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Top picks in Bloomington

Playgrounds and parks

A patch of grass and a set of swings to burn off some energy.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Hyland Lake Park Reserve image 1
Hyland Lake Park Reserve image 2
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Nature preserve offers spacious picnic areas and a large, creatively designed playground with shaded spots for parents. Trails are beautifully paved and accessible, winding through serene, clear lake views and lush trees. Facilities include chalet-style buildings with fireplaces and concessions, supporting both relaxation and family activities.

A huge, creatively designed playground offers a wide variety of activities for kids. The play area stays well kept and includes features like shoots and ladders that appeal to small children.

A large playground offers plenty of fun for kids with features like shoots and ladders. Trails surround a beautiful lake, providing spots for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

People are saying

"It's a great kid-friendly spot with a fantastic playground."

"The playground here is fantastic for kids of all ages."

"This playground is fantastic and suitable for kids of all ages."

Good to know

1

Wednesday night happy hour features food vendors and is family-friendly.

2

Summer events include movie nights and concerts at Hyland Lake Park Reserve.

3

The park has areas available for reservation for large gatherings.

02
Richardson Nature Center image 1

Nature center offers live animal exhibits including birds and reptiles, alongside interactive stations like puppet shows and microscopes. Large windows and a rocking chair room provide wildlife viewing opportunities in a peaceful, family-friendly setting with well-maintained walking trails.

A short walk from the building leads to a kidโ€™s nature play area filled with logs and sticks to play with and rearrange. An indoor play area also offers space for active fun.

Trails throughout the park are expansive and very nice. The visitor center includes a public meeting room and the staff is wonderful year-round.

People are saying

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

"I found the park and nature center to be really nice."

"It's an awesome nature center with a small children's area."

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.

03
Bush Lake Park image 1

Lake with crystal-clear waters anchors a spacious park featuring multiple playgrounds and well-maintained walking trails. Calm and peaceful atmosphere suits families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking fishing, swimming, or kayaking. Facilities include picnic areas, volleyball courts, and a sandy beach with a roped-off swimming zone.

Several playgrounds offer plenty of space for kids and families. One playground includes a sitting area for parents inside, alongside a picnic area and bathhouse nearby.

Ample green space surrounds a nice lake with well-maintained picnic tables and grills. Multiple playgrounds and built-in cornhole stations offer activities for kids and families, while volleyball courts add variety.

People are saying

"The parks here have great playgrounds perfect for kids."

"The beach and swim area were super clean."

"The playground here is really nice and huge."

Good to know

1

Bush Lake Park offers free parking for all visitors.

2

The park has clean bathrooms available for public use.

3

Canoe rentals are available, or you can bring your own canoe.

04
Cedarcrest Park Splash Pad image 1

Splash pad offers free water play with small slides and baby swings, making it ideal for young children. Benches and picnic tables provide shaded seating in a compact park setting. The area stays safe and clean, attracting families with kids up to about eight years old.

Small park offers a splash pad with small slides ideal for kids 5 and under. It includes baby swings, which are rare to find, plus a few benches and basic playground swings.

Small park with a splash pad where kids play in water fountains. Offers swings, benches, and some shade in the afternoon but limited playground equipment.

People are saying

"It's a really nice, kid-friendly place with lots of space to play."

"The splash pad at these parks is awesome for kids on a hot day."

"The splash pad is awesome on a hot day."

Good to know

1

The splash pad is free for all visitors.

2

The splash pad opens at 4 pm, contrary to online information.

3

The splash pad is safe and fun for children of all ages.

05
Smith Park image 1

Small urban suburban park features new playground and ninja parkour obstacle course. Multiple sports fields support youth athletics, creating an active, competitive atmosphere. Small ponds and a nice island add natural charm to the setting.

A new playground offers a small but super fun space for kids to enjoy. The area shows signs of wear, so supervision is advised.

Small ponds and a nice island add charm to this small urban suburban park. A new playground offers fun for kids, while basketball courts and a ninja course provide activities for all ages.

People are saying

"The new playground and ninja course are super fun."

"I thought the new playground was very nice."

"The playground here is really fun for kids."

Good to know

1

Smith Park has baseball fields, a lake, picnic tables, and a gazebo.

2

Parking can be limited, especially during busy times.

3

Bring bug spray as there may be mosquitoes in the area.

06
Nickelodeon Universe image 1

Indoor theme park with a giant glass roof creates an outdoor atmosphere protected from weather. Bright colors and Nickelodeon character theming fill the space, making it imaginative and lively for kids. Multiple thrilling roller coasters and safe play areas keep energy high and families engaged.

A Paw Patrol-themed soft play area offers a safe spot for toddlers to play. Guardians can watch kids easily without needing security badges. A separate Lego play area adds variety for older children.

A high-energy indoor amusement park sits inside a mall with no entry fee. It offers a wide variety of rides and experiences that blend nostalgia and thrill in a colorful, vibrant space suitable for all ages.

People are saying

"This Mall has a super fun indoor amusement park with exciting rides."

"This indoor park is a blast of nostalgia and pure fun."

"The Paw Patrol playground was my 2 year old's favorite part."

Good to know

1

Tickets are $52 for a wristband to ride all attractions.

2

Toddler Tuesday offers four hours of access for $15, with one adult free.

3

The park hosts seasonal events throughout the year.

07
Moir Park image 1

Park sits in a wooded ravine with meandering creek and paved trails suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Atmosphere feels peaceful and serene, with multiple wooden bridges enhancing a sense of seclusion despite urban surroundings. Features include frisbee golf, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and various dirt paths for exploration.

Playgrounds include one designed for little ones, located near a picnic area and bathrooms. The park offers multiple activities like frisbee golf, volleyball, and baseball alongside the playgrounds.

Secluded in a wooded ravine, this park offers paved trails winding along a creek and distance markers for jogging. It features a playground suitable for little ones, picnic areas, and spots for Frisbee golf, with no bicycles allowed on trails.

People are saying

"It's a nice place for a picnic or family outing."

"I found this park to be a beautiful, enjoyable little gem."

"I found the large picnic area convenient for gatherings."

Good to know

1

Bicycles are not allowed on the trails at Moir Park.

2

The park has a large picnic shelter suitable for outdoor events.

3

Bring your own trash bags if you plan to grill, as trash cans are limited.

08
Crayola Experience Mall of America image 1

Large indoor space features colorful walls and multiple playgrounds for different age groups. Atmosphere feels noisy and energetic, with kids engaging in crafts and interactive activities. Bright store area contrasts with dim, cave-like experience zones, offering a mix of creative stations and play areas.

Indoor play areas include a toddler zone with a life-size Lite-Brite and a big kid playground with climbing, jumping, and slides. Spaces let kids run, explore, and use art stations with melting crayons and video features.

Multiple playgrounds include an indoor playground and a toddler zone with a life-size Lite-Brite. Craft stations offer activities like puzzle making, crayon creation, and various art projects such as drip art and clay molding.

People are saying

"It's so kid friendly with tons of activities to keep them busy."

"I loved molding clay and painting; it was surprisingly good art."

"The playground has tons of activities to keep kids busy for hours."

Good to know

1

Admission is $24.99 for the entire experience.

2

The cafe at the Crayola Experience has been closed since before Covid.

3

Kids aged 10 and under will enjoy the Crayola Experience the most.

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Bloomington, Minnesota

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