Milano has many hidden places that are great for a day spent outdoors, where you can relax and spread out your picnic blanket safely. Location is important so let's take a look at a few that satisfy every need:

1. Parco Sempione: Milano’s most iconic park, is an ideal location for eating alfresco whist still remaining connected to the heart of the city. It’s great for switching off from the chaos, a place where you can spread a blanket on one of the many grassy areas and enjoy your picnic under the leafy shade of the trees in the landscaped area. 
    
2. Parco Indro Montanelli: another large park in the heart of the city, you can create your own little corner of paradise in a verdant setting, a stone's throw from the bustling centre.
    
3. Garden of Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte: also known as the Villa Comunale park or Villa Reale garden in Milano, directly faces Parco Indro Montanelli. This is a real hidden gem, as it can only be accessed from the side of the GAM - Modern Art Gallery - that is housed in the Villa. It’s a blissful paradise open to children and families only. A picnic is more than eating a meal, it’s a pleasurable state of mind and this is the place to be for lovers of English gardens. Then if you need to relax just wander into the Villa’s sophisticated and soothing LùBar cafe with its retro aesthetics that evoke its Sicilian origins. 
    
4. Boscoincittà: with its 110 hectares Boscoincittà is the go-to park for the west of Milano. A huge area with lots of paths for walking, running, playing football or volleyball, plus, a hundred and fifty community allotments, the Biblioteca Verde botanical library, streams that crisscross the terrain and a delightful pond with turtles. Do you like running outdoors? Find out where you can run in Milano and then sit back and enjoy some fun and relaxed family time with a sumptuous picnic spread! 
    
5. Parco Trenno (or Parco Aldo Aniasi): not far from Boscoincittà, this outdoor sports paradise is equipped with several basketball and bowls courts, football and volleyball fields and much more. Kids will love a picnic at Parco Trenno because it gives them the chance to enjoy the many child-friendly amenities such as the Trennolandia playground.
    
6. Idroscalo: or "Milano beach", as it is affectionally known by the Milanese, offers several different ad hoc spaces for picnics even within the various children’s attractions. Have a super-fun day and discover them all! 
    
7. Giardini della Guastalla: these splendid Italian gardens, dating back to 1555, are particularly appreciated by students at the nearby Policlinico and Università Statale. This small traditional park with monumental trees, a neoclassical temple and a tranquil pond is an urban oasis in the centre that takes a step back from time, perfect for a relaxing picnic.
    
8. Parco delle Cave: who’s up for a fun outdoor barbecue? Not just a picnic, but a great cookout for all the family! With its 140 hectares, lakes and walking paths, you’ll have plenty of time to burn off all the calories from your picnic spread, even if it’s a mega one!
    
9. Parco Lambro: an immense expanse of green that reflects the landscape typical of the Lombard countryside within its borders: hills, plains and streams alternating with large rural spaces where you can spread out a towel and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.
    
10. Parco della Martesana: much loved by cycling enthusiasts, this is the ideal place to pause after a long ride along the bicycle path that follows the Martesana canal. When the hanging scented wisteria blooms in spring it feels even more captivating.