You can't actually picnic inside the Picnic House in Prospect Park — unless you're the lucky person who has rented it for a catered event, such as rustic wedding, a birthday party or corporate meeting.
The Picnic House, nestled on a hillside and surrounded by trees and outdoor picnic areas, is handsome brick- and glass-enclosed pavilion with a terra cotta tile roof. It's visible both from the grassy meadows of Prospect Park and from the paved road.
Upstairs, it is often used for concerts and special events, and can accommodate up to 250 seated guests. It's one of several available rental spaces in Prospect Park
Downstairs, there are comfort stations (heated in winter) and a few vending machines.
History of the Picnic House
According to the Prospect Park Alliance website, "In 1868 75 parties of over 100 received permits to host gatherings along the Long Meadow before the construction of Prospect Park was even completed. For the convenience of picnickers a wooden shelter and concession stand was built in 1876. The current Picnic House, designed by J. Sarsfield Kennedy, took its place in 1927, after a fire destroyed the original shelter."
