, basketball court, amazing playground, Little Free Library and more.

Plant yourself at a picnic table or blanket and unpack your basket — or whip up burgers and dogs on the grill. Later, walk off your lunch with a stroll around the park, past the rippling stream, across the rustic footbridge and through the tranquil labyrinth.

Before you leave, take a seat on the bright red Horace Pippin bench and imagine you’re in the local artist’s iconic 1946 painting. 100 S. Brandywine St., West Chester. West-Chester.com

Marsh Creek State Park

Amid the rolling hills of northern Chester County, you’ll find Marsh Creek State Park. Take your pick of more than 150 picnic tables across several designated picnic areas with charcoal grills, while enjoying the view of idyllic Marsh Creek Lake.

The 535-acre lake is the perfect place to beat the summer heat. Fish for warmwater species like largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie and panfish, or take a boat out on the lake. A combination of good natural terrain and prevailing winds makes it great for sailing — rent a sailboat (or rowboat, canoe, kayak or paddleboard) at Marsh Creek Water Sports & Boat Rental at the East Launch.

While you can’t swim in the lake, the guarded swimming pool and sprayground — plus snack bar and bathhouse — are open through Labor Day. In spring and fall, watch migrating water birds. 675 Park Rd., Downingtown. PA.gov/Agencies/DCNR

Hibernia County Park

Dine al fresco at scenic Hibernia County Park in western Chester County. Choose from several picnic areas — along the west branch of the Brandywine (a popular fishing site), on the shore of Chambers Lake (great for boating), in grassy Fiddler’s Field and more.

Then take your pick of eight trails to explore over 900 acres of woodlands, meadows and open fields. For the little ones, there are plenty of playgrounds and even a children’s pond. History buffs will want to explore Hibernia Mansion, home to 19th-century ironmasters. On select Sunday afternoons, you can sign up online for a guided tour of the manor, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Too weary to go home after a long day at the park? Two campgrounds — Fiddler’s Campground for small trailers and RVs, Lake Campground for tents — are open through November. Reserve your spot online. 1 Park Rd., Coatesville. Chesco.org

Tyler Arboretum

Dating back to 1681, Tyler Arboretum is one of the oldest public gardens in the United States. Sit at picnic tables by the Visitor Center and Lucille’s Garden, or sprawl out on a picnic blanket among 650 acres of protected woodlands and charming meadows. While you savor your meal, keep an eye (and ear) out for several bird species — the arboretum is designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, along with adjacent Ridley Creek State Park. In summer, you can spot the indigo bunting, scarlet tanager, eastern towhee and more.

Next, it’s time to explore the arboretum. This month, Franklin trees, hydrangeas, meadow wildflowers and summer perennials are in bloom. Summer highlights include the Pollinator Preserve, Fragrant Garden, Edible Garden and pond. Any time of year, see the arboretum’s 20 historic trees, planted by Minshall and Jacob Painter in the 19th century. 515 Painter Rd., Media. TylerArboretum.org

Rose Tree State Park

While Rose Tree Park might be best known for its annual Summer Festival, bringing concerts to the park’s outdoor amphitheater five nights a week, it’s also a great spot for an afternoon picnic. Lay out your spread on picnic benches, sit in the gazebo, or unfurl a picnic blanket anywhere on 118 acres of rolling hills surrounded by mature trees.

After your meal, take a stroll through the woodland trail. Kiddos will love the ADA-inclusive playground with swings, a spinning zone, a special area for tots 2 to 5, and a large climbing tower for older kids. Then nudge them toward Delaware County Libraries’ StoryWalk, now in a new location right next to the playground. Kids can wend their way through 20 stations to read a story, changing seasonally — currently “Aloha Everything” by Kaylin Melia George. 1671 N. Providence Rd., Media. DelcoPA.gov

West Chester Railroad Picnic Special

All aboard the West Chester Railroad! On Sunday afternoons through September, climb aboard a historic locomotive for a 90-minute ride to the Glen Mills train station and back to Market Street. Pack a lunch to enjoy at the picnic grove along the Chester Creek, explore the 1880s station building (thought to be designed by Frank Furness), and sample the offerings of Red Brick Winery.

The all-volunteer heritage railroad operates on the over 160-year-old former Pennsylvania Railroad tracks. On your voyage, you’ll pass the historic Westtown station (now an art gallery), the 19th-century Cheyney station and village, and Locksley station (near one of the oldest iron slitting mills in the country). Adults, $25; children (2–12), $20; under 2, free. 230 E. Market St., West Chester. WCRailroad.com