Celebrate Recreation And Parks Month With These Picture-Perfect Picnics In Durham Region

Left to right: Palmer Park by @thisisafeefa | Jr's Sourdough Pizza by @kenncourt

June is Recreation and Parks Month, and there is no better way to experience Durham’s parks than grabbing some delicious food and dining al fresco.

From catching the sunset at tranquil lakeside beaches to playgrounds that have kids asking for five more minutes of playtime, this list covers all of Durham Region.

Authentic Jamaican Patties And A Park You Can Make A Splash In

Photo: Patty Gyal, Ajax | Credit: Culinary Tourism Alliance

Pick up authentic Jamaican patties at Ajax’s Patty Gyal, and then head over to Audley Recreation Centre Park with your picnic blanket.

Insider tip: Ask for your patty stuffed (the spicy beef patty with cheese, lettuce, and tomato comes highly recommended) and grab a tropical soda. Don’t forget to pack swimsuits for your picnic pals. Audley Recreation Centre Park has a splash pad for a post-lunch cool down.

Audley Recreation Centre Park – 2001 Audley Road, Ajax

Patty Gyal – 41 Harwood Avenue South #5, Ajax

A Little Treat On The Pier In North Durham

On your way to the pier in Beaverton, stop in at the Insta-worthy Shortiss Café for a coffee and cruffin (croissant pastry baked in a muffin tin).

Insider tip: There are plenty of picnic tables overlooking the water where the Beaverton Pier begins. There is a small sandy beach too.

Beaverton Pier – 24 Harbour Park Crescent #2, Beaverton

The Shortiss Cafe Bar – 379 Simcoe Street, Beaverton

Enjoy Pizza By The Lake

Photo credit – @kenncourt

The hardest part about ordering at Junior’s Sourdough Pizza is picking just one or two pizzas. They all look delicious! Once you have your pizza pie in hand, go south to the lake and tailgate from the back of your car at Port Darlington East Beach Park.

Insider tip: Junior’s also makes spicy dill vodka that is perfect for weekend Caesars at home. Ask the team where you can pick up a bottle!

Port Darlington Beach – 54 East Beach Road, Bowmanville

Junior’s Sourdough Pizza – 181 King Street East, Bowmanville

Dip Dumplings In The Shade Of A Tree

Street Momo in downtown Oshawa has lots of momos to choose from and Lakeview Park is the perfect place to find a shady picnic table to enjoy them.

Insider tip: While not as picnic-friendly as their dumplings, Street Momo has a great menu of Indian-East Asian fusion dishes. They are all seriously delicious.

Lakeview Park – 55 Lakeview Park Avenue

 Street Momo – 19 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa

Take A Post-Dinner Waterfront Walk And Pick Up A Cool Drink

Stretch your legs and satisfy your thirst by going for a stroll in Beachfront Park in Pickering with a cold beverage from With Grace Marketplace, a new non-alcoholic bottle shop on your way down to the water.

Insider tip: There is a summer concert series that takes place on Thursday nights in Millennium Square at Beachfront Park.

Beachfront Park – 505 Liverpool Road, Pickering

With Grace Marketplace – 622 Liverpool Road, Pickering

Choose Some Cheeses For Snacking In Palmer Park

Stop in at The Port Cheese Co and choose a cheese or two (or three) and all the necessary accompaniments for picnicking in Palmer Park in Port Perry.

Insider tip: You can count on the helpful and passionate staff for cheese recommendations and what to pair with them.

Palmer Park – 175 Water Street, Port Perry

The Port Cheese Co – 203 Queen Street, Port Perry

Indulge In A Loaded Grilled Cheese Sandwich At A Tranquil Park Full Of Trails

Pick up a sandwich from Gangster Cheese’s “anything you can think of inside of a grilled cheese sandwich” menu and wander the trails of Elgin Park in Uxbridge until you find a quiet spot to devour your lunch.

Insider tip: Don’t forget napkins –you'll need them! Oh, and don’t miss Gangster Cheese’s daily specials for great deals.

Elgin Park – 180 Main Street South, Uxbridge

Gangster Cheese – 114 Brock Street West, Uxbridge

A Playground That Will Blow Any Kid’s Mind And Comfort Food For Nights You Don’t Feel Like Cooking