Dining al fresco? Here are the best Twin Cities parks with amenity-filled picnic spots.

With the end of summer in sight, enjoy the abundant green spaces in the parks for one last time.

The Twin Cities area has no shortage of parks. There’s one roughly every six blocks in Minneapolis, said Annie Olson, director of visitor services for the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation board. “This is a city where you can access a park easily,” she added.

While smaller parks may just have benches and playground equipment, others have covered pavilions, picnic tables and grills. Olson said planning is key.

“Reservations fill up, up to a year in advance. By April or May, most shelter reservations are gone,” she said.

Pavilions and shelters typically hold 50 to 200 people. Outside of the reservation-only pavilions, people can use the open-space picnic tables and grills. It is first-come, first-served, so plan on getting to the park early.

Whether you’re on a date or heading to a family reunion or birthday party, the parks offer a range of amenities that will suit your needs. So, pack the basket and cooler, and enjoy the picnic season while it lasts.

Why it stands out: Home to one of Minnesota’s most famous waterfalls, this park within a park is the only national park that is dedicated exclusively to the Mississippi River and part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway system, a trail that almost circles all of Minneapolis. With picturesque views and no shortage of selfie spots, it’s a great place to go on a romantic picnic. There are even spaces near the falls that are ideal to bring out the ring and propose. If you weren’t inclined or didn’t have time to put together a picnic basket, grab a meal from Sea Salt Eatery, which is open through October. Then take your lover for a romantic stroll through the blooms at the Minnehaha Falls Pergola Garden, Song of Hiawatha Garden and Longfellow Gardens.

Why it stands out: Nothing says romance like a waterfall. For a picture-perfect moment and sneaking a kiss, walk to the bottom of the bluffs to reach the aquatic spectacle. Located along the bluffs across the river from Minnehaha Falls, this park was selected by Horace Cleveland in 1887 to be one of four major park cites for St. Paul. It’s a great place for taking your beloved fishing, birding, walking or biking after a meal outdoors. There are 6.7 miles of paved trails for strolls along wooded bottomlands.

Amenities: Barbecue grills, biking and hiking trails, restrooms and picnic area. An open shelter covers 12 of 16 stone picnic tables for approximately 60 people. Electricity is available for small appliances. (Sunrise-10 p.m. daily. 1313 Hidden Falls Drive, St. Paul. stpaul.gov)

Why it stands out: Initially called Lake Amelia, a natural lake intended to be a reservoir to maintain water flow at Minnehaha Falls, the name was changed in 1910 to honor the grandmother of Hiawatha in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, “The Song of Hiawatha.” Nokomis is packed with activities and has something to keep everyone occupied while food is on the grill. Wheel Fun Rentals provides canoes, kayaks, bikes and paddleboards. There’s a colorful, well maintained playground for the kiddos and the park has a pickleball court, playground and fishing pier. For those who don’t want to bring in food, the Painted Turtle has finger foods, salads and ice cream.

Amenities: Grills, beach, boat dock, football, soccer and softball fields, bike pump, restrooms, decorative fountain and Nokomis Naturescape Gardens. (6 a.m.-midnight daily. 4955 W. Lake Nokomis Pkwy., Mpls.)

Why it stands out: If it’s a family reunion-sized crowd that you need to feed, this park stands out because of its Booya Shed, an area to make a hearty stew. Created in 1926, the 265-acre park has vintage charm and is tucked into an area lush with tall green trees. Dare anyone in the family to lament that they’re bored with golf, horseshoes and the aquatic park. Arts circus school Circus Juventas is housed on the grounds and hosts performances.

Why it stands out: This park is a collaborative effort between the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and Three Rivers Park District. The park boasts breathtaking views of the Mississippi River, woods and prairie. There’s no shortage of wildlife here, including great blue herons nesting, deer, beavers, hawks and eagles. There are spacious areas for cookouts.

Amenities: Parkgoers can commune with the natural world at the Carl W. Kroening Nature Center, which has interactive exhibits. Also biking and walking paths, boat dock, fishing pier, restrooms, wading pool and playground/tot lot. (6 a.m.-midnight. 5116 N. Mississippi Drive, Mpls. minneapolisparks.org)

Why it stands out: If you’re gathering the clan, colleagues or classmates together, this urban park has something for them all. In existence for more than 100 years, the park is not only home to Como Zoo & Conservatory and Como Town amusement park but also a golf course, pool and historic streetcar station. Walk the 2.3 miles of paved trails throughout the spacious area or take in the beauty of the gardens surrounding the Hamm Memorial waterfalls. At the Como Lakeside Pavilion, listen to live music and dine at the restaurant that also serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. It is also available for private event rentals of all sizes.

Amenities: Fire rings, grills, picnic shelter, fishing pier, non-motorized boat launch, pool, mini-golf, 18-hole golf course, watercraft rentals, softball and baseball fields and a play area. The picnic shelter has electricity and a large double grill. Adjacent picnic areas also have grills and restrooms. (Sunrise-11 p.m. daily. 1199 Midway Pkwy., St. Paul. stpaul.gov)

Why it stands out: Named for Harriet Lovejoy, wife of Col. Henry Leavenworth, who founded Fort Snelling in 1819, this is most popular park in Minneapolis. Catch up with your squad on a 2.75-mile walk around the south Minneapolis lake. For a cheap night out with friends, check out the free concerts and movies at the band shell. Bring your own food or order from Bread & Pickle, which offers salads, sandwiches and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Appreciate the summer blooms at Lyndale Park gardens on the northeast shore and at the Lake Harriet Rose Garden, just off the lake.

Why it stands out: Those looking for a scaled-down, less noisy and intimate park to catch up with friends should check out this urban oasis in the heart of St. Paul’s Lowertown district. While a smaller park, the beauty factor gets 10’s across the board with expertly manicured and seasonal gardens and a stream that runs through the area. The park holds events throughout the year and concerts are a summer staple. Lunchtime concerts will be held through Aug. 20 and the evening Lowertown Sounds series continues through Sept. 11.

Amenities: Order foods from trucks or nearby restaurants and dine on a bench with your pal. (7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. 221 E. 5th St., St. Paul. stpaul.gov)

Why it stands out: This suburban 12.2-acre park has evolved since its 1948 opening — its most recent facelift was in 2020. Children can run around in the community space that has a large inclusive play area at the center of the park. There’s an amphitheater available for rental for special gatherings. So pack the cake, balloons, party hats and let the kids loose.

Amenities: Picnic area with grill, play area, spray pad, restroom, basketball and pickleball courts, biking, walking and running paths. (6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. 5530 Douglas Drive N., Crystal. crystalmn.gov)

Why it stands out: Sprawling over 2,000 acres, this is the largest park in the Dakota County parks system. The park also boasts five trails and interactive nature displays. Swim and kayak in the Schulze Lake, and hold parties on the beach.