Islamabad is one of the greenest cities in Pakistan, and the city owes its greenery to several parks, manicured gardens, and lush green spaces dotting the capital. Despite the abundance of parks all over the capital city, family outings usually gravitate towards either shopping at malls or dining at restaurants. And, we know for a fact that these places cannot replace the experience of soaking up the sun with a refreshing drink surrounded by calming greenery. So, here’s our pick of the best picnic places in Islamabad – places where you can lay your gingham blanket and enjoy homemade sandwiches with your family.
Let’s go picnicking!
7 Best Picnic Places in Islamabad
The idea of compiling a list of best picnic spots in Islamabad came to us when we were discussing the reasons you should consider visiting Rawal Dam Park after its inauguration. So here are our top picks for a perfect family picnic in Islamabad:
- Lake View Park
- Rose and Jasmine Park
- Saidpur Village
- Japanese Park
- Ankara Park
- Daman-e-Koh
- Marghzar Zoo
Lake View Park
Lake View Park – the perfect stopping point near the Rawal Lake – is a beautiful setting overlooking majestic views of Rawal Lake. Whether you have family members who like observing serene views by the lakeside or adventurous people who have endless love for boating, Lake View Park has something for everyone.
Situated on the edges of Kashmir Highway and easily accessible from Murree Road, the park features clean and green spaces for a family picnic and a few other things including:
- Food shacks with desi snacks
- Reserved parking and prayer areas
- Wildlife reservoir with exotic birds
- Amusement park with fun and exciting rides
- Paved tracks for kart racing
Address: Murree Road, Lake View Park, Islamabad.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entry Ticket Price: PKR 20/-
Rose and Jasmine Garden
Just like the name suggests, Rose and Jasmine Garden is one of the extremely stunning parks in Islamabad that boasts a perfect location for a family picnic. The park boasts a variety of flowers and herbs and is full of mesmerising views of bizarre-looking plants. And, if you’re an animal lover, the park will keep you engaged with the sight of hopping bunnies and ducks and hens running in flocks. There’s also a small shack within the garden that serves crispy fries and smoking-hot chai.
On a side note, Instagrammers should keep their cameras prepared to capture all the “insta-worthy” moments with their friends.
Address: Kashmir Highway, Rose and Jasmine Garden, Islamabad.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Entry Ticket Price: Free Entry
Saidpur Village
Situated on the slopes of Margalla Hills, Saidpur Village is one of the most intriguing places to go for a picnic in Islamabad owning to its history. A picnic spot now, the place was previously believed to be a village that existed for more than five hundred years. There are a number of fun activities you can enjoy at Saidpur Village, including bird watching, strolling, scavenger hunt, and other outdoor games, based on your interest and the weather, of course.
Moreover, the beauty of this picturesque place is enhanced by a perfect amalgamation of rural life in the urban city. The actual attraction of Saidpur Village is the presence of three different religious centres in one place; you can find an ancient Hindu temple, a beautifully constructed mosque, as well as a church. Needless to say, Saidpur Village is a perfect package for history buffs in Islamabad and people who are charmed by architectural wonders.
Address: Saidpur Village Road, Islamabad.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Entry Ticket Price: Free Entry
Japanese Park
For any list of best picnic spots in Islamabad, it will not be fair to miss out on mentioning Japanese Park due to its popularity among Islamabadis and the list of recreational activities the park hosts for children.
The park serves as a symbol of friendship between Pakistan and Japan as it was gifted by the Japanese Government in 1985. A jungle gym, wooden bridge, jumping castle, trampoline, and many other exciting rides are enough to keep your children intrigued throughout their time at the park. While you are there, be sure to check out the dinosaur sculptures as well.
On a side note, we advise you to be prepared with additional energy and promises of coming back again since your children might not want to return home once they have tasted the real essence of the children’s park.
Address: Khayaban-e-Iqbal, Saidpur, Islamabad.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Entry Ticket Price: PKR 30/-
Ankara Park
If you are looking for a small park where your children can run and play freely, while you can rest and keep an eye on them, then Ankara Park is a place to be. It is a well-developed park with boundaries offering a peaceful change of scenery, lush green gardens, and colourful flowers that makes it one of the perfect weekend getaways in Islamabad.
The park is also a true feat for families who are up for some adventure, considering the options available for both adults and children. Paddle away on a boat or hop on a dodging car – do whatever it takes to make your time memorable with your loved ones.
Address: Murree Road, Ankara Park, Islamabad.
Timings: 24 hours
Entry Ticket Price: PKR 30/-
Daman-e-Koh Park
Daman-e-Koh is a beautiful park situated at the foothills of Margalla and named after its exceptional position. The park offers a panoramic view of the federal capital coupled with the picturesque Faisal mosque on the horizon. Adorned with wildflower meadows, this area is, without any doubt, a real treat for the eyes and makes a perfect picnic spot. Apart from the scenic beauty, Daman-e-Koh Park is dotted with kiosks that serve economical snacks. Not to mention that the extensive wildlife is one of the many reasons that this place is popular in Islamabad for having a day out with family.
Address: Daman-e-Koh Road, E-7, Islamabad.
Timings: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entry Ticket Price: Free Entry
Marghzar Zoo
Operating since 1978, Marghzar Zoo (also known as Islamabad Zoo) is a wildlife sanctuary that features deer, lions, bears, monkeys, turtles, and an aviary with exotic birds. The zoo comprises several gardens and a park, allowing for more sightseeing and relaxing opportunities after you are done marvelling at the amazing wildlife.
Needless to say, it is yet another one of the perfect weekend getaways in Islamabad.
Address: Pir Sohawa Road, Saidpur, Islamabad.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Ticket Price: PKR 30/-
This brings us to the end of our post. We have shared our top picks of picnic spots in Islamabad that are considered the best for picnics. For more tourism-related posts, please subscribe to Zameen Blog.
