There is no better time than Arizona’s spring to grab a blanket and some sandwiches and enjoy a picnic in the sun. Here are some places to take a date or the family for a beautiful picnic before it gets too hot!
Slaughter Ranch and Museum
Slaughter Ranch, once the home of Texas John Slaughter, the sheriff who cleaned up the county after the Earps left, is now open for free to the public. The now museum was inhabited by the Slaughter family in the 1880’s and 1890’s. There are now picnic tables open to the public by the pond. Guests can tour the ranch house and then enjoy a picnic lunch at the tables. The ranch is not located in Tucson, but in Douglas, Arizona. Guests are advised to plan a small road trip (it’s about an hour from Tucson) to the ranch. The drive is definitely worth it!
www.slaughterranch.com.
The Old Stone House
Just off of the David Yetman Trail in the Tucson Mountains is The Old Stone House, a favorite picnicking spot among locals and visitors. The stone house was built by Sherry Bowen, who worked for the Arizona Daily Star, in the 1930’s. In 1983, the house became part of Tucson Mountain Park, and is now available for picnics and sightseeing while hiking the trail.
www.gvrhc.org/Library/OldStoneHouse2.htm.
Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon offers some of the best scenery and hiking that Tucson has to offer. Guests can hike or take the tram into the canyon for breathtaking views. The picnic areas along the east side of Sabino Creek offer a great place for a date or picnic with friends.
www.sabinocanyon.com.
Agua Caliente Park
Agua Caliente Park is located on the far east side of Tucson near the Catalina Mountains. The park features a rare spring that rises from the ground, creating a beautiful environment fit for an afternoon picnic. Picnic tables as well as benches are available if you wish to skip the blanket. Agua Caliente Park is a great place for a quiet, calming date-style picnic.
http://www.pima.gov/nrpr/parks/agua_caliente.
Reid Park
Reid Park is Tucson’s most centrally located park, and perhaps its most popular. The park includes a large lake and small pond area where guests can set up a blanket and picnic near the water. There is no covered structure near the lake area, but plenty of trees to sit under. Take the kids by the playground on your way out or stop by the Reid Park Zoo for some added fun.
http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/parksandrec/specialplaces.
