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Playgrounds for picnics

You want a playground that has enough space nearby to actually sit down and enjoy a picnic.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated April 2026
01
Wabun Picnic Area image 1
Wabun Picnic Area image 2
Wabun Picnic Area image 3
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Picnic ground

Large park offers spacious picnic areas with multiple large pavilions and ample parking. Playground features accessible play zones and a splash pad popular with children. Lush greenery and big trees provide a quiet, relaxing atmosphere suitable for family gatherings.

Accessible play areas and a splash pad offer fun for kids of all abilities. The playground includes many toddler-friendly options and a wade pool for water play.

Lots of shaded picnic tables and picnic shelters offer space for groups. The area includes a playground, clean restrooms, and free parking, all set in a well-maintained, beautiful park.

People are saying

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

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

"The playground has a fun splash pad 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.

02
Lions Coon Creek Park image 1

Large playground with modern equipment and varied climbing structures draws many families and children. Walking trails and picnic shelters offer space for outdoor activities amid natural creek sounds and shaded seating areas. Basketball and volleyball courts keep the park lively with frequent games.

A very large playground offers super tall slides, a rubberized surface, and many climbing structures. Seating areas surround the playground for adults to watch kids aged 2 to 16.

Shaded shelters and covered picnic tables provide spots to eat. Walking trails and a river add options to explore nearby.

People are saying

"This park's playground has a big tower and lots of choices."

"The playground has really tall slides and lots of climbing options."

"The playground here is large with really nice equipment for kids."

Good to know

1

The park has a playground, walking trails, picnic shelters, and a river to explore.

2

On-site restrooms are available during the summer.

3

Parking is typically plentiful.

03
Mueller Park image 1

Small neighborhood park offers playground for toddlers, wading pool, and half basketball court. Quiet and peaceful atmosphere with ample picnic tables surrounded by trees. Popular spot for families with young children and casual gatherings.

Playground offers swings, a toddler area, and a large space for climbing and digging. It suits mostly toddlers and younger kids and includes a kids pool nearby.

Grills sit near picnic tables spaced well apart under nice trees. Plenty of room exists to hang out or sit down for a picnic.

People are saying

"The parks here have a great playground and pool for kids."

"It's a fun playground with swings, climbing, and digging for toddlers."

"It's a lovely spot for a picnic."

Good to know

1

The indoor bathroom is open until 9 pm and is relatively clean.

2

Mueller Park has a great playground suitable for toddlers and younger kids.

3

Caution is advised for those with bee allergies due to ground wasps.

04
Marshall Terrace Park image 1

Small park along the Mississippi River offers views of heron rookery and water birds nesting on nearby islands. It features playground, sports courts, and picnic areas with grills, creating a family-friendly atmosphere. Wooden stairs lead down to the riverbank, enhancing access to the natural setting.

A nature-themed playground offers kids a quiet spot to play near the river. It includes a kiddie pool and sits alongside courts and fields for other sports.

Marshall Terrace Park offers picnic tables and grills that support outdoor meals. It suits picnic lunches and group gatherings like birthday celebrations.

People are saying

"You can see the heron rookery from these parks."

"The nature-themed playground is right by the Mississippi River."

"I enjoyed grilling and having a picnic lunch here with the kids."

Good to know

1

The park has a small parking lot with limited spaces available.

2

Visitors can enjoy views of herons nesting in the nearby trees.

3

The park features a nature-themed playground suitable for children.

05
Lake Hiawatha Park image 1

Park centers on a quiet lake with open spaces and good sight lines. Atmosphere stays calm and peaceful, attracting families for picnics and bike rides. Features include playgrounds, tennis courts, and a pier for fishing.

Small playground offers well kept equipment and a lovely setting. Sand contains broken glass and splinters, which raises safety concerns.

Many picnic tables and a family picnic area make it easy to settle in. Bathrooms and a garbage disposal area add convenience for longer stays.

People are saying

"The parks here are beautiful with gorgeous, open lake views."

"I loved the lovely playground."

"It's a great place for picnics."

Good to know

1

Parking is easily accessible on the street near the park.

2

The park has picnic areas and public restrooms available.

3

Kayaks and catamarans are available for rent at the park.

06
Lake Harriet Regional Park image 1

Park surrounds a serene lake with paved walking trails and a band shell hosting concerts. Atmosphere stays relaxing and peaceful, with green spaces and a playground for families. Canoe rentals and picnic areas add to the variety of outdoor activities.

Massive playground offers ample space for kids to play near the bandshell. It features fun equipment and sits close to scenic views and a lake.

Picnic shelter with shade offers a comfortable spot to eat meals from nearby vendors. Picnic tables provide nice seating, and the area hosts concerts that add to the experience.

People are saying

"It's a great Kid Friendly park with a massive playground."

"It's a beautiful, green spot for a relaxed picnic."

"It's a nice playground for the kids."

Good to know

1

Summer concerts occur on Saturdays and Sundays at the bandshell.

2

Parking can be challenging due to ongoing construction and road closures.

3

Restroom facilities may be limited; expect porta potties during events.

07
North Mississippi Regional Park image 1

Park offers splash pad and wading pool, large playground, and picnic pavilions along scenic paths by the river. Atmosphere is generally peaceful and relaxing, with space for families and small events. Bike trails and jogging paths attract walkers and pet owners, creating a friendly, active vibe.

Multiple playgrounds offer varied options for kids, including a natural playground near the interpretive center. The area includes a splash pool and public bathrooms for convenience.

Many picnic pavilions and picnic tables spread throughout the park offer plenty of spots to relax. Paths run along the river, connecting picnic and play areas suitable for families and groups.

People are saying

"The parks have fantastic playgrounds with lots of options."

"It's a beautiful park with many picnic spots for families."

"It's a great playground with lots of options for kids."

Good to know

1

The parking lot at North Mississippi Regional Park is free.

2

The park has ample picnic spots for families.

3

Restrooms have been replaced with portable toilets.

08
Lake Nokomis Park image 1

Vast lakeside park with spacious beach and lush greenery offers a family-friendly and lively atmosphere. Amenities include playgrounds, picnic areas, boat rentals, and snack shacks. Trails and quiet water create a versatile space for recreation and relaxation.

A playground with a swingset sits near the beach area by the lagoon. It stays busy and offers a nice spot for kids to play.

Plenty of picnic space spreads around the park, including near the beach. Picnic areas sit alongside playgrounds and fishing docks, making it easy to mix meals with activities.

People are saying

"This park is beautiful, with amazing lake views and relaxing scenery."

"The playground here is right by the beach."

"The picnic areas here are really nice and clean."

Good to know

1

Trivia Mafia events occur regularly at the park, featuring beer and food.

2

Pond hockey tournaments take place during winter at the park.

3

Parking can be challenging on busy days; consider arriving early.

09
Beard's Plaisance image 1

Big open green space with large trees offers plenty of shade and room to relax. A huge gazebo and picnic tables sit near lake views, creating a peaceful spot for gatherings and reflection. Sand playground and tennis courts add to the variety of outdoor activities available.

Playgrounds sit on sand and offer bathrooms nearby. One playground has shade from pine trees while another lacks shade. Both spots include picnic tables and some grills.

A grassy hill and plenty of picnic tables sit near the lake, with some grills and a playground nearby. The pavilion offers picnic tables but needs cleaning, showing dirt and cobwebs inside.

People are saying

"It's a great picnic spot by Lake Harriet with a playground."

"The bathrooms here are pretty good."

"The playground has big trees that provided lots of shade."

Good to know

1

The pavilion can be reserved for events.

2

Parking is plentiful, with street parking on Upton Ave if the lot is full.

3

The picnic pavilion needs cleaning for a better experience.

10
Linden Hills Park image 1

Park offers multiple sports courts including tennis, basketball, and bocce, alongside two playground areas and a swimming pool. Big shaded trees and sheltered picnic tables create spots for relaxation while kids play. Facilities support a wide range of activities for all ages throughout the year.

Two playground areas offer equipment suitable for kids under 10. The amount of playground equipment has been reduced by about two-thirds, resulting in smaller play structures. A wading pool and sand pit add to the play options.

Big shaded trees and sheltered picnic tables create a comfortable spot for a picnic. The park also has multiple playground areas and a wading pool nearby.

People are saying

"It's so Kid Friendly with a great playground and pool."

"The playground here is beautiful and clean for kids."

"It's a great place for a picnic with lots of different areas to play."

Good to know

1

The park has bocci ball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball fields, picnic tables, a sand pit, two playground areas, and a pool.

2

The park features a large ice rink in the winter.

3

Expect a variety of activities for kids of all ages throughout the year.

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Minneapolis, Minnesota

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