Best Family Picnic Spots Near Pune — 15 Places Within 50km
Planning a family day out from Pune? You don't need to travel far. Some of Pune's best picnic destinations are within an hour's drive — safe, scenic, and enjoyable for all ages. Here are 15 family-approved picnic spots, mostly within 50km.
Top Family Picnic Spots (Under 50km)
1. Khadakwasla Dam (25km) Pune's nearest major water body. The dam wall, backwater banks, and surrounding hills make for a classic Pune family outing. Most crowded on weekends but very accessible.
- What to do: Walk on the dam, watch the water, picnic on the banks
- Kids activity: Paddle boats (seasonal), garden near the dam
2. Sinhagad Fort (30km) Short uphill drive or 1.5-hour trek to one of Maharashtra's most historic forts. The fort top has several food stalls serving bhakri-dal-loncha and buttermilk.
- Age suitable for: 5+ years for the drive, 10+ for the trek
- Highlight: Fog rolling in over the valley from the fort walls
3. Mulshi Lake (45km) A serene reservoir backed by hills. Excellent for quiet family picnics. Sit by the water's edge, bring food, and enjoy 3–4 hours of calm.
- What to do: Walk around the dam area, photography, relaxed picnic
4. Panshet Dam (50km) The blue waters of Panshet are particularly inviting. Families come for picnics on the banks, and there's some boating available.
5. Tamhini Ghat Viewpoints (55km) The road through Tamhini Ghat has multiple pull-over points with valley views. In monsoon, small waterfalls fall right next to the road. Very picnic-friendly.
6. Pawna Lake (70km) Larger than Mulshi, with fort views across the water. Multiple cafes and restaurants now line the lake shore. A more organized family outing experience.
7. Lavasa Waterfront (60km) The Italian-style promenade is genuinely great for families with young children. Boat rides, cafes, a clean boardwalk, and no traffic. Kids love the European-style streets.
8. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park (within Pune) Not a day trip but worth mentioning — the Katraj zoo has lions, tigers, leopards, bears, and reptiles. Half-day family activity within Pune itself.
9. Lonavala (65km) Multiple family-friendly activities — Tiger's Leap viewpoint, Bhushi Dam (wade in the overflow in monsoon), Ryewood Park, and the lion and tiger safaris at Bushi Dam area.
10. Kamshet (70km) Besides paragliding (not for young kids), Kamshet has a beautiful lake and Bedse Buddhist Caves — interesting for history-curious children.
Activity Ideas for Kids Near Pune
| Activity | Age Group | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Fort walk | 8+ | Sinhagad, Lohagad |
| Boating | All ages | Lavasa, Pawna |
| Waterfall splash | All ages | Tamhini, Bhushi Dam |
| Strawberry picking | All ages | Mahabaleshwar (Feb–May) |
| Zoo visit | All ages | Rajiv Gandhi Zoo, Pune |
| Bird watching | 6+ | Mulshi, Bhandardara |
What to Pack for a Family Picnic
- Home-cooked food (restaurants can be crowded and slow on weekends)
- Extra water — 1 litre per person minimum
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
- Raincoat or umbrella (monsoon season)
- First aid kit
Plan Family Outings with Weekend Wander
Browse family-friendly destinations on Weekend Wander and find curated day trips. Explore destinations.
