Parks are wonderful places to start with stories. You can see children playing, couples walking, and old people sitting on benches. It gives you a chance to imagine their lives and create stories around them. Also, museums are great. The artworks, historical artifacts, and scientific exhibits can all be starting points. You might look at an ancient pottery piece and start thinking about the hands that made it and the life of that person.
School campuses are good. There are so many relationships, events, and emotions associated with school. Stories about friendships formed during study breaks, or the challenges faced during exams can be really engaging. Community centers also work well. They host various activities and bring together people from different backgrounds. You can get ideas from the interactions and the diverse group of people there.