Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Minnesota's best

Outdoor spaces

A patch of outdoor space that offers a genuine escape from the city, not just a cramped corner of a parking lot.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Shoreview Commons Park image 1
Shoreview Commons Park image 2
Shoreview Commons Park image 3
View all

Spacious park boasts state-of-the-art playgrounds with rubber turf and diverse swings. Lively atmosphere suits all ages with a skate park and nature walk by a pond. Outdoor space shines with interactive play zones and vibrant landscaping.

Massive outdoor playground offers interactive play zones with soft bases and varying heights. The space includes exercise equipment, seating, and vibrant landscaping with flowers and rocks.

People are saying

"This park is super fun for kids of all ages."

"The parking here is plentiful and free."

"This outdoor play space is huge and awesome for all ages."

Good to know

1

The playground is free to use.

2

The playground has rubber flooring for safety.

3

Restroom facilities are limited and may be unclean.

02
Hilde Performance Center image 1

Open-air amphitheater offers large grassy areas perfect for outdoor concerts. Families enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and clear sightlines from varied viewing levels. Food trucks and a concrete dance floor add fun and convenience to community gatherings.

Outdoor concerts happen in a beautiful venue with a great space for live music. Bringing your own seating is necessary to enjoy the performances comfortably.

People are saying

"I found the outdoor seating here great for live music."

"You can grab food and beer from food trucks here."

"It's a beautiful outdoor space for live music and performances."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited during events, so arrive early.

2

Visitors should bring their own chairs or a blanket for outdoor performances.

3

There are usually food vendors and alcoholic drinks available at events.

03
Back Channel Brewing Co. image 1

Large outdoor patio offers lakefront views and a huge screen for sports fans. Dog-friendly space welcomes diverse groups with live music and games. Outdoor bars serve drinks fast, making it perfect for spring to fall visits.

Plenty of outdoor space lets you grab a beer quickly at the outdoor bars. The lakefront patio has a large screen for watching sports and stays nice through spring, summer, and fall.

People are saying

"I loved the great variety of delicious beers they offered."

"The outdoor seating has a huge screen for watching games."

"The outdoor space has a giant screen for watching games."

Good to know

1

The brewery hosts fun events throughout the year, including a Pride Festival.

2

Oktoberfest features live polka music and food trucks.

3

Parking is available, but can be difficult during busy times.

04
Eastman Nature Center image 1

Large building with glass viewing areas showcases live animals and educational displays. Trails offer easy hiking through peaceful forest with floating boardwalks and a pond. Outdoor spaces include nature play areas and paved trails where you might spot white-tailed deer and black bears.

Paved biking and hiking trails lead through the outdoor space, offering chances to spot white-tailed deer and black bears. A play area with toys keeps kids busy before heading outside.

People are saying

"It's so Kid Friendly with educational exhibits and fun outdoor activities."

"You can see wild animals like snakes and turtles in this outdoor space."

"It's so peaceful here, with sunlight piercing the forest."

Good to know

1

The visit is free, making it accessible for families.

2

Parking could be tight during peak weekend times.

3

The visitor center offers activities and programming for both kids and adults.

05
Waldmann Brewery image 1

Historic brewery offers a heated biergarten with outdoor fire pits and live music. Cozy, lively atmosphere suits families and pets. Outdoor space shines with pet-friendly seating and a vibrant social scene.

A heated patio out back offers a comfortable spot for outdoor seating. Live music often plays, adding to the beer garden vibe. The space welcomes pets and suits casual dinners or events.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great beer brewed right on site."

"The food here is amazing, with unique and delicious flavors."

"The patio is dog friendly and has great seating."

Good to know

1

Oktoberfest celebration occurs annually in October with special events.

2

Tuesday night events feature live music and food specials.

3

Parking is limited to street parking, so arrive early.

06
In The Loop Coffee Co. image 1

Small coffee shop shines with dog-friendly atmosphere and walls full of local dog photos. Outdoor patio offers a quiet street setting with table umbrellas for pets. Friendly crowd loves socializing and bringing dogs along, making it a cozy, welcoming spot.

Outdoor seating offers a chill patio with a good amount of space at the end of a quiet street. Staff provide thoughtful touches like table umbrellas for pets.

People are saying

"The coffee here is served by super friendly and quick baristas."

"The staff here are so friendly, they even know the dogs' names."

"This dog-friendly spot even has puppy treats available."

Good to know

1

Dogs are allowed inside the coffee shop.

2

Street parking is usually easy to find nearby.

3

On Mondays and sometimes Tuesdays, they serve grass-fed beef chili.

07
Nicollet Island Pavilion image 1

Venue blends historic industrial architecture with stunning river views and a large tent for outdoor events. Indoor space offers calming lighting and cool air conditioning, perfect for weddings and celebrations. Outdoor areas include a fire pit for socializing and options for non-alcoholic drinks.

Well-maintained outdoor space offers a stunning river view and accommodates ceremonies and cocktail hours. The Pavilion suits parties and weddings with beautiful surroundings and options for non-alcoholic drinks.

People are saying

"The outdoor space made for such a special night."

"The outdoor space offers stunning river and city views."

"The food here made our wedding day a dream come true."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby, with upper and lower options.

2

The venue accommodates large events, with space for up to 335 guests.

3

Outdoor ceremonies are possible, but weather can be unpredictable.

08
Saunable image 1

Sauna offers an authentic Finnish build with large windows showcasing gorgeous lake views. Soft meditation music and essential oils create a peaceful atmosphere while the outdoor space features a fire pit and cooling chairs for a true Nordic experience.

Outdoor space features a fire pit and fragrant wood stove with chairs for cooling down. The area includes a beautiful, well-maintained sauna and changing rooms near the lake for a Nordic experience.

People are saying

"The sauna experience here was pretty awesome and unreal."

"I had a fun and rejuvenating experience here."

"The outdoor space is perfect for cooling off by the fire or in the lake."

Good to know

1

The sauna maintains a temperature between 185 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

2

Clean towels and water are provided for all guests.

3

The sauna accommodates up to 10 people, making it great for groups.

09
Sauna Strong image 1
Wellness center

Infrared and traditional saunas offer deep relaxation while cold plunges refresh the body. Outdoor space boasts private turf area with natural elements like trees and rocks. A functional gym supports fitness, all within a calm, welcoming community that fosters connection and growth.

Outside features include an amazing turf and grass area with privacy from wooden fencing, trees, and rocks. The space has sauna sweats, cold outdoor showers, and a bucket shower that create a wild, natural vibe.

People are saying

"The owner at Sauna Strong is great and created a welcoming community."

"You can work out in the infrared sauna gym."

"The outdoor space has cold showers and nature elements."

Good to know

1

The facility has a parking lot, making access easy for visitors.

2

Membership and drop-in options are flexible and reasonably priced.

3

Free breathwork courses are frequently offered, enhancing the community experience.

10
Rosalia Pizza Northeast image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza spot shines with massive dog-friendly patio and huge windows that blend indoor warmth with an urban outdoor vibe. Cozy spaces suit groups and dates, making it a refreshing social dining choice with plenty of shade and sun.

Massive patio offers a lot of shade with umbrellas and welcomes dogs. Huge windows connect indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a cozy yet city-like vibe.

People are saying

"I found the pizza here to be amazing and delicious."

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The patio is a cozy outdoor space with great vibes."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

11
The Lowlands image 1
Event venue

Two open floors with natural lighting create a welcoming vibe. Concrete walls make the downstairs bar loud and energetic, while upstairs feels light and fresh. A gorgeous patio offers a pleasant outdoor spot connected to the basement bar.

A gorgeous patio offers a pleasant outdoor spot. The basement bar area also connects well to the outdoor space.

People are saying

"The patio here is gorgeous and offers a view of downtown St. Paul."

"The bar staff here are top-notch and amazing to work with."

"The patio here is gorgeous and offers a beautiful view."

Good to know

1

There was tons of parking available, and it's free and safe for older guests.

2

The venue can accommodate up to 100 guests comfortably.

3

The owners understand the flow of events, enhancing the experience.

12
Mississippi Crossings Event Center image 1

Venue boasts breathtaking river views through a wall of windows and a 360-degree fireplace that anchors the space. Outdoor features include an amphitheater for music and a playground that keeps kids entertained. Bright, airy rooms blend lively and intimate vibes for all guests.

An amphitheater hosts outdoor music events. A large patio sits high on the riverbank with wide doors connecting to the main room. A playground offers space for kids during events.

People are saying

"I thought the park was beautiful and a great community space."

"I enjoyed the ice cream from Cullens Ice Cream Shoppe here."

"The outdoor space has beautiful views of the Mississippi River."

Good to know

1

Free concerts are organized regularly for families at the event center.

2

Parking is free and well-designed, with ample space available.

3

The venue is suitable for small wedding receptions and private events.

13
The Draw image 1

Amphitheatre offers summer concerts in lush greenery with well-paved paths for easy walks. Families enjoy picnic tables and playgrounds, while couples relax by a small waterway. Outdoor music on Thursdays adds to the peaceful vibe.

Open areas suit families and couples seeking a peaceful day outdoors. Summer Thursdays feature free outdoor music, adding to the relaxed vibe.

People are saying

"These parks have great walking trails and picnic spots."

"The outdoor space is beautifully maintained with lush greenery and clean paths."

Good to know

1

The Draw offers free outdoor concerts every Thursday during the summer.

2

Expect limited parking availability during summer events at The Draw.

3

The park features well-maintained walking paths and plenty of benches.

14
Richardson Nature Center image 1

Nature center features live animal exhibits and interactive stations like puppet shows. Outdoor space includes a fort-building area and a mud kitchen for hands-on play. Large windows and walking trails offer peaceful wildlife viewing in a family-friendly setting.

Fort-building area and a mud kitchen offer hands-on play with natural materials. Kids explore the pond, rearrange logs and sticks, and run freely in a nature-rich outdoor space.

People are saying

"It's a great Kid Friendly place with an indoor play area."

"I loved the fun activities like walking trails and exploring for bugs."

"The outdoor space is great for kids to play in nature."

Good to know

1

The activity of visiting the nature center is free.

2

The trails are well maintained and easy to walk.

3

The center has live animal exhibits inside.

Discover more

Minnesota

Area guide
Loading Map...