Top 5 Parks in Billings for a Fun-Filled Memorial Day Picnic

How about a picnic this weekend at a Billings park?

Memorial Day Weekend weather in Montana is always a gamble. Every few years it's sunny and hot-ish and everybody hits the lakes and rivers. This time of year, we're more likely to have random showers, thunderstorms, pouring rain, or snow.

Many of us will still hit the lakes, mountains, and rivers, but it won't be swimsuit and flipflops weather for weeks. I'm always bemused when I see the Memorial Day Weekend TV ads from national retailers. They're often focused on "hitting the beach" themes, while Montanans are still digging out our hoodies.

Here are some of the best picnic spots in Billings.

Pioneer Park is a favorite for good reason.

Centrally located, this sprawling oasis is perfect for family fun, boasting plenty of green space for your picnic blanket and games. Kids can swing, slide, and climb at the awesome playground while parents tend to the grills.

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The park’s paved paths are ideal for a post-lunch stroll, kids love exploring the shallow creek that meanders through the grounds, and there is a disc golf course.

Next up is Riverfront Park, a haven for nature lovers.

Nestled along the Yellowstone River, Riverfront offers plentiful picnic spots under shady trees and numerous small pavilions, should a shower pop up. Bring your fishing gear; it's a great spot for fishing with kids in the shallow-shored lake.

Don't overlook Sacajawea Park.

Across from Par 3 on 19th St West, this park has lots of trees for picnicking shade, a baseball field, a decent-sized playground, a plenty of room for tossing around a football or flying kites.

Picnic on the Rims for the best view in town.

Perhaps not an ideal choice for toddlers, most of the Rims are publicly accessible, and older children love exploring the trails, rocks, and other discoveries. If you walk just a few yards beyond the parking lots on Airport Road, you'll find plenty of trails and outcroppings that lead to perfect spots for picnics.

Note: The Billings Fire Department responds to numerous rescue calls on the Rims annually, and far too many people have died from falling off. Please watch your children - and your step - carefully. 

Lake Elmo State Park

What Lake Elmo lacks in tree coverage, it makes up for with 64 acres of water, surrounded by 59 acres of park. Guests can walk the 1.3-mile trail around the lake and largely feel like they're not in the middle of Montana's largest city.  On hot sunny days, the gentle "beach" at Lake Elmo is a popular spot for families, and fishing and paddle boarding is common.

Have a picnic at the Zoo!

Yes, ZooMontana is not free, but where else can you mix picnicking with some wild fun? Kids will be thrilled by the animals, playground equipment, sensory attractions, and gift shop. Parents will love the beautiful botanical gardens and tranquility of the zoo.

So, whether you’re chasing the perfect picnic place with quiet shade, or a park with a bit of adventure, Billings has tons of great picnicking spots. Remember to keep the egg salad on ice.