Skip the Screens—These Twin Cities Playgrounds Deliver Nonstop Fun
The Twin Cities are beloved for their wide-open green spaces, parks, and playgrounds. Sunny summer days, warm winter afternoons, and even some rainy days beg for playful moments outside, where we run, swing, jump, and play together. Indeed, from Stillwater to Maple Grove, families are spoiled for choice when it comes to spending beautiful days at local playgrounds. But a few of the best playgrounds in the Twin Cities are worth driving a little further to explore and enjoy together. We’ve compiled a list of these EPIC playgrounds to help you plan your next playful family outing. So, pack up the kids, your new book, a few snacks, and let’s hit the road.
Keep reading to find our top picks for the Best 17 Playgrounds in the Twin Cities You Don’t Want to Miss!
Hyland Play Area (Chutes & Ladders), Bloomington
10145 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
Looking for a magical playground that will spur your child’s imagination? Then, the Hyland Play Area is an excellent option for a fun day out together! Located inside the Hyland Lake Park Reserve (part of the Three Rivers Park District), this is one of the best playgrounds in Bloomington. Play surfaces here range from sand and wood chips to rubber surfaces.
Beloved locally as the “Chutes and Ladders Park,” this playground boasts a series of hexagonal climbers and slides. It was creatively designed for maximum fun for all ages. Kids will delight in racing across ladders, multi-story slides, and sky tunnels. Plus, several unique play areas mean kids will find endless ways to play. There is even a designated area for toddlers and young kids (ages five and under). Benches are located throughout the playground area.
Want to explore a bit more? Hyland Lake Park Reserve also features a disc golf course, paved hiking and biking trails, and cross-country ski trails in the winter. Plus, the park offers scenic prairie views for all to enjoy.
Finally, please note that the Hyland Play Area is seasonally open only in the summer. A massive parking lot is available on-site (though it fills quickly on beautiful summer days). The small visitor’s center near the playground offers limited concessions and indoor bathrooms.
Shoreview Commons Park, Shoreview
Shoreview Commons Park, Shoreview
4580 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126
Do your kids love Dr. Seuss? Then, Shoreview Commons Park is your next playground stop! This park is straight out of The Lorax, featuring a whimsical design, vibrant colors, artificial turf, and plenty of space to play. With so much to offer to all ages, it’s no wonder it’s one of the best playgrounds in Shoreview, Minnesota!
Each space feels like it came straight out of nature, featuring enchanting elements like cattails, river paths, and treehouses. Here, kids can swing, slide, climb, crawl, and play across a giant playground. Plus, there is even a 50-foot zip line! Then, kids will adore the signature treehouse tower. Shooting more than 20 feet into the air, kids will marvel at its super-long slides. A dedicated, marsh-themed play area is available for toddlers and young kids.
Nearby, a more low-key playground and a skate park are available, too. Several seating options and tables throughout the park allow parents to relax, set up a picnic, or catch up with friends while kids play safely nearby. Families will also find biking and walking paths, cross-country ski trails in the winter, and tennis and pickleball courts near the playground.
A large parking lot is adjacent to the playground. Outdoor portable toilets are available.
Central Park, Maple Grove
12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369
One of the best playgrounds in Maple Grove, Minnesota, Central Park offers an unbelievable array of entertaining spaces to play. There are seven play zones! With accessible, rubberized surfaces and some sandy areas, kids can easily navigate and move between the various play areas.
The playground features a 24-foot climbing tower, four giant slides, several unique swings, and a 120-foot climbing wall. Talk about a thrilling day out for kids of all ages! With so many options, this is one of the best playgrounds for families, as even many older kids will enjoy playing here. There are benches around the play area for parents as well.
Nearby, you can also meander through gardens, including a labyrinth path. Additional walking paths, a pond, and ample green space also make excellent places to explore together. In the summer, kids can also splish splash in the interactive fountain. Stay after dark if you can. The fountain turns into a colorful light show once the sun goes down! Meanwhile, during the winter, an outdoor skating loop and a warming house are available.
Finally, as one of the best playgrounds in the Twin Cities, indoor bathrooms are located near the playground. It’s open daily and year-round for public use. A snack bar is also available on-site (hours vary between winter and summer). A parking lot and street parking are available.
Teddy Bear Park, Stillwater
207 Nelson St E, Stillwater, MN 55082
Just blocks from downtown Stillwater, Teddy Bear Park is undoubtedly one of the best playgrounds in the Twin Cities for toddlers and young kids (recommended for ages seven and under). Designed with little ones in mind, this fenced playground is an excellent space for kids to play freely.
When you arrive, you will be greeted by a HUGE stone teddy bear, which will undoubtedly delight your kids. A few other stone teddy bears are located throughout the park. Additionally, there is a large train, boat, climbing web, and other play areas. While most of the park is designed with rubber footing, there is a small sand pit for digging and using one’s imagination. While kids play, benches around the park allow parents to chat, read, or mind younger siblings.
Finally, please note that this playground is open seasonally (mid-April through mid-October). Parking is available in a nearby pay lot or along the neighboring streets. The on-site amphitheater offers regular, kid-friendly programming; check the calendar for more details. Indoor bathrooms are located on-site (with changing tables). A few spaces are available to reserve for birthday parties or get-togethers.
Elm Creek Park Reserve, Maple Grove
12400 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369
One of the largest playgrounds in Minnesota, Elm Creek Park Reserve also ranks among the best in the Twin Cities. The playground is filled with a rainbow of colors, inviting kids of all ages to play. The playground is fenced, and play surfaces are mostly rubber (making them easy to traverse for all ages and abilities).
Features like giant slides, a fun fort area, a rope ladder, and vibrantly colored equipment make Elm Creek Park one of the best playgrounds in Maple Grove, Minnesota! Older kids will love climbing the giant playground boulders or rope structures. Meanwhile, littles have a dedicated space just for them. Then, a huge sand pit allows aspiring paleontologists the chance to excavate a giant dinosaur “skeleton” buried beneath the sand.
Elm Creek Park Reserve is also the largest park within the Three Rivers Park District. Outside of the playground, families can find almost every outdoor activity available in Minnesota. Families can enjoy time at the nearby Eastman Nature Center. Or check out the miles of hiking and biking trails. Don’t miss the swimming pond with a sandy beach. It’s perfect for hot summer afternoons! Keep your eyes out, too. Elm Creek is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including sandhill cranes, deer, beavers, loons, trumpeter swans, and hawks.
Finally, on-site parking is available. Admission to the park and playground is free. There are indoor bathrooms near the playground.
Madison’s Place Playground, Woodbury
4125 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125
Located in Woodbury (on the M Health Fairview Sports Center campus), Madison’s Place Playground is one of the best all-inclusive, accessible playgrounds in the Twin Cities. Kids and adults alike will be impressed by all of the fantastic features and play areas! The playground also offers shady areas for picnics and free play on sunny days.
Madison’s Place Playground features sensory-friendly play equipment, wheelchair-accessible play areas, accessible swings, and more! Kids of all abilities, skills, and strengths can navigate the entire playground thanks to a series of ramps and decks. Kids can also enjoy the playground by zipping, hanging, swinging, and sliding to their heart’s content.
Then, on hot summer days, cool down at the nearby splash pad. It is divided into sections for big and little kids. The splash pad features dump buckets, spray nozzles, and more watery fun throughout the area. If kids need more space to roam, there are plenty of green spaces available for games like Tag or Red Light, Green Light.
Ample, free parking is available. Indoor bathrooms, including changing areas and attached water fountains, are all available at a nearby building.
Woodridge Park, Cottage Grove
9000 90th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Ideal for year-round fun, Woodridge Park provides a nature-based playground nestled in Cottage Grove. Families will quickly see why Woodridge Park is often rated as one of the best playgrounds in the Twin Cities for accessibility. Everything here is wheelchair accessible and features 100% accessible surfacing!
On the playground, kids can crawl through tunnels, zipline from plank to plank, swing, and enjoy a variety of other activities. There are also a few areas designed specifically for toddlers and young kids. Benches throughout the playground allow parents to sit back and relax while their kids play or meet with other parents for a quick coffee.
After playing a bit, continue your outing along one of the walking trails near the pond. Make it a whole day out by packing a picnic. Picnic shelters and tables are located throughout Woodridge Park (including a few charcoal grilling areas!). There are baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, and a seasonal ice rink (complete with a warming house) for additional family fun. Winter visitors will also find a fun sledding hill here.
Augsburg Adventure Park, Richfield
7000 Nicollet Ave, Richfield, MN 55423
Augsburg Adventure Park is one of the newest all-inclusive parks in the Twin Cities. This fenced playground in Richfield features towering slides, sensory-friendly quiet spaces, rubber surfacing, and wheelchair-accessible features (including an inclusive merry-go-round).
As one of the best playgrounds in the Minneapolis area, kids will adore racing down the two-story slide, zooming across the zipline, swinging, spinning, and playing. Babies and toddlers have their nature-themed area built just for them. Clear-view seating around the park allows parents to have vantage points from anywhere to watch kids play.
If you’ve packed a picnic, there are plenty of picnic tables and green spaces to lay out a blanket. A few picnic shelters also have charcoal grills. A small pond is nearby (outside of the fenced playground area) and is home to many geese and ducks. There is a large on-site parking lot and portable toilets available.
After playing, walk to Augsburg Park Library (part of the Hennepin County Library system) to read a few books or play in the cozy, recently renovated indoor play space (best for ages five and under). The library and Community Center offer indoor bathrooms (when open), which include changing tables. The Community Center also has water fountains.
William Berry Play Area at Lake Harriet Bandshell Park, Minneapolis
4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Lake Harriet Bandshell Park is a local gem for families seeking the best playgrounds in Minneapolis. It’s an easygoing, fun-filled playground outing with kids. The William Berry Play Area, located just steps from the lake, features nature-inspired play structures suitable for children aged 2–12. Features include slides, swings, massive rope climbers, and even a splash-friendly water feature. It’s the kind of place where kids can burn off energy for hours while grown-ups enjoy the lake breezes and summer sun. There are plenty of nearby benches and grassy areas.
When you need a snack, grab a bite at Bread and Pickle (open seasonally) or bring your picnic. If you want to extend your day at the park, hit the 2.8-mile paved loop around the lake. It’s perfect for strollers, scooters, or family bike rides. Stop by the hidden elf house tucked into a tree near the southern end! You can even leave him a note.
Adventures are endless here! You can also rent a kayak, paddleboard, or surrey bike from Wheel Fun Rentals near the bandshell. Two beaches—North and Southeast—offer lake access for splashing, swimming, and sand play. Add live music at the bandshell, and you’ve got a full day of low-key, family-friendly fun. With indoor restrooms, shaded seating, and paid parking options, Lake Harriet truly checks all the boxes for a memorable day out in Minneapolis with kids.
Wolfe Park Playground, St. Louis Park
W 38th St, St Louis Park, MN 55416
If you’re on the hunt for one of the best playgrounds in the northwest Twin Cities metro, check out Wolfe Park Playground. Located in St. Louis Park, it wholeheartedly deserves a top spot on your playground list this year! This family-friendly park has something for every age, from adventurous toddlers to tech-loving tweens.
The updated Biba Smart Playground adds a modern twist. Parents can use a free app to guide young kids through interactive games and experiences. Kids will delight in this added challenge to the day! The equipment itself is top-notch, with climbing walls and thrilling slides. Not to mention expression swings that allow little ones to swing face-to-face with their grown-up. Spread out across multiple play zones, it’s especially great for larger families.
Beyond the playground, enjoy a peaceful stroll along the walking path, relax near the pond (where kids can even try their hand at fishing), or unwind in one of the picnic shelters. The park also features pickleball courts, a sand volleyball court, and the Veterans’ Memorial Amphitheater (which hosts concerts and events in the summer). With on-site restrooms, drinking fountains, and free Wi-Fi throughout the playground area, Wolfe Park makes it easy to plan a relaxed, activity-filled outing. This lively park is a hidden gem for Twin Cities families seeking fun, scenic play spaces.
Schaper Park, Golden Valley
631 Ottawa Avenue North, Golden Valley, MN 55422
If you’ve got a kiddo who dreams of being on American Ninja Warrior, head to Schaper Park in Golden Valley. It’s one of the best playgrounds in the Twin Cities for big kids who love a challenge. This “ninja park” is home to Minnesota’s first outdoor fitness challenge course! It’s complete with a 40-yard dash timer and an obstacle course designed for individuals aged 13 and above (though younger kids can certainly enjoy most of the features as well).
Expect lots of climbing, jumping, ducking, and balancing—plus soft artificial turf to cushion any falls. The park also features a smaller, traditional playground designed for toddlers and preschoolers, making it ideal for families with children of varying ages. While the course can get busy (and competitive!), it’s a fantastic way to keep tweens and teens engaged and off their screens.
There is limited shade in the summer, so be sure to bring plenty of water and hats, especially on hot days. The Luce Line Regional Trail runs through the park, so you can pair your playground visit with a family bike ride or walk. With free parking and a layout that encourages movement and fun, Schaper Park is a dynamic destination for active families seeking something a little different from the usual swings and slides.
Clifton E. French Regional Park, Plymouth
12605 Rockford Rd, Plymouth, MN 55441
French Regional Park in Plymouth is home to a spectacular, multi-level climbing paradise that’s perfect for adventurous kids. Thoughtfully designed, this new-ish playground boasts a network of cargo nets, watchtowers, and bridges that rise to a thrilling 29-foot tower. There are 47 cargo nets in total, plus six slides and tunnels for nonstop exploration.
Younger kids will love the toddler-friendly playhouse area. Meanwhile, older kids can scale the towers and navigate the rope mazes. Shaded picnic tables make it easy for parents to relax while keeping an eye on the action. The playground is conveniently located next to the Visitor Center, which has indoor bathrooms. A large free parking lot flanks one side of the playground.
Beyond the playground, families can enjoy a sandy swimming beach (no lifeguards on site and out of sight from the playground), as well as paved and unpaved bike trails, a disc golf course, and even a sand volleyball court. During winter, lighted trails make for a magical dusk hike. While the playground is open seasonally (only during the summer), it’s well worth the visit. French Regional Park combines an imaginative design and top-notch amenities, making it one of the best playgrounds in the Minneapolis area.
Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, Rockford
9831 Rebecca Park Trail, Rockford, MN 55373
Nature, wildlife, and water fun? These are just three of the reasons that make Lake Rebecca Park Reserve in Rockford a top pick on this list of the best playgrounds in the Twin Cities. The Big Woods Play Area is a nature-themed playground designed for kids ages 5–12.
The playground is full of fort-style structures, climbing elements, and whimsical scavenger hunts. Kids can search for hidden creatures tucked throughout the play area, including a bald eagle perched high on the fort. And they can even challenge themselves to a plant scavenger hunt! With plenty of space to climb, explore, and imagine, it’s a place that encourages both movement and creativity in nature. Nearby restrooms make it convenient for families to stay for a while.
After playtime, cool off at the unguarded but scenic beach. Or, hit the paved walking and biking trails that wind through wetlands and wooded areas. You might even spot a trumpeter swan. Managed by Three Rivers Park District, Lake Rebecca Park Reserve combines imaginative play with the beauty of Minnesota’s Big Woods. It’s an ideal destination playground for families who love active days outdoors all year round. Just be sure not to confuse it with the similarly named park in Hastings—this one is located in Rockford, MN.
Waterford Park, Waconia
1702 Ravencroft Rd, Waconia, MN 55387
Waterford Park in Waconia is quickly becoming a favorite for many Twin Cities families—and it’s easy to see why. As the city’s newest community park, it features a vibrant and inclusive playground designed so kids of all abilities can play side by side.
With colorful, semi-shaded structures, spinning chairs, and a towering slide, the playground encourages both movement and imaginative play. The large park also includes walking trails, a fishing pond, a covered picnic area with grills, benches, and community garden plots. It’s a great spot to spend a whole afternoon.
Families will especially appreciate the thoughtful layout, sun guards over some of the equipment for hot days, and plenty of space to roam. Waterford Park is still expanding, with plans for a year-round restroom facility in development. Until then, it remains a top pick for anyone seeking one of the best playgrounds in the Twin Cities metro area, particularly for inclusive, accessible fun in a welcoming community setting.
Medicine Lake Playgrounds, Plymouth
East Medicine Lake Park: 1740 E Medicine Lake Blvd, Plymouth, MN 55441
West Medicine Lake Park Beach: 1815 W Medicine Lake Dr, Plymouth, MN 55441
With not one but two fantastic playgrounds, Medicine Lake in Plymouth is a go-to summer hotspot for families. Their proximity to one another and shared scenic views of Medicine Lake make it easy to go from one to the next for a full day of play. Together, these two parks offer something exciting for every age and interest. Not to mention a scenic lakefront backdrop for the grown-ups! With so much to offer, you’ll quickly see why these lakeside parks rank highly as two of the best playgrounds in the Twin Cities (especially for families looking for lakeside fun!).
East Medicine Lake Park offers a peaceful, smaller-scale play area perfect for a low-key outing. The nearby seasonal beach and picnic area make it easy to spend a summer afternoon here. The playground features age-appropriate equipment suitable for children of all ages. Additionally, there are nearby restrooms, stunning lake views, and shaded areas for parents to relax. This park also hosts fun events throughout the summer!
Then, West Medicine Lake Park delivers even more fun on your full-day adventure to Medicine Lake. The massive pirate-themed playground is the star here. Kids can climb aboard and use their imaginations to run wild. With over 70 acres, this park also includes a guarded beach, basketball and volleyball courts, bike trails, and a boat launch. Families can grill at the picnic shelter and enjoy a meal lakeside after a day of fun at the park. With easy access to the Luce Line and Medicine Lake Regional Trails, this is an ideal park for an active day out with your kids.
Becker Park, Crystal
5530 Douglas Dr N, Crystal, MN 55429
Becker Park in Crystal is a standout destination for families seeking one of the best inclusive playgrounds in the Twin Cities. Redesigned in 2020, this park now centers around a vibrant, accessible playground that truly welcomes kids of all abilities.
The playground features poured-in-place surfacing and wide ramps, making it easy for all kids to navigate. Additionally, exciting elements throughout the playground beckon kids to play, including the glider, go-round spinner, zip line, swings, and net climbers. There are plenty of benches around the playground. And shady spots, too. It’s a comfortable park and playground, even on sunny days.
Beyond the playground, Becker Park has everything you need for a fun family outing. Let the kids cool off at the interactive splash pad in summer. Explore the paved walking paths (great for strollers!). Alternatively, time your visit to coincide with the Crystal Farmers Market to pick up picnic supplies and enjoy lunch right in the park. Becker Park is more than a play space—it’s a true community hub. Whether you’re chasing giggles through the splash pad or tackling net climbs with your little adventurer, Becker Park makes it easy to stay active and connected.
Orono Park, Elk River
18599 Gary St, Elk River, MN 55330
Orono Park in Elk River is a destination playground in every sense of the word! The nature-inspired playground is a true standout on this list. It features a towering treehouse structure, rock climbers, spinners, and swings. Not to mention inclusive elements that invite kids of all ages and abilities to play and explore.
Surrounding the playground are all the essentials you need for a full day of outdoor fun. Just steps away, a large splash pad (one of the largest in the area!) awaits your family on sunny summer days. Would you prefer to splash and swim? There’s a massive sandy swimming beach here, too! Just note that there is no lifeguard on duty. Plus, there are shady picnic areas, paved walking trails, and even a community fitness system for adults to sneak in a workout.
Add to that a dog park, boat launch, pickleball courts, and kayak rentals, and it’s clear Orono Park offers something for everyone in the family. Families can hop between the beach, the splash pad, and the playground. Parents will also appreciate the clean restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and ample seating around the park. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a paddle, or just a laid-back summer day, Orono Park makes it easy to create lasting family memories in a scenic, activity-packed setting. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder this is one of the best playgrounds in the Twin Cities, especially for families craving variety, nature, and nonstop fun.
Have Fun Playing Together at These Fun Twin Cities Playgrounds!
We hope this list of the best playgrounds in the Twin Cities helps you plan your next fun family outing. No matter where you live in the Twin Cities, playgrounds across the metro are waiting to be explored. This list is just a taste of the many amazing playgrounds near Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and the surrounding suburbs. We hope you have an excellent time playing with your kids at these fun destination playgrounds in the Twin Cities!
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
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