6 Picnic-Perfect Parks for Friends and Family
February 1, 2023
Having a picnic is a great way to spend quality time with your family and friends. This is why we have curated 6 picnic-perfect parks for you to have a pleasant time.
1. LUFASI Nature Park
LUFASI, as it is popularly called, is an acronym for the Lekki Urban Forestry and Animal Shelter Initiative.
You will locate the park on a 20-hectare farm forest in the heart of Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria. It is an interesting park for nature lovers.
Since its official launch in November 2016, the park has served as an outdoor eco-laboratory for schools, researchers, and a recreational center.
People who visit the park can enjoy nature walks, outdoor sports, field research, school excursions, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, among other activities.
The park is also a natural wellness center, providing a peaceful and serene environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. Most of LUFASI’s events and activities take place within the park, which is the organization’s flagship project.
Some of the activities you can undertake at the park are forest tours, educational classes, and eco-friendly games. They have a children’s play park, animal sanctuary, picnic areas, pitches, and lakes. You can also just lay back and soak in the freshness of your surroundings. It is a place where you can connect harmoniously with nature.
The LUFASI sanctuary offers refuge to various endangered animals, including ungulates, avifauna, primates, and small mammals. Some of the species they currently care for include the African Wild Donkey, West African Barb Horse, Mona Monkey, and Helmeted Guinea fowls.
LUFASI is also committed to developing innovative tools to educate the public, particularly school-aged students, about critical environmental issues such as climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity conservation.
If you love nature, you will certainly find LUFASI interesting.
Location: Majek 1st Gate, KM 41, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos.
Website– https://lufasi.org/
Instagram @lufasipark
Working Hours: Mondays to Saturdays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sundays: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
2. Freedom Park
Freedom Park is a cultural hub in Lagos, Nigeria that offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
The park was originally a colonial-era prison but was transformed into a museum and park in 2010.
Its beautifully landscaped gardens and peaceful walking paths make it a popular destination for tourists and locals. The park hosts over twelve festivals yearly, as well as regular performances and visual art exhibitions. It also offers live music performances regularly.
The park’s natural surroundings provide a calming environment that can help reduce stress and promote overall health and well-being.
The trees and flowers in the park also help improve air quality by filtering pollutants and releasing oxygen. Some of the species of trees and flowers found in the park include Queens Palm, Fishtail Palm, Moringa, Weeping Fig, Mango, Bougainvillea, Mauritius Hemp, Jacob’s Coat, Devil’s Backbone, Giant Spider Lilies, and Crown of Thorns.
What makes Freedom park popular is its commitment to the arts. Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka visits the park, and the park features the Omooba Yemisi Shyllon sculpture gardens.
The park has gained a reputation for being a safe and welcoming space. It has become the home of the Society of Nigerian Artists and the Nigerian Institute of Architects.
Location: 1, Hospital Road, Lagos Island, Lagos.
Website: www.freedomparklagos.com
Instagram: @freedomparklagos
Opening hours: Mondays to Thursdays: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Fridays: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
Saturdays & Sundays: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
LASPARK Parks
Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) is a government agency in Lagos, Nigeria, responsible for creating and maintaining functional and operational parks and gardens and planting and caring for trees.
The state government established the agency in 2012 to take over the greening initiatives of the state government from the Conservation and Ecology Department of the Ministry of the Environment.
Since its inception, LASPARK has established and maintained 327 parks and gardens across the state, 212 created by the state government, 85 by private organizations, and 31 in schools.
The agency’s mandate is to make Lagos a greener and healthier city.
LASPARK strives to cultivate a paradise in Lagos, fostering leisure spaces through picturesque parks, serene gardens, and thriving recreational centers. They aim to cultivate a state of beauty, safety, and wellness for all to enjoy.
Across Lagos, 373 green areas, including 60 new additions, are maintained and monitored by the state in partnership with private organizations.
LASPARK is actively engaging with the community to promote a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle by building and rejuvenating green infrastructure.
By offering opportunities for volunteers to lend a hand and educational initiatives at their picturesque parks and flourishing gardens, they hope to nurture the next generation of environmental stewards. These devoted champions will work to safeguard and conserve our natural world for future generations to enjoy.
To host, memorable picnics for your friends and family, you can find the park closest to you.
They offer volunteering opportunities and learning initiatives at their parks and gardens, hoping to cultivate a new generation of environmental champions who will help to protect and preserve our natural environment.
3. Ndubuisi Kanu Park
Ndubuisi Kanu Park welcomes you to a peaceful domain with a tranquil atmosphere.
The Park was opened on June 12, 2014, during the tenure of former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.
The park is named after Rear Admiral (Ret.) Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu, who served as Governor of Lagos State from 1977 to 1978. The park occupies an area of 1 acre. It features a range of facilities, including a children’s playground, fountains, 2 gazebos, an artwork monument, a vendor stand, a rotunda stand, and free Wifi.
The Ndubuisi Kanu Park features a range of amenities, including a lawn tennis court, basketball court, children’s play area, and seating areas.
The park also has ample green space, ideal for picnics and relaxation. The park is conveniently located near Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park.
Ndubuisi Kanu Park is often a go-to place for people looking for quiet time to unwind and concentrate on activities like studying or working. You also get to use free Wifi at the park.
Location: Mobolaji Johnson Ave, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.
Website: https://lasparkportal.lagosstate.gov.ng/parks/ndubuisi-kanu-park/
Opening hours: Mondays to Sundays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
4. Muri Okunola Park
Muri Okunola Park is located on Adeyemo Alakija Street in Victoria Island, near the Lagos campus of the Nigerian Law School.
The former governor of Lagos State Babatunde Raji Fashola built and commissioned the park on December 18, 2008. He did it in honor of the late Justice Muri Okunola, who was known for his dedication to public service.
The park is well-maintained, with lush green grass and beautiful flowers. It is a perfect spot for a peaceful getaway with loved ones.
The park also hosts events such as festivals, weddings, and photo and video shoots, making it a popular destination for photographers and picture lovers.
Some of the facilities available at the park include a fountain, parking space, and free Wifi.
Location: Adeyemo Alakija St, Eti-Osa, Lagos.
Website: https://lasparkportal.lagosstate.gov.ng/parks/muri-okunola-park/
Instagram: @muriokunolapark
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
5. Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park
Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park is a modern recreational park in Lagos, Nigeria named after three former governors of the state: Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson (Ret.), Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The former Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, commissioned the park on December 13, 2017. The aim was to honor these leaders and their contributions to the city.
The park is intended to be a space for relaxation and social gatherings. It occupies a total land area of approximately 21,880 sq m. Some of the facilities available at the park include a lounge, huts, a food court, an aviary, a pergola, and statues.
Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park knows that good picnic or group hangout sessions are only complete with some delicious food, which is where their food yard comes in, leaving you spoilt for choice!
Location: The House of Assembly beside Lag State Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Website: Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
6. VGC Park
Victoria Garden City Park (VGC Park) has everything you’re looking to have in a perfect picnic and to take a break from your day-to-day work.
It’s a beautiful green space located in Lagos, Nigeria. The park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax, have picnics, and enjoy the outdoors.
One of the things that make Victoria Garden City Park so special is its stunning landscape.
The park is filled with lush greenery and colorful flowers, making it a perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
There are also several walking and jogging paths for those who want to get active.
In all, Victoria Garden City Park is a great place to spend a relaxing day outdoors. Whether you’re looking to take a stroll, have a picnic, or get some exercise, there’s something for everyone at this beautiful park.
Location: Victoria Garden City, Lagos.
Instagram @victoriagardencity
Working Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Well, there you have it – 6 fantastic picnic spots in Lagos to choose from! Whether you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic location or a place to connect with nature, there’s a spot on this list that will suit your needs.