The Best Picnic Areas in Ankara for Families and Friends

01.09.2025 - 16:43

Ankara continues to offer countless picnic and recreation areas for nature lovers in 2025. Located close to the city centre, easily accessible, surrounded by natural beauty and equipped with various social amenities, these areas are highly popular with families, groups of friends and nature enthusiasts at weekends. If you wish to spend a day immersed in nature in Ankara, you must discover the most popular Ankara picnic areas in 2025. In this article, you can find detailed information about Ankara's most popular picnic spots. So, where are the best picnic spots in Ankara? Which parks in Ankara are good for a Picnic? Where to go for a picnic in Ankara? Let's explore together!

Kartaltepe City Forest Recreation Area (Keçiören)

Located in the Keçiören district, Kartaltepe City Forest covers a vast area of 1,126,000 m² and offers visitors a comprehensive experience. It stands out as an ideal weekend getaway for both families with children and groups of friends.

Activities offered at Kartaltepe City Forest include barbecue shelters, football and volleyball pitches, and walking and cycling paths. In addition, there are fun options for children and young people, such as pedal boats, mountain sledges and a go-kart track. The area's social facilities include toilets, restaurants, cafeterias, children's play areas and a large car park.

Entrance fee: Free

Kartaltepe City Forest remains a popular destination in 2025, particularly for those seeking to enjoy various activities in a natural setting within easy reach of Ankara.

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Source: Keçiören Belediyesi

Göksu Park (Eryaman)

Located in the Eryaman district, Göksu Park covers a vast area of 508,000 square metres and has become one of Ankara's most important recreational areas. The park offers a unique experience for those who want to be close to nature and enjoy various activities.

One of the park's landmarks, the 15-metre-high lighthouse, hosts boat and pedal boat activities on the lake. Wooden walkways, islands and reed beds highlight the park's natural beauty, while restaurants and cafeterias offer visitors dining options. Göksu Park also supports active living with its sports and fitness areas.

Offering an experience focused on both nature and social life in 2025, Göksu Park is particularly crowded with visitors on weekends.

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Source: Kültür Portalı

Çınaraltı Picnic Area (Alacaatlı)

Located in the Alacaatlı area, Çınaraltı Picnic Area is a popular spot, especially for residents of Ümitköy and the surrounding area looking for a weekend getaway. The area preserves the traditional picnic culture with its shaded areas and barbecue facilities.

The picnic area offers samovar rental services and open-air restaurants. Fun activities for children, such as trampolines, horse riding and swings, are also available. Situated in an area rich in green spaces, Çınaraltı Picnic Area is ideal for those seeking to spend time immersed in nature or escape city life for a short while.

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Source: Çınaraltı Piknik Alanı

Yeşildere Recreation Area (Çamlıdere)

Yeşildere Recreation Area is the perfect escape for those wishing to get away from the city centre and find peace in the tranquillity of nature. Surrounded by pine trees, the area is ideal for nature walks, photography and picnics.

The shaded areas suitable for barbecuing, walking trails and natural landscapes are a great attraction for nature lovers. Yeşildere Recreation Area is an important alternative, especially for those who want to spend a quiet day away from the crowds on weekends.

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Source: Yeşil Dere Mesire

Atatürk Forest Farm (Altındağ)

Established in 1925 on the instructions of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Atatürk Forest Farm is one of the most comprehensive areas for picnics in Ankara. With its extensive green spaces and various social and cultural activity areas, it offers visitors a unique experience.

The main areas to visit and explore at Atatürk Forest Farm are: Gazi Forest Farm Park, Gazi Picnic Area, Atatürk Forest Farm Museum and Exhibition Hall, Atatürk House, Black Sea Pool and State Cemetery.

The farm stands out as an ideal destination for both picnics and cultural excursions in 2025. It offers a fun and educational space, particularly for families with children.

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Source: Tripadvisor

Mogan Park (Gölbaşı)

Located in the Gölbaşı district, Mogan Park attracts attention with its walking paths, cycle tracks, children's play areas and barbecue spots around the lake. There are also restaurants and cafeterias serving visitors in the park.

The park continues to be one of Ankara's most popular picnic spots in 2025, thanks to its combination of natural beauty and social amenities. In particular, the lake view and walking paths offer unique opportunities for photography and nature enthusiasts.

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Source: Kültür Portalı

Kavaklı Family Picnic Area (Keçiören)

Notable for its proximity to the city centre, Kavaklı Family Picnic Area offers visitors a wide range of facilities, including walking paths, children's playgrounds, covered shelters and barbecue areas.

Kavaklı is also well-suited for large groups thanks to its shaded and spacious areas. This picnic area has become a favourite destination in Ankara for those seeking both a central location and a nature experience.

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Source: Kavaklı Dere Restoran

Üreğil Public Park (Mamak)

Located in the Mamak district, Üreğil Public Park is a new-generation recreation area that stands out for its spacious layout. It offers visitors a complete experience with artificial lakes, walking paths, cycling tracks, children's play areas, barbecue spots and food outlets.

The park has become a popular weekend getaway spot, particularly among young people and families, by 2025.

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Source: Turizme Bakış

Important Notice: Ban on Picnics and Barbecues

As part of the measures taken to prevent forest fires, the Ankara Governor's Office has prohibited entry to and exit from forested areas throughout the city of Ankara. Therefore, picnics and barbecues are prohibited in forested areas.

It is particularly emphasised that individuals picnicking or camping outside the forested areas designated by the Governor's Office will be subject to penalties. It is critically important for nature enthusiasts to comply with these rules, both for their own safety and for the protection of the environment.