This large park in South Philly is a popular picnic spot for those willing to head all the way down South Broad Street. Designed by the Olmstead Brothers, FDR features lots of green space, natural lagoons and ponds, and yes, grills. The park could be seeing some upgrades soon, as the Philly-based firm WRT Design is currently in the process of developing a master plan to tun it into an “urban oasis.”

If you’re looking to host a special event, you’ll need to pay for a permit.

There are a few grills here in this pocket park in Northern Liberties. Or you can reserve some space here via their calendar for a bigger bash. Note: It's surrounded by residential properties on all four sides, so do be mindful of that.

Over in Fishtown, Penn Treaty Park offers great views back toward Philly and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, plus plenty of space to picnic. Families often bring their own grills to this park.

Head over to Wissahickon Valley Park, where there are various grills and picnic tables scattered throughout the park (Friends of the Wissahickon notes on their website: “You can identify these areas by the grills and picnic benches that are already there. However, grilling or starting campfires anywhere else in the park is extremely dangerous and not permitted.”) Your best bet is to park at one of the lots along Forbidden Drive and snag a spot early in the a.m.

The city's first public roof top park is a picture-perfect picnic spot. Sandwiched between two high rises, Cira Green features plenty of green space, including a hill where you can sit and enjoy the great views of the city.

You can pretty much rely on being able to find a picnic spot (for free, with a small group) in this massive park. If you want to reserve a pavilion, you'll have to request a permit. But otherwise, there are plenty of areas to grill, set up a blanket, and lounge all day.

If the Schuylkill Banks is a bit too crowded for you, head over to the quieter Grays Ferry Crescent. No, you can't grill, but you can picnic all you want right along the river.

The popular trail on the west banks of the Schuylkill River is worth a visit. Hang out and picnic at the new 56th Street Plaza, which offers Center City skyline views right on the river, or take a walk along the mile and through Bartram’s Garden.

If you really want to get out of Center City for the weekend, make the trek up to Northeast Philly to Pennypack Park. This 1,600-acre oasis has plenty of trails to meander, meadows and wetlands, and a big lawn that’s perfect for a picnic.

For a bit of quiet and relaxation, head out to Gorgas Park in Roxborough. The quiet, neighborhood park has a regular concert series on weekend evenings (always a solid date night idea). Bring some snacks and enjoy the cozy atmosphere a little outside of the city.