The Best Places to Have a Picnic in Benton, AR

Benton, Arkansas, is a charming city that features an abundance of parks, lakes, and natural highlights. Daytime temperatures average in the mid-70s and above from April through October, offering plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy this picturesque environment. When you want to relax and soak up the scenery, there’s no better option than a picnic.

Whether you want to pack your own food or pick up something hot and ready from one of Benton’s local restaurants , dining outside will add something special to your meal. We’ve rounded up five of the best places for a picnic in Benton. Gather the family and hop in your car for a special al fresco experience at one of these destinations.

Ralph Bunche Park is a charming green space that covers 2.41 acres in Benton, Arkansas. It features a playground where kids can run off their energy and two adjacent pavilions that are perfect for picnics. You’ll find picnic tables, trash cans, and charcoal grills. The pavilion is available on a first-come-first-served basis unless otherwise reserved. If you’re planning a special event, you can rent the pavilion for just $10 an hour. Ralph Bunche Park also features a baseball field, basketball court, and amphitheater for more fun and entertainment.

If you want a fast and easy option for a hot meal, you can pick up your lunch at Gary’s Sling Blade Drive-In, just three minutes up the road. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, pizzas, shakes, and ice cream.

Location: 1300 S. East St., Benton.

Tyndall Park is a wildly popular destination for family fun in the sun. This park features a thrilling splash pad for watery summer fun, complete with fountains, dump buckets, and spray structures. The splash pad pumps an impressive 70 gallons of water through its installations every minute. There are picnic tables within the splash pad area, so you can snag a spot and serve tasty treats for when the kids stop to catch their breath.

If you prefer to keep things dry, Tyndall Park also offers a playground, skate park, tennis courts, basketball courts, and softball fields. There’s even a concession stand on-site where you can pick up a bite if you don’t want to pack a picnic. The park has two gazebos and seven pavilions, so there are plenty of shady places to set up. If you’d like to reserve one of these spaces for private use, the fee is just $10 an hour.

Location: 913 E. Sevier St., Benton.

Lyle Park was temporarily closed from the summer of 2022 through February 2023 for renovations. The area received improved parking, sidewalks, and accessibility. The closure also enabled the City of Benton to improve river access. Now, you can enjoy the newly improved park area along the picturesque Saline River. This is a prime destination if you’re looking for a peaceful picnic that’s removed from the bustle of playgrounds and sports fields.

If you have a canoe, kayak, or small boat, you can put it in here and take your picnic downriver. Nearby Saline River Canoe offers rentals, as well. Lyle Park also features picnic tables for those who want to dine on the spot. You can take in the rocky shoreline, towering trees, and peaceful waters while enjoying an al fresco meal with family and friends.

Location: 2 Rivercrest Circle, Benton.

If you’re looking for a convenient spot for an urban picnic in downtown Benton, the small square of Bart Owens & Randy Mooney Memorial Park is an ideal choice. This tiny spot covers just 0.41 acres. It features some eye-catching highlights, such as a pyramidal rock water fountain, lush gardens, and a decorative clock.

The park also includes a historical marker for the Trail of Tears that tells the story of the Quapaws, Chicasaws, and Choctaws who passed through the area between 1825 and 1837. Along the park’s short paved path, you’ll find a picnic table and bench where you can sit for a spell and enjoy a meal.

You can walk to Rock n Roll Sushi on the other side of the block in just three minutes if you need to grab something to eat. The restaurant offers crispy wontons, panko chicken bites, egg rolls, jalapeno poppers, and a wide selection of sushi rolls. If you’re just looking for a snack, you can hit Loblolly Creamery , which is just next door to Rock n Roll Sushi. The creamery serves a satisfying selection of handcrafted ice cream for shakes, sundaes, cones, and floats.

Location: The corner of West South Street and North Main Street, Benton.

Sunset Lake is actually a pair of lakes with just a small isthmus passing between them. If you’re interested in taking a leisurely stroll before or after your picnic, this destination has what you’re after. A 1.02-mile walking path surrounds the triangular pair of lakes. If you’d like, you can also take a stroll between them and take in the sparkling waters on both sides.

The lake is routinely stocked and features a fishing dock for anglers. You may fish with a pole or rod only. There’s a limit of three catfish and 25 bream per day. The largemouth bass are for catch-and-release fishing only. Sunset Lake also has a small boat ramp. You can only use electric trolling motors on this lake.

Sunset Lake has a covered pavilion with picnic tables where you can enjoy a meal. Restrooms and sand volleyball courts are located nearby, and there’s an adjacent dog park you can visit if you have furry friends along.

Location: Fairfield Road, Benton.

Do you have another Benton, Arkansas, destination where you love to picnic? Contact our team at Campbell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and let us know. We want to have all the best suggestions in town for our customers. Whether you’re passing the time while your vehicle gets serviced or celebrating your new car purchase, a festive picnic can fit the bill.

Image by Deval Parikh is licensed with Unsplash License