Lakeside Promenade Picnic Spots

For official information, visit Switzerland Tourism.

For official information, visit Ascona-Locarno Tourism.

The Muralto section of the promenade is particularly popular for its wide spaces and clean facilities. Public restrooms and drinking water fountains are conveniently located every few hundred meters along the main path. You can easily find a spot to spread a large blanket near the colorful flower beds. This area remains very popular during the warm spring and summer months of 2026.

Local kiosks near the boat pier sell refreshing gelato and cold drinks for your afternoon break. Most of these stalls open daily from ten in the morning until late in the evening. Prices for a simple snack range from five to ten Swiss Francs per person. It is a great place to watch the large white ferries glide across the water.

Parking is available at the nearby train station for about three Swiss Francs per hour of stay. You can walk from the car park to the lake in less than five minutes. The path is completely paved and works perfectly for families using heavy strollers or wheelchairs. This central location makes it the easiest spot for a quick and scenic family lunch.

Cardada Cimetta Mountain Views

For a higher perspective, take the modern funicular up to the beautiful mountain station of Cardada. This area is famous for having some of the most spectacular family friendly walks in Locarno today. You will find several dedicated picnic zones equipped with sturdy wooden tables and benches for public use. The air is noticeably cooler and fresher at this high altitude during the summer.

Children will enjoy the unique wooden play equipment scattered along the easy walking paths in Cardada. There is a famous viewing platform that extends out over the valley for incredible photo opportunities. The paths are well-marked and mostly flat once you reach the top of the cable car. You can walk through ancient larch forests while looking for a quiet place to eat.

A return ticket for the funicular costs approximately thirty-six Swiss Francs for adults in the 2026 season. Children often receive a significant discount or can travel for free with a valid Junior Card. The journey from the city center takes only a few minutes and offers wonderful views. It is a perfect escape from the heat of the lower city streets.

Remember to pack a light jacket even if the weather in Locarno feels very warm and sunny. Temperatures on the mountain can be five to ten degrees lower than at the lake level. There are small mountain huts nearby where you can purchase local cheese and traditional Swiss bread. This mountain picnic will be a highlight of your family trip to Switzerland.

Parco delle Camelie Gardens

The Parco delle Camelie is a hidden gem located at the western end of the city. It features some of the best playgrounds along Locarno walking paths for active children. The park contains over nine hundred varieties of camellias that bloom beautifully in the early spring. Large, open grassy areas provide plenty of room for families to relax and enjoy a meal.

This park is much quieter than the main promenade and offers a very peaceful environment for toddlers. You can sit near the small pond and watch the ducks while you eat your sandwiches. The sound of the lake waves hitting the shore creates a very relaxing background for your picnic. It is an ideal spot for families seeking a bit of tranquility and nature.

Entrance to the park is usually free except during the special Camellia Festival held in March. The park is open every day from nine in the morning until the sun sets. You will find clean toilets and several benches located near the modern playground area. The playground features safe climbing structures and swings that will keep the kids entertained for hours.

You can reach the park by taking a pleasant twenty-minute walk from the main Piazza Grande. The route follows the lakeshore and is away from the noise of the busy city traffic. Many families prefer this spot because it feels like a private garden in the middle of Locarno. It is a wonderful location for a long and lazy Sunday afternoon picnic.

Maggia River Natural Settings

The banks of the Maggia River offer a more rugged and natural setting for your family picnic. This area is located just a short bus ride or a long walk from the center. You will find massive, smooth granite rocks that are perfect for sitting on near the water. The river water is crystal clear and very refreshing for a quick dip in July.

Many walking trails follow the river and lead to secluded sandy beaches and shaded forest clearings. You can find many spots where the water is shallow enough for children to paddle safely. It is important to check the local weather forecast before planning a day by the river. Water levels can rise quickly if it is raining in the mountains further up the valley.

There are no entrance fees for the river banks, making this a very budget-friendly option for families. You should bring your own food and plenty of water as there are few shops nearby. The natural beauty of the Maggia valley is world-famous and attracts many nature lovers every year. It offers a wilder experience compared to the manicured parks in the city center.

To reach the best spots, take bus number one from the Locarno train station toward the town of Losone. Get off at the Ponte Maggia stop and follow the signs for the walking paths. You will find many fire pits where locals often grill sausages during the weekends in 2026. This location provides a true taste of the local Ticino lifestyle and natural heritage.

Essential Picnic Tips for Families

Planning a successful picnic requires a bit of preparation to ensure everyone stays happy and well-fed. You should always check the safety tips for families before heading into the hills. Most local supermarkets like Coop or Migros offer a great selection of ready-to-eat picnic items. You can find fresh local fruits, Swiss chocolates, and delicious regional meats at very reasonable prices.

It is vital to follow the "leave no trace" principle while enjoying the beautiful Swiss outdoors. Always carry a small trash bag with you to collect all your waste and food scraps. Most public parks in Locarno have clearly marked recycling bins for plastic, glass, and general waste. Keeping the environment clean ensures that these beautiful areas remain open for everyone to enjoy forever.

The sun in the southern part of Switzerland can be very strong even on cloudy days. Always pack high-quality sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and plenty of drinking water for the whole family. Many of the public fountains in Locarno provide safe and delicious mountain water for free. You can refill your reusable bottles at these points to stay hydrated during your long walks.

Try to arrive at your chosen picnic spot before noon to secure the best possible location. Popular areas can get quite crowded during the weekends and public holidays in the busy 2026 season. If you prefer a quiet meal, consider visiting these spots on a weekday morning or late afternoon. A well-planned picnic is the best way to enjoy the natural beauty of Locarno together.