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Parks in Minnesota

Made for those who find their mental clarity and physical reset exclusively in the open air of a public park.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Shoreview Commons Park image 1
Shoreview Commons Park image 2
Shoreview Commons Park image 3
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Spacious park offers state-of-the-art playgrounds with rubber turf and diverse equipment. Families enjoy big, flat spaces perfect for all ages. Lively atmosphere includes a skate park and nature walk around a pond.

Big, flat, and comfortable spaces create a great setting for families. The playground offers an exceptional collection of outdoor children's play equipment and is free to use.

People are saying

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

"The parking here is plentiful and free."

"It's a great relaxing spot with plenty of shady areas."

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
Central Park image 1

Park features well-maintained walking paths and multiple playgrounds for kids. Enjoy free live music at the outdoor amphitheater and play on volleyball courts or picnic in open spaces. Dogs roam freely and wildlife sightings add to the lively, safe atmosphere.

Lots of space to roam with your dog and multiple playgrounds for kids make this park family-friendly. Walking trails circle a lake and an outdoor amphitheatre hosts free concerts. Sand volleyball courts and picnic areas add to the variety of activities.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the nice walking paths and trails in the park."

"It's a great dog-friendly place with lots of space to roam."

"You can catch summer concerts at the amphitheater here."

Good to know

1

During the summer, expect free outdoor concerts and family movie nights.

2

Parking is available in the lot or across the street from the park.

3

The park features walking trails, an amphitheater, and ball fields.

03
Madison's Place Playground image 1

Huge outdoor playground features inclusive ramps and a soft padded floor for all ages and abilities. Splash pad offers running water fun, while clean trails and picnic spots create a family-friendly space. Quiet and accessible, perfect for relaxed visits.

An inclusive playground welcomes children with special needs and disabilities, offering space suitable for all ages and abilities. A splash pad adds fun water play, and the area stays clean and accessible for wheelchairs.

People are saying

"This park has a great playground with lots of fun equipment for all ages."

"This place is so kid friendly with a huge playground and splash pad."

"The playground is accessible for wheelchairs and all abilities."

Good to know

1

The parking lot is huge and free.

2

Bring a change of clothes or a swimsuit because kids will want to splash.

3

There is plenty of shade, water fountains, and bathrooms at the playground.

04
Woodridge Park image 1

Large park features wheelchair accessible playground with soft rubber turf and braille signs. Visitors enjoy zip line and shaded picnic spots. Sports options include basketball courts and tennis, welcoming all ages and abilities.

Many features in the park are wheelchair accessible and include braille for visually-impaired visitors. The playground has a soft recycled rubber turf, shade, and a variety of activities like climbing structures, swings, a sandbox, basketball, and a splash pad.

People are saying

"It's a really fun place with lots of stimulation options for kids."

"It's a wonderful, huge park with ample picnic tables."

"This park has a huge playground with tons of fun activities for kids."

Good to know

1

Many features in the park are wheelchair accessible and include braille for visually-impaired visitors.

2

The park has a variety of play equipment suitable for kids of all ages.

3

Public bathrooms with running water are available in the park.

05
Augsburg Adventure Park image 1

Large, fenced playground offers tall slides and zip lines for kids 2 to 12. Plenty of shade and seating make it comfortable for families. Clean, accessible areas and a nearby scenic pond add to the lively, fun atmosphere.

A large, well-shaded playground offers tall slides, zip lines, and many activities for kids aged 2 to 12. The park is fully fenced in with clean, accessible play areas and plenty of seating with shade throughout.

People are saying

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

"It's really kid friendly with lots of shade and fun activities."

"It's a great spot for a picnic, with lots of fun activities for kids."

Good to know

1

The park is well-fenced, providing a safe environment for children.

2

There are shaded picnic tables available for family gatherings.

3

The playground is large and suitable for children aged 2 to 12 years.

06
Hidden Valley Park image 1

Forest-like setting offers scenic trails and creekside paths perfect for hiking and walking. Playgrounds and an exercise circuit provide fun and fitness options. Open fields with pavilions invite picnics and gatherings in a lively yet peaceful park.

Abundant nature and beautiful trails make this park a great spot for walking and hiking. Amenities include an exercise circuit, playground, picnic tables, restrooms, and a roomy parking lot. Bridges over the creek add charm to the scenic paths.

People are saying

"I loved walking the scenic forest trails at this park."

"The nature walk has fun obstacles for kids to play on."

"I found the area to be very quiet and enjoyable."

Good to know

1

The park has a short walking trail, a playground, a picnic shelter, and an archery range.

2

There is plenty of parking available near the entrance.

3

Expect the park to get crowded on weekends, especially for photoshoots.

07
Minnehaha Falls image 1
Tourist attraction

Waterfalls and easy walking paths make it perfect for park lovers. Families enjoy play areas and pedal carts, while an outdoor theatre and food court add cultural and relaxing touches. Scenic views blend nature and culture beautifully here.

Beautiful waterfalls stand out in this well-maintained park. Plenty of picnic areas make it great for a relaxing day with easy walking paths.

People are saying

"I found the park beautiful with its wonderful waterfall."

"It's so peaceful here, with beautiful natural beauty all around."

"I found the walking paths and trails here to be fun."

Good to know

1

Entry to Minnehaha Falls is free for all visitors.

2

Parking costs $1.30 per hour and requires license plate recognition.

3

The park occasionally hosts festivals and events, so check the calendar.

08
Silverwood Park image 1

Park features scenic trails winding through gardens and around a large lake with a wooden bridge to a small island. Visitors enjoy quiet natural spaces for fishing, kayaking, and relaxing. Picnic areas and a modern lodge with a coffee shop add comfort and convenience.

Many walking trails wind through peaceful gardens and around a beautiful lake with a small island accessible by a wooden bridge. The park offers spots for fishing, kayaking, and swimming, plus picnic areas with benches and grills scattered throughout.

People are saying

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

"I loved the fun sculptures and the pathway that wraps around the area."

"It's a beautiful, dog-friendly oasis perfect for walking your pet."

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.

09
Gold Medal Park image 1

Large urban park features 360-degree city views and paved walking paths perfect for biking or strolling. Dog-friendly areas invite pets to join, while iconic flour sign and sculptures add historical and artistic touches to a peaceful green space.

Paved walking paths and biking trails make exploring easy. The park offers amazing views of the city and the Mississippi River, with plenty of spots to sit, read, or walk dogs.

People are saying

"You get a great view of the city and river from here."

"It's a beautiful, picturesque park that's great for walking your dog."

"The park offers beautiful views of the surrounding area."

Good to know

1

The park has ample metered street parking nearby.

2

The nearest restroom is located in the Guthrie Theater.

3

There are no grilling or picnic tables allowed in the park.

10
Wabun Picnic Area image 1
Picnic ground

Large park has spacious picnic areas with clean facilities and big pavilions. Playground offers accessible play zones and a splash pad loved by kids. Lush greenery and big trees create a quiet, relaxing atmosphere perfect for family gatherings.

A well maintained picnic area offers plenty of space and clean facilities. The playground features toddler-friendly and accessible options, plus a splash pad and wade pool that kids enjoy.

People are saying

"This picnic spot has a beautiful park with a great playground."

"You'll find plenty of parking available here."

"The parks have a fantastic playground and water play area for kids."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available at Wabun Picnic Area.

2

The pavilion can be reserved for group gatherings.

3

There are plenty of shaded picnic tables and restrooms.

11
Minnehaha Regional Park image 1

Powerful frozen waterfall anchors a spacious park with kid and pet friendly walking paths. Open picnic grounds and accessible bike trails blend with natural scenery. Play areas and a concert pavilion create a family-friendly vibe.

Big frozen waterfall stands out as a key feature with wonderful walking paths weaving through the park. It offers a kid and pet friendly environment with easy access to nearby trails.

People are saying

"You have to see the frozen falls at this park; it's incredible."

"It's a great kid-friendly place with fun playground areas."

"It's a great place to visit with your dog."

Good to know

1

Parking is not free; be prepared to pay.

2

There are concerts in the summer at the park.

3

Expect local art events and food stands during special occasions.

12
Rosland Park image 1

Park shines with ziplines and water slides for fun. Shaded spots and a small lake offer calm and beauty. Families enjoy picnic areas and sports fields for active days.

Lots of shade and a small lake make it comfortable and scenic. The playground suits older kids with ziplines and swings, plus there are two baseball fields and walking trails nearby.

People are saying

"The playground has fun extras like musical notes and outdoor xylophones."

"It's a great spot for a picnic with shelters and multiple pickleball courts."

"The park's playground has fun, accessible equipment for all ages."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy on the side streets near the park.

2

The park has a variety of activities for kids, including a water park and playground.

3

The water park has many lifeguards on duty for safety.

13
Cleary Lake Regional Park image 1

Large lake offers canoe rentals and a swimming beach for water fun. Trails wind through tall trees, perfect for walking and biking. A 9-hole golf course and picnic spots with grills add to the family-friendly vibe.

Offers paved and natural trails for walking and biking, plus a 3-mile path around the lake. Features canoeing, swimming, fishing, and a golf course along with picnic areas and a large grill.

People are saying

"You can walk, bike, swim, and fish at these parks."

"It's a great place to walk your dog on the trails."

"I loved the beautiful nature and lush green views."

Good to know

1

The park has a large lake suitable for boating and fishing.

2

You can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards at the park.

3

The children's playground features a variety of play equipment.

14
Como Regional Park image 1

Spacious park offers shaded trails and a picturesque pond for nature lovers. Visitors enjoy a free zoo and a beautiful conservatory with live music under glass. Picnic areas and a Japanese garden create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere.

Spanning a very spacious area, the park offers many shaded trails and a picturesque pond with a dock. It features a free zoo and conservatory, maintained by dedicated staff and supported by donations.

People are saying

"I loved Como Regional Park's scenic beauty and all the activities."

"The zoo is free, so I highly recommend donating to support it."

"I thought the park was super cool and had so much to offer."

Good to know

1

Como Regional Park is free to access, but donations are appreciated.

2

Parking can be very difficult to find, especially during events.

3

The park features a small zoo that is also free to visit.

15
Lake Minnetonka Regional Park image 1

Manmade swim pond with sandy beach and clean water offers safe fun for all ages. Huge nautical playground features climbing nets and slides for active play. Open green spaces and walking trails provide relaxing lake views and family-friendly amenities.

A huge playground with many slides and climbing structures stands out, along with a chlorinated sand bottom swim hole surrounded by a sandy beach. The park also offers a manmade swimming hole, a volleyball court, and a well-maintained boating area.

People are saying

"The playground here is enormous, with structures for all ages."

"I loved the clean sand beach swim pond."

"The playground here is enormous and great for all ages."

Good to know

1

The park has a clean sand beach perfect for families.

2

Expect busy days during nice weather; arrive early for parking.

3

The swim area is shallow and sandy, ideal for young children.

16
Boyd Park image 1

Playground features colorful equipment like drums and slides for all ages. Large green spaces offer shaded, safe areas perfect for family picnics. Unique architecture creates a clean, pleasant environment with constant activity.

Playground areas offer colorful, shaded, and safe sections for different ages with climbing equipment made from splinter-free plastic lumber. Green spaces include hidden surprises for kids and attract many children, making it a lively family spot.

People are saying

"The playground equipment here is fun and colorful for kids."

"The playground equipment is fun and good for climbing."

"The playground equipment is fun and colorful for kids."

Good to know

1

There are no bathrooms at Boyd Park.

2

Street parking is available near Boyd Park.

3

The playground equipment includes swings, slides, and climbing structures.

17
Nesbitt Preserve Park image 1

Vibrant playground with mini water play area delights kids. Multiple sports fields support cricket and basketball games. Shaded running trail and clean benches offer a safe, open environment for all ages.

Well maintained with a vibrant playground featuring swings, slides, and climbing structures. Offers a scenic running trail with shaded and open areas plus a mini water play area and splash pad for kids.

People are saying

"The park's playground and kids' play area are updated and well-maintained."

"The play equipment is new and well maintained for kids."

"I found the playground to be well kept."

Good to know

1

The park features a newly updated mini water play area for kids.

2

The playground is well maintained and safe for children.

3

The cricket ground is in excellent condition for play.

18
Woodhaven Park image 1

Spacious park features age-designated play areas with swings, slides, and a ropes course for all abilities. Families enjoy accessible restrooms and picnic tables. Ample parking and clean paths make visits easy and fun for everyone.

Playgrounds include accessible bathrooms with adult and child changing tables. Equipment suits all ages and abilities, with options like swings, slides, zip lines, and a ropes course. The park stays clean and safe with plenty of parking and walking paths.

People are saying

"This playground has awesome, modern equipment for all ages."

"It's accessible with a great adult changing table in the bathroom."

"There's plenty of parking available at the park."

Good to know

1

The park has designated play areas for different age groups.

2

There is ample parking available at the park.

3

Restrooms are clean and include changing tables.

19
Lebanon Hills Visitor Center image 1

Sprawling trails wind through forests and wetlands with abundant wildlife and native wildflowers. Calm atmosphere suits families enjoying kayak rentals and firepit areas. Visitor center offers children's activities and many spots to relax along paved and unpaved trails.

Large park with great trails that are both paved and unpaved. Visitor center offers activities for children to learn about nature. The park features a diverse range of flora and fauna and has many spots to sit and relax.

People are saying

"The parks here are beautiful with forests, wetlands, and prairies."

"It's a great spot for families to draw and learn about nature."

"The bathrooms are warm and clean."

Good to know

1

Canoe and kayak rentals are available on site with advance reservations.

2

Dogs must be leashed at all times within the park.

3

The bathrooms are accessible from the outside and are very clean.

20
Mounds View Splash Down Splash Pad image 1

Splash pad and playground offer warm water fun and play for all ages. Picnic tables and shaded areas make it great for family gatherings. Clean grounds with a nearby police station ensure a safe, family-friendly park experience.

Splash pad and playground sit side by side, offering family friendly fun for all ages. Clean park grounds include a baseball field, many covered tables, and shelter areas, with a police station nearby for added safety.

People are saying

"The splash pad is updated, clean, and fun for a family picnic."

"I found plenty of parking available, and it was easy to find."

"The splash pad and park are great free fun for kids."

Good to know

1

The splash pad is free to enter and does not require tickets.

2

The splash pad operates only until September 4, after Memorial Day.

3

Parking can be difficult on weekends, but street parking is available.

21
Firemen's Park image 1

Park shines with an all-accessible boardwalk and a family-friendly beach perfect for swimming and fishing. Kids love the playgrounds and splash pad while adults enjoy peaceful lake views and easy walking trails. Clean, safe, and fun for all ages.

The park offers great walking areas with an all-accessible trail that winds around the lake and crosses a boardwalk. It features a beach with swimming zones for different skill levels, plus playgrounds and a splash pad for kids.

People are saying

"It's really kid friendly with a great playground and splash pad."

"You can see fish and turtles from the boardwalk."

"This park has a great playground and a swimming beach."

Good to know

1

Firemen's Park features a sandy beach and swimming area for kids.

2

Children under 6 must stay within arm's length of adults while swimming.

3

Life jackets are not allowed in the deeper section of the lake for children.

22
Fish Lake Regional Park image 1

Park offers soft sand beach perfect for kids and paved trails for walking and hiking. Kayaking and fishing are popular on the scenic lake, while a dog park welcomes pets. Atmosphere stays peaceful and safe, ideal for family fun and relaxation.

Soft sand and shallow water make the beach safe for young kids. The park offers paved trails, a dog park, and areas for swimming, kayaking, fishing, volleyball, and hiking.

People are saying

"The beach here is clean and has lots of shade."

"It's a great dog park, one of the best in the city."

"The park's beach is shallow and sandy, perfect for kids."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during busy times, especially on weekends.

2

The park features a clean beach with shallow areas safe for young children.

3

Canoe rentals are available for those looking to explore the lake.

23
Clifton E. French Regional Park image 1

Spacious playgrounds with climbing structures suit kids of all ages. Woodland trails offer peaceful walks by the river. Plenty of seating and a water misting station keep visitors cool on busy weekends.

Several walking trails, pavilions, and a playground with climbing structures make this park great for families. Free entry, bathrooms, food options, water features, and unique swings add to the experience.

People are saying

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

"The playground here is a swanky ropes obstacle course."

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

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.

24
Casey Lake Park image 1

Park features a large lake and spacious playgrounds perfect for families. Walking paths are well-kept and shaded, ideal for all ages. Facilities include a hall and patio for events, making it great for family gatherings.

A big park with a beautiful lake and a great playground for younger children. It has clean restrooms open year-round, plenty of parking, and well-kept walking trails.

People are saying

"It's a great place for kids with a roomy playground."

"I loved the pretty lake views and the nice walking path."

"The playground here is really nice, especially for younger kids."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available at Casey Lake Park.

2

The park features a large play area for kids.

3

The restrooms at Casey Lake Park are clean and open year-round.

25
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden image 1

Large open-air park offers expansive outdoor space with prairie flowers and modern sculptures. Iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture draws visitors. Serene atmosphere with wind chimes in trees invites quiet walks and reflection.

A large, free park with prairie flowers and expansive outdoor space. It features the Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture and ranks among the largest sculpture parks around.

People are saying

"I loved how the sculpture integrates with nature and everyday life."

"You'll get a nice view of the city skyline here."

"I loved how the sculpture park blended art with nature and everyday life."

Good to know

1

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is free to visit.

2

Parking at the adjacent lot costs $4 for the day.

3

The park is open until midnight.

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