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Local picks in Saint Paul

Playgrounds and parks

Made for those who need a reliable outdoor space to keep their children occupied while they reclaim a moment of peace.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01

Playground features colorful, innovative equipment including drums, xylophone, slides, and swings designed for kids of all ages. Large green spaces with shaded, safe sections invite families for picnics and outdoor activities. The park's unique architecture and materials create a clean, pleasant environment with constant activity.

A colorful playground offers slides, swings, a spinning wheel, and musical instruments like drums and a xylophone. Wood chips cover the ground, surrounded by plenty of grass and shady trees for a nice outdoor space.

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.

02
Mattocks Park image 1

Large trees provide ample shade across a spacious playground with varied equipment for toddlers and older kids. The park maintains a quiet, peaceful atmosphere with well-kept tennis courts and picnic areas nestled in a clean, pleasant neighborhood setting.

Shaded areas make the playground comfortable even on sunny days. Separate play zones include baby swings for little kids and a sand area for bigger kids, creating a natural feel close to nature.

A well-shaded playground with a full canopy offers ample shade and a nature-like feel. The park includes a shaded picnic area, a playground suited for young kids, and well-maintained tennis courts.

People are saying

"This park's playground is amazing for kids of all ages."

"The playground here is awesome and shady."

"I found nice, well-maintained tennis courts here."

Good to know

1

There are no bathrooms available at Mattocks Park.

2

The playground features shaded areas, making it comfortable for visits at any time.

3

The tennis courts at Mattocks Park are well maintained and available for use.

03
Pebble Park image 1

Small park offers walking trails, soccer and tennis courts, and a playground with tall swings and a flying fox. Playground sits in a quiet, forested area and includes bridges and monkey bars. Covered pavilion provides seating for picnics or shelter from rain.

A quiet, forested playground offers a variety of amenities like tall swings, slides, monkey bars, and a flying fox. The design is solid but some equipment, especially the swings, shows signs of wear.

A well designed playground offers swings, a zip line, slides, monkey bars, and bridges. Walking trails, soccer fields, tennis and pickleball courts add variety to this quiet, forested park.

People are saying

"The playground here has tall swings and a fun flying fox."

"This playground is well-designed with lots to do."

"The playground was well designed and had lots to do."

Good to know

1

The playground features swings and a zip line for kids.

2

The pickleball and tennis courts are well-maintained.

3

Expect a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of space for activities.

04
Como Regional Park image 1

Spacious park with beautiful conservatory and Japanese garden offers a peaceful atmosphere and live music under glass. Zoo and outdoor pavilion add variety, while picnic areas support relaxed visits. Free access invites casual exploration despite limited parking.

Playgrounds include a renovated playground up the hill and equipment that helps tire kids out. The area features walking paths, green spaces, and a kids entertainment park with rides.

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 appreciated the playground and the beautiful, well-maintained grounds."

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.

05
Cherokee Regional Park image 1

Park offers breathtaking river views and spacious green areas with well-maintained walking trails. Atmosphere stays peaceful and serene, attracting families and nature lovers. Features include modern playgrounds, sports courts, and shelters suitable for picnics and events.

A 24-foot sky tower climbing structure with a tornado slide stands out, alongside a crooked house for younger kids. Swings and monkey bars offer classic fun, but some areas lack shade and need minor maintenance.

Open spaces include picnic areas with two shelters that have electricity, plus walking and riding trails for exploration. The playground features a 24-foot sky tower climbing structure with a tornado slide and a crooked house for kids. Sports facilities include basketball and tennis courts, and the park offers clean restrooms and free street parking.

People are saying

"These parks offer serene, secluded trails with gorgeous river views."

"It's a beautiful place for a picnic with serene atmosphere and great views."

"The Playground offers breathtaking views of the river and skyline."

Good to know

1

The park has picnic areas, pavilions, and a basketball court for recreational activities.

2

Restroom facilities are available and well-maintained throughout the park.

3

Free parking is available along the streets adjacent to the park.

06
West St. Paul Sports Complex image 1

Sports complex offers multiple playground areas for toddlers and older kids with good visibility and accessible equipment for adults. Open fields stay busy and the space includes picnic benches and covered areas for families and pets. Windy conditions are common, and parking is plentiful.

Climbing nets and separate areas for toddlers and older kids stand out. Benches surround the playground, offering good visibility for supervising children.

The park features a remodeled playground with a toddler area and equipment for older kids, plus a climbing net. A treeless dog park with a $20 yearly fee offers space for dogs, and benches provide good visibility around the playground.

People are saying

"It's a great park with a fun playground for kids."

"The playground has separate areas for toddlers and older kids."

"The park's playground has a great toddler area and equipment for older kids."

Good to know

1

The park has a toddler area and equipment for older kids.

2

There is ample parking available at the complex.

3

The dog park costs $20 per year for access.

07
Western Sculpture Park image 1

Small park features large geometric sculptures that move with the wind and invite tactile interaction. Quiet and peaceful atmosphere suits those seeking calm, with a unique playground offering imaginative climbing and spinning activities for kids. Apartments border the area, requiring visitors to be considerate of the community.

A very cool playground offers practical climbing and spinning features alongside an imaginative play space. Apartments border the area, so visitors stay mindful of the community.

Small and peaceful, the park features large sculptures and a unique playground with climbing and spinning elements. Apartments border the area, so visitors should be considerate of the nearby residents.

People are saying

"I saw some cool, geometric sculptures at the playground."

"It's a small park with surprisingly massive sculptures."

"These parks have surprisingly massive and cool sculptures."

Good to know

1

The park features large, geometric sculptures that encourage tactile interaction.

2

Visitors should be respectful of the nearby apartments and community.

3

The park is small and can be easily overlooked, making it a hidden gem.

08
Newell Park image 1

Large pavilions and a playground create a space for outdoor fun and gatherings. Shady oak trees and open areas offer a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Facilities include picnic tables, grills, and a rentable building with a hall, supporting both indoor and outdoor activities.

Open space and varied playground equipment keep kids entertained. Multiple sitting areas and gazebos surround the playground for comfort.

Large open spaces with plenty of shade make it easy to walk dogs or relax. Facilities include a playground, large pavilions, picnic tables, grills, a basketball area, and rentable buildings for gatherings.

People are saying

"It's a good place for a picnic gathering with a nice shelter."

"The playground here is great for outdoor fun."

"This park has great picnic shelters and grilling facilities."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required in advance to use the rotunda.

2

The park has a pavilion, picnic tables, and grills available for gatherings.

3

There is only one garbage can located near the main building.

09
Phalen Regional Park image 1

Traditional Chinese pavilion and arch add an oriental flair to the spacious park with lakeside views. The atmosphere stays peaceful and family-friendly, with walking and biking trails, a beach, and water activities. Sculptures and bridges along paths create an interesting environment for visitors.

Multiple playgrounds sit along the walking paths near a lake and picnic areas. The playgrounds look well maintained and offer fun spaces for children.

A beautiful lake anchors this park, surrounded by walkable trails perfect for biking and walking. It offers family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, picnic areas, a beach, and sports facilities.

People are saying

"I loved walking and biking the scenic paths around the lake at this park."

"I loved walking my dog on the varied paths here."

"I found the fenced-in playgrounds fun for children."

Good to know

1

Parking is available around the lake, especially on the western shore.

2

The beach area is great for families and swimming.

3

Dogs are welcome at the park, but be mindful of leash laws.

10
Orchard Recreation Center image 1
Recreation center

Complex includes ball fields, recreation center, and a playground. Playground shows signs of wear but remains functional. Atmosphere suits casual outdoor activities and sports.

Solid playground equipment exists but shows signs of wear. The area is part of a larger complex with ball fields and a rec center nearby.

Ball fields and a rec center anchor the park, offering solid spots for sports and activities. The playground is functional but shows signs of wear.

People are saying

"I found the parks here to be a great complex with a playground and ball fields."

Good to know

1

Orchard Recreation Center features multiple ball fields and a playground.

2

The playground is in decent condition but may need some maintenance.

3

The recreation center includes indoor facilities for various sports.

11
Hamline Park image 1

Small park offers playground structures, basketball and soccer courts, and a paved walkway. Friendly neighborhood atmosphere with easy access and picnic tables nearby. Lack of shade makes it hot during summer.

Multiple tube slides, jungle gyms, and a Zipline offer a variety of activities for children. The playground sits next to a picnic area and includes basketball and soccer courts, but safety concerns exist due to drug use and dirty needles found near the equipment.

Small neighborhood park with multiple tube slides, a Zipline, and a basketball and soccer court. Clean space with a paved walkway, picnic tables, and a free water fountain, but lacks shade making it hot in summer.

People are saying

"It's a great small park with a fun playground for kids."

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

"The playground has a fun variety of structures and activities."

Good to know

1

The park has multiple tube slides, jungle gyms, and a Zipline for kids.

2

Expect hot conditions in summer due to lack of shade trees.

3

Be cautious of drug paraphernalia found in the park.

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Saint Paul, Minnesota

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