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Local picks in Minnesota

Beaches with fun activities

Made for those who need a beach that offers more than just water and sand to keep them occupied.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Baker Park Reserve image 1
Baker Park Reserve image 2
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Nature preserve

Nature preserve spans 2,700 acres with spacious campsites, large playground, and shaded picnic areas. Atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful, especially during early hours, with family-friendly activities like camping, swimming, and fishing. Trees and lake shoreline create a relaxing natural setting without crowds.

Clean, sandy beach near the boat launch offers a great spot for relaxation. The playground nearby adds fun for kids, making the area family-friendly.

Camping and water sports stand out as key activities here. The fun lake offers swimming and recreation, while the playground and golf course add to the variety of family fun.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful park with scenic water views and walking paths."

"I loved the huge playground and beaches here."

"It's a great place for family fun and recreational activities at the lake."

Good to know

1

Entry to the park is free for all visitors.

2

Parking is restricted; public parking is not available near the entrance.

3

The campground features clean facilities with well-maintained bathrooms and showers.

02
Crystal Beach image 1

Public beach with clean water and spacious sandy areas offers a peaceful, family-oriented atmosphere. Multiple playgrounds, picnic tables, and grills support outdoor gatherings. Quiet and not crowded, it provides a natural setting with benches facing the water and a roped-off swimming area.

A clean beach with a huge sandy area perfect for building SandCastles. Multiple gazebos with grills and picnic tables sit near playgrounds and a large park with open, shaded grassy areas for kids to run around.

Playground nearby offers kids plenty of fun options. The beach suits family outings, picnics, and birthday parties with activities for all ages.

People are saying

"This beach is perfect for kids with shallow water and nearby playgrounds."

"There are plenty of picnic tables and BBQs available."

"It's a fun place for family outings and picnics with the grandkids."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during busy holiday weekends.

2

The beach is clean and well-maintained, ideal for family outings.

3

Restrooms are available but may need attention.

03
Shady Oak Beach image 1
Beach club

Sandy, wide beach with clear water and a large swimming area offers floating docks with diving boards and water obstacle courses for kids. Grassy lawns provide space for sunbathing and setting up chairs. Lifeguards are plentiful, creating a safe environment for families.

Clean lake and sand beach offer a decent swimming area with lifeguards on duty. Facilities include high diving boards, chairs, tables, and a concession stand, plus a grass lawn for sunbathing.

Fun events happen regularly and rentals stay inexpensive. The lake offers a safe, clean spot for swimming and activities that appeal to kids and adults alike.

People are saying

"The beach has a fun inflatable obstacle course and diving boards."

"It's so kid friendly with a playground and floating obstacle course."

"It's so much fun here with trampolines and water obstacles for kids."

Good to know

1

There are many lifeguards present, ensuring safety for kids.

2

The beach has a playground and a concession stand that offers snacks.

3

The entrance fee is $7 per day for access.

04
Silverwood Park image 1

Park offers quiet natural spaces with scenic trails, sculpture and poetry gardens, and a large lake for kayaking and fishing. Visitors find it peaceful for walking, relaxing, and small gatherings. Amenities include picnic areas, a pavilion, and a modern lodge with a coffee shop.

A swimming beach for kids offers a safe spot for families. The Little Beach area provides space for fishing and other activities. Overall, the beach has a decent size and setup for various uses.

Interactive sculptures and art installations create a playful atmosphere. Large lawn hosts singing and dancing bands, while walking on the frozen lake adds another layer of fun.

People are saying

"I found the park's trails perfect for a peaceful stroll."

"It's a beautiful place for fun activities like walking and relaxing."

"I enjoyed the great beach area for swimming and fishing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for two-hour periods, such as 9-11, 11-1, 1-3.

2

Arriving late blocks the next reservation period, requiring a two-hour wait.

3

The park features a cafe inside the visitor building.

05
Weaver Lake Community Park image 1

Spacious park with a quiet beach and soft sand offers a calm, family-friendly atmosphere. Multiple courts and fields support basketball, tennis, pickleball, and baseball, alongside playgrounds and picnic areas. Trails wind through woods, and an ice rink adds seasonal variety.

A small beach with soft sand offers a clean and quiet spot for swimming and walking. A steel slide connects the picnic area to the beach, adding a fun touch for kids.

A steel slide runs from the top of the hill down to the beach, adding a fun thrill. The park has everything needed for a relaxing day outdoors with kids.

People are saying

"This park has a great beach and playground for the kids."

"The beach sand is soft and the water is clear."

"It's a great spot for fun outdoor activities, super spacious and clean."

Good to know

1

Swimming is permitted until 8 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk.

3

Parking is usually available, but can get busy on hot summer days.

06
Lake Elmo Park Reserve image 1

Huge, spacious park with beautiful scenery and quiet, private campsites tucked among trees. Paved trails invite walking and biking, while a large swim pond and new playground offer family-friendly activities. The atmosphere feels peaceful and remote despite proximity to the city.

Man-made beach pool offers a clean swimming spot with nice sand for play. The area stays family-friendly and well-maintained despite many visitors.

Swimming pond offers fun for all ages with lifeguards on duty. Camping provides a fun and educational experience with low-intensity options. Trails and picnic spots add to the fun activities, along with events about stars, wildlife, sports, and music.

People are saying

"The playground here is awesome and great for kids of all ages."

"The swim pond is amazing fun for kids."

"I enjoyed the top-notch swimming beach."

Good to know

1

The bluegrass festival features food trucks and live music throughout the day.

2

Expect various activities like stargazing, wildlife learning, and outdoor sports.

3

The swim pond is clean and supervised by lifeguards.

07
Elm Creek Park Reserve image 1
Nature preserve

Nature preserve offers vast trails for walking and biking alongside a large playground with slides, ziplines, and climbing structures. The atmosphere stays peaceful and scenic even when busy, with amenities like a swimming pond and dog park enhancing outdoor activities.

Very clean swimming beach offers a great spot for volleyball and relaxing. Nearby picnic and grilling areas fill up fast, and overflow parking requires a walk to the beach.

Many fun outdoor activities keep kids busy, including a playground with slides and ziplines in good shape. Snow tubing offers a thrilling experience for all ages despite cold weather.

People are saying

"These parks have long, high-quality paved and unpaved trails."

"It's a huge place, really fun for kids to play."

"The beach parking fills up fast, so get there early."

Good to know

1

The entrance fee is $6 per vehicle.

2

Parking is free for all visitors.

3

The swimming beach is clean and well-maintained.

08
Clifton E. French Regional Park image 1

Park offers spacious, modern playgrounds with areas for different ages and plenty of shade. Woodland setting creates a peaceful, scenic atmosphere with paved paths leading to the river. Busy on weekends, it provides ample seating and features like a water misting station and event building.

Clear water and great sand make the beach very nice and clean. Facilities include bathrooms and changing rooms, plus sun umbrellas for shade. A shuttle connects the beach to the playground, adding easy access.

Playground offers fun for kids of many ages with activities that keep children entertained for hours. It suits toddlers to early elementary ages well.

People are saying

"This playground is amazing and so kid friendly with water features and swings."

"It's a fun spot for kids with amazing playgrounds."

"It's a nice, clean beach with a great swimming area."

Good to know

1

Entry to the park is free.

2

Parking near the beach is limited with only a few spaces available.

3

The playground closes for the season in winter.

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