Tired of picnics wh
ere your sandwich melts, your kid gets sunburned, and there’s no bathroom in sight? SAME. That’s why we rounded up 10 parks in El Paso, Teller, and Douglas Counties that are picnic-perfect—with plenty of shade, space to run wild, and bonus fun like playgrounds, trails, and even splash pads! 🌳🐝
So pack the juice boxes, grab the bubbles, and let’s lunch like legends.
🌳 1. Fox Run Regional Park – Black Forest
Why it’s perfect: Tall pines = all-day shade. Two playgrounds, a pond, and soft grass galore.
Buzz Tip: Bring breadcrumbs for duck sightings (but don’t feed them bread 😅).
🧻 Bathrooms: Yes | 🐝 Shade: Lots | 🛝 Play area: 2
⛲ 2. John Venezia Park – Briargate
Why it’s perfect: Covered pavilions, a splash pad, and a massive playground with turf (no grass-stained knees!).
Buzz Tip: Gets busy mid-afternoon, so picnic early!
🧻 Bathrooms: Yes | 🐝 Shade: Moderate | 💦 Splash pad: YES
🌲 3. Bear Creek Regional Park – West Colorado Springs
Why it’s perfect: A hidden gem with walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic pavilions nestled under shady trees.
Buzz Tip: There’s even a small butterfly garden nearby! 🦋
🧻 Bathrooms: Yes | 🐝 Shade: Yes | 🛝 Trails & space to roam
🏞️ 4. Palmer Lake Recreation Area – Palmer Lake
Why it’s perfect: Right by the water, mountain views, grassy areas, and ducks to entertain little ones.
Buzz Tip: Grab ice cream from Rock House after your picnic! 🍦
🧻 Bathrooms: Yes | 🐝 Shade: Moderate | 🚣 Paddle-friendly
🧺 5. Ute Valley Park – Rockrimmon Area
Why it’s perfect: Beautiful shaded alcoves for low-key nature picnics. Less playground, more peaceful.
Buzz Tip: Great for teens who want to explore or sketch the views.
🧻 Bathrooms: Limited | 🐝 Shade: Yes | 🥾 Hikes nearby
🏕️ 6. Limbach Park – Monument
Why it’s perfect: Playground + trees + nearby coffee shop for a post-picnic pick-me-up.
Buzz Tip: Great little train-themed play area for younger kids! 🚂
🧻 Bathrooms: Yes | 🐝 Shade: Yes | 🎵 Hosts summer concerts!
💦 7. Fountain Creek Regional Park – Fountain
Why it’s perfect: Lots of wildlife, tall trees, water views, and tucked-away picnic tables.
Buzz Tip: Watch for herons and turtles near the creek. 🐢
🧻 Bathrooms: Yes | 🐝 Shade: Excellent | 🌿 Natural vibes
🛝 8. Cottonwood Creek Park – NE Colorado Springs
Why it’s perfect: Big fields, pavilions, shaded tables, and a fun water play feature.
Buzz Tip: Scooters + path = big kid energy outlet! 🛴
🧻 Bathrooms: Yes | 🐝 Shade: Yes | 💧 Splash area: Yep!
🎠 9. Acacia Park – Downtown Colorado Springs
Why it’s perfect: Carousel, splash pad, and lots of grass right in the middle of the city.
Buzz Tip: Pack light and stop for treats downtown after lunch!
🧻 Bathrooms: Yes | 🐝 Shade: Some | 🎠 Carousel in summer
🌳 10. Philip S. Miller Park – Castle Rock
Why it’s perfect: Giant turf hills to roll down, modern playgrounds, covered picnic tables, and even a mini zip line!
Buzz Tip: Plan a half-day adventure—you’ll need it.
🧻 Bathrooms: Yes | 🐝 Shade: Good | 🧗 Tons to do!
🐝 Bonus Buzzy Tips for Perfect Picnicking:
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Freeze juice boxes = double as ice packs
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Bring a fitted sheet—tuck bags in each corner = clean surface!
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Pack baby wipes, trash bags, and don’t forget sunscreen ☀️
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Use a tackle box to organize snacks = no more smashed Goldfish! 🐟
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Buzzy B: Making Parenting Easier—One Hug (and Coffee Refill) at a Time! 
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Questions, Comments? Call me at 720-333-6755 or email me info@thebuzzyb.com
