Splash Happy: 2020 Guide to Twin Cities Beaches, Pools, Water Parks & Splash Pads

As the line between late spring and early summer starts to melt away in the rising temps, it’s time to update our master list of Twin Cities beaches, outdoor swimming pools, water parks and splash pads. Scroll to the bottom for a quick list of FREE pools, beaches and water parks.

April 2, 2020: Minneapolis Parks has announced that they will not be opening any pools, beaches or waterparks this summer. We will keep you updated on other municipalities, but this is likely the direction we are heading for the entire metro.

Several are anticipating an opening Memorial Day Weekend with dozens more following suit in early June. Find your new splash happy spot from our list of the best places to swim in Minneapolis, Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro:

How To Make A Backyard Splash Pad:

2020 might be the year to get creative and make your own backyard splash pad.  You could start with a pop bottle sprinkler.

Or you can buy one from Amazon*:

TWIN CITIES BEACHES

Natural beaches and pools are susceptible to high bacterial levels, we recommend that you call or check the website before heading out and chancing disappointment. Some of these beaches and most of the pools are chlorinated and not as likely to have bacteria issues.

Opening Memorial Day Weekend 2020:

These beaches historically open Memorial Day Weekend:

• Dakota County beaches | 2 locations, FREE (Vehicle Fee)
• Three Rivers Park District Beaches | 7 unguarded locations, FREE
• Elm Creek Swimming Pond | Maple Grove | 9am-8pm | $5/pp | Chlorinated w/ sand beach, close to an elaborate playground, nature center and historic site. Lifeguards on duty daily starting 6/10/19.
• Lake Minnetonka Swimming Pond | Minnetrista | 9am-8pm | $5/pp | Chlorinated w/ sand beach. Lifeguards on duty starting 6/10/19.
• Washington County Parks swimming beaches | Lifeguards on duty – 5 locations, including the popular Lake Elmo Swim Pond | $7/vehicle, including Point Douglas as of 2019.
• Ramsey County swimming beaches | Lifeguards on duty | 5 locations, FREE
• Closed for the 2020 Season: Minneapolis swimming beaches | All 12 locations open Memorial Day weekend; lifeguards not available until June | FREE

Opening early June 2020:

These beaches historically open a little later. We will add 2020 opening dates in May. Until then, the 2019 dates are usually good indicators.

• Anoka County beaches | 3 locations | $6/vehicle permit
• Carver County swimming beachs | 2 locations | $5/vehicle permit
• 5/31/19: Lakeside Commons Park & Beach | Blaine | $5/non-res, residents FREE | Public beach, splash pad, playground, and water rentals.
• 6/7/19: Shady Oak Beach | Minnetonka | $3-$6/pp, discount after 6pm | Beach, sand play and water play areas, playground equipment and a fossil dig.
  
• 6/9/19: Bush Lake Beach | Bloomington | lifeguards 11am-7pm | $8/vehicle permit | Make a day of it with close proximity to the ginormous Hyland Lake Park Reserve Play Area (play area closed 7/15/19 for the remainder of 2019) and a visit to the Richardson Nature Center (both free).
  

For more beachy ideas, try our list of 10 Twin Cities Beaches & Playgrounds To Try This Summer.

Amazon link. FFTC receives payment for sales through this link.

TWIN CITIES WATER PARKS & OUTDOOR POOLS

Whether you prefer a water park or swimming pool, find the best outdoor pools in Minnesota.

Opening Memorial Day Weekend 2020:

These pools and water parks historically open Memorial Day Weekend:

• Closed for the 2020 Season: Webber Natural Swimming Pool | Minneapolis | FREE | Water treated with plants instead of chemicals. Zero-depth entry for the littlest swimmers.
• Grove Cove Aquatic Center Outdoor Pool | Maple Grove | 10am-6pm | $7-$8/pp or $26-$30/family
• Anoka Aquatic Center | Anoka | Sat-Sun & holiday noon-7pm, Mon-Fri 3-7pm | $4-$7/pp
• Closed for the 2020 Season: Jim Lupient Water Park| Pre-season hours | Minneapolis | $3-$5/pp
• Wild Mountain | Taylor Falls | Day Passes range from $9.99 to $44.99; Wet and dry rides available. Day passes can include one or both.

Opening early June 2020:

These pools and water parks historically open in early June. We will add 2020 opening dates in May. 

• 6/1/19: St. Louis Park Outdoor Aquatic Park | $5.50-$9.50/pp, discounts after 4:30pm | Aqua obstacle course, slides, wet sand play area and splash playground. Tot Time is Mon-Fri, 10-11am.
• 6/1/19: Edina Aquatic Center | Edina | $9-$11.50/pp, discount after 5pm | Wave simulator, cable zipline ride, pirate-themed kiddie pool, and an outdoor playground.
• 6/7/19: Bunker Beach Water Park | Coon Rapids | $9-$15/pp, discount after 4pm | Wave pool, waterslides, lazy river.
• 6/7/19: Richfield Outdoor Pool | Richfield | $8-$10/pp, discount after 4pm

• 6/8/19: Cascade Bay Water Park | Eagan | $7-$11/pp, discount after 4pm | Sand and water play areas dedicated to little ones, slides, a lazy river and mini golf. Preview weekend 6/1-6/2.
• 6/8/19: Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center | $10/pp, discount after 5pm
• 6/8/19: Battle Creek Waterworks | Maplewood | $5-$7/pp, discount after 6pm | Sand play area, 3-story waterslide, zero-depth entry
• 6/8/19: Como Regional Park Pool | St Paul | $6-$7/pp | Features a zip line, climbing wall, lazy river and separate splash pool. Saturday Tot Time at Como, 9:30 to 11:00am, $8 per parent/child pair
• 6/8/19: Highland Park Aquatic Center | St Paul | $6-$7/pp | Children’s activity pool, diving well & slide
  
• 6/8/19: Crystal Cove Aquatic Center | Crystal | $6-$8/pp, discount after 5pm

• 6/8/19: Bloomington Family Aquatic Center | $7.25-$10/pp, discount after 4pm | New Tot Open Swim, Mon-Fri, 11am-noon for ages 0-6. New spray table.
• 6/10/19: SandVenture Aquatic Park | Shakopee | $3-$7/pp, discount after 5pm | Chlorinated water with a sand bottom and beach, slides and special discount days.

Budget Tip: If you have a favorite Twin Cities water park, look for discounts on annual passes January – March.

TWIN CITIES SPLASH PADS & WADING POOLS

For our MASTER LIST of Twin Cities-area splash pads, click here or the graphic below.

Phalen Park Splash Pad

Opening Memorial Day Weekend 2020:

These favorite splash pads historically open Memorial Day weekend.

• Closed for the 2020 Season: Minneapolis Wading Pools | Open daily 10am-9pm | FREE (Beaches also open, but unguarded until mid-June)
• Nicollet Commons Park water feature, Burnsville (weather dependent) | Thursday Rockin’ Readers and Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hours in Nicollet Commons Park begin in June.
• Oak Hill Splash Pad | St Louis Park | FREE for residents, $1 per non-res

Free Pools, Beaches and Water Parks:

• Both Dakota County beaches. Note that Dakota County Parks require a vehicle permit, which is not free.
• Three Rivers Park District’s 7 unguarded beaches; their guarded beaches have a small fee. Three Rivers does offer a needs based program, which can include free swimming at guarded beaches..
• Washington County Parks beaches. Note that Washington County Parks require a vehicle permit, which is not free.
• All five of Ramsey County swimming beaches.
• All Minneapolis swimming beaches 
• Anoka County beaches | 3 locations | $6/vehicle permit
• Carver County swimming beachs | 2 locations | $5/vehicle permit
• Lakeside Commons Park & Beach in Blaine. Free for residents only; bring proof of residency.
• Webber Natural Swimming Pool – Awesome pool, but we recommend calling ahead before heading out. There is a daily capacity limit and the pool closes when the balance is off.
• All Minneapolis Wading Pools – including the popular Waite Park and Wabun wading pools.

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