Welcome to our master list of best places to swim & splash in the Twin Cities:
best beaches, best swimming pools, wading pools, fun water parks and splash pads.
Scroll to the bottom for a quick list of FREE pools, beaches & waterparks. Find your new splash happy spot in Minneapolis, St Paul & the surrounding Twin Cities Metro.
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Everything under the sun you need to know about family fun this summer in the Twin Cities. Beat boredom and fill your long school break days exploring the best the Twin Cities has to offer in the way of parks, swim spots, community entertainment and local festivals with our Ultimate Summer Events Guide.
TWIN CITIES WATER FUN QUICK LINKS
The best Twin Cities splash pads & wading pools – by city
For showers of fun, find all the details and our MASTER LIST of Twin Cities-area splash pads and water playgrounds.
APPLE VALLEY SPLASH PAD
Kelly Park Splash Pad
6855 Fortino St, Apple Valley, MN 55124
BLAINE SPLASH PAD
Lakeside Commons Park
3020 Lakes Pkwy, Blaine, MN 55449.
Includes a beach & splash pad.
BLOOMINGTON SPLASH PAD
Cedarcrest Park splash pad
8700 Bloomington Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425
BURNSVILLE SPLASH PADS
Burnsville Lions Park
Cliff Fen Park, 120 Cliff Rd E, Burnsville, MN 55337.
The splash pad is located at the playground within the park.
Nicollet Commons Park
12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337
The beautiful water feature is the focal point of the city’s main public gathering space. Pick a Thursday for Rockin’ Readers and Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hours in Nicollet Commons Park beginning in June. The water feature at Nicollet Commons is open the third weekend in May through the third weekend in September, weather permitting.
CHAMPLIN SPLASH PAD
Andrews Park splash pad
7200 117th Ave N, Champlin, MN 55316
Onsite snack bar and restrooms. Splash pad closes for inclement weather and temps below 65 degrees. Open May through September.
CHASKA SPLASH PAD
Firemen’s Park
3210 Chaska Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318
The park contains interactive fountains (along with a lovely beach, boardwalk, playground and other amenities).
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS SPLASH PADS & WADING POOLS
Huset Park West
3965 Jefferson St NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
The Huset Park splash pad usually opens the first day of public school summer vacation.
Columbia Heights wading pools
- MCKENNA PARK – The park contains a small, shallow wading pool. 4757 7th Street NE, Columbia Heights MN
- RAMSDELL PARK – 4956 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55421
COON RAPIDS SPLASH PAD
Boulevard Plaza splash pad
2880 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
COTTAGE GROVE SPLASH PAD
Highlands Park splash pad
6975 Idsen Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
CRYSTAL SPLASH PAD
Becker Park
5530 Douglas Dr N, Crystal, MN 55429
The park contains interactive fountains to splash in.
DELANO
Central Park of Delano
650 River St N, Delano, MN 55328.
EAGAN SPLASH PAD
Eagan Central Park splash pad
3333 Pilot Knob Rd, Eagan, MN 55121
Open 9am-8pm, except Wednesdays when it closes at 2pm to prepare for the outdoor market.
EDEN PRAIRIE SPLASH PADS
Miller Park splash pad
8208 Eden Prairie Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55347.
Round Lake Park splash pad
16691 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346.
HOPKINS SPLASH PAD
Burnes Park splash pad
301 2nd St N, Hopkins, MN 55343.
MAPLE GROVE SPLASH PAD
Central Park of Maple Grove
12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369
The large city park contains interactive fountains and an amazing playground.
MINNEAPOLIS SPLASH PADS & WADING POOLS
Check out our master list of free Minneapolis wading pools (my kids call it “the baby pool”) to see which pools best fit your needs.
- Many Minneapolis pools have feature fancy splash features including WABUN PARK WADING POOL, LAKE HIAWATHA WADING POOL and WAITE PARK WADING POOL Open daily 10am-9pm.
- THE COMMONS splash pad (downtown Minneapolis) – 425 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415.
- FRANKLIN STEELE SQUARE splash pad – 1600 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404.
- PHELPS FIELD PARK splash pad – 701 E 39th St, Minneapolis, MN 55407.
OTSEGO SPLASH PAD
Prairie Park splash pad
13355 90th St NE, Otsego, MN 55330.
ROBBINSDALE SPLASH PAD
Manor Park splash pad
3129 Abbott Ave N, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Open daily from 10am-8pm,
ROSEMOUNT SPLASH PAD
Rosemount Central Park splash pad
2893 145th St W, Rosemount, MN 55068.
ROSEVILLE WADING POOL
Rosebrook Park
2590 Fry Street, Roseville MN 55113
Contains a small, shallow wading pool.
SHAKOPEE SPLASH PAD
Shakopee Lions Park
1103 Adams St S, Shakopee, MN 55379
The park includes a whimsical splash pad and an inclusive, fun-for-all playground.
SOUTH ST. PAUL WADING POOL
Lorraine Park Splash Pool
756 3rd Ave S, South St Paul, MN 55075
The splash pool charges a small fee of $2-3.50/pp.
ST ANTHONY VILLAGE SPLASH PADS
- EMERALD PARK SPLASH DECK – 3925 MacAlaster Dr NE, St Anthony, MN 55421.
- CENTRAL PARK SPLASH DECK – 3503 Silver Lake Rd NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418.
ST LOUIS PARK SPLASH PAD
Oak Hill splash pad
3201 Rhode Island Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426
The deluxe splash pad is FREE for residents, $1/non-res.
ST PAUL SPLASH PADS
- CONWAY RECREATION CENTER splash pad – 2090 Conway St, St Paul, MN 55119.
- ROY WILKINS PARK splash pad – 900 Marion St, St Paul, MN 55117.
- PHALEN PARK & BEACH splash pad – 1600 Phalen Dr, St Paul, MN 55106.
- PARQUE DE CASTILLO splash pad – 149 Cesar Chavez St, St Paul, MN 55107.
WEST ST. PAUL SPLASH PAD
Harmon Park splash pad
230 Bernard St W, West St Paul, MN 55118.
WOODBURY SPLASH PAD
M Health Fairview Sports Center
4125 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55129
The splash pad is located next to Madison’s Place Playground, an all-access playground.
Twin Cities water parks & outdoor pools – by city
Whether you prefer a water park or public swimming pools, find the best outdoor pools in Minnesota. Many of these pools offer swim lessons as well.
Webber Park Pool, Minneapolis
ANOKA
Anoka Aquatic Center
1551 7th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303
Open: May 24-August 24, 2025
Hours: Weekend and weekday hours vary.
Admission: $6-$8/pp
APPLE VALLEY
Splash Valley
14421 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd, Apple Valley, MN 55124.
Open: June 6-August 20, 2025
Hours: Daily, 11am-6pm
Admission: $14/pp
Redwood Community Pool
311 150th St W, Apple Valley, MN 55124.
CLOSED for 2025
BLOOMINGTON
Bloomington Family Aquatic Center
201 E 90th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Open: 7/18/25: Closed for the 2025 Season Due to Mechanical Issues.
Hours: Sun-Fri, 12-7pm & Sat, 10-7pm.
Admission: $10/pp, half-price after 4pm.
Tot Open Swim: Mon-Fri, 8am-noon for ages 0-6 (Don’t forget to pack swim diapers).
COON RAPIDS
Bunker Beach Water Park
701 County Rd A, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Minnesota’s largest outdoor water park entertains with a wave pool, waterslides, lazy river, splashy play areas and activity pools.
Open: June 7 – August 24, 2025.
Hours: Daily, 11am-7pm
Admission: $16-$20/pp, discount after 4pm.
CRYSTAL
Crystal Cove Aquatic Center
4848 Douglas Dr N, Crystal, MN 55429
Re-Opening early June.
EAGAN
Cascade Bay Water Park
1360 Civic Center Dr, Eagan, MN 55122
Sand and water play areas dedicated to little ones, water slides, a lazy river and a miniature golf course. Swimmers purchase either a half-day session ticket or all-day access ticket.
Open: June 6-August 24, 2025.
Hours: Session 1/10:45am-2:45pm and Session 2/3:15-7:15pm.
Admission: Session prices TBA or $19 for an all-day pass plus unlimited mini golf.
Cascade Bay Waterpark, Eagan
EDINA
Edina Aquatic Center
4300 W 66th St, Edina, MN 55435
Wave simulator, cable zipline ride, pirate-themed kiddie pool complete with pirate ship, and an outdoor playground. There is also a 50-meter lap pool for serious swimmers to get their lap swim in.
Open: TBA.
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-8pm & weekends 10am-8pm.
Admission: $14/pp, $11/discount after 5pm. Separate $8 fee for Lost Wave Surf Simulator.
HASTINGS
Hastings Family Aquatic Center
901 Maple St, Hastings, MN 55033
Fun features at the pool include zero-depth entry and a water play area for the littlest swimmers, two substantial slides for the bigger ones, and umbrellas and deck chairs for those who need a break.
Open: TBA
Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 12-7pm and Tues/Thurs/Sun 12-5pm.
Admission: $7-$9 from 12-5pm; save $2/pp after 5pm. Or, choose to swim Tuesday or Thursday when the pool closes at 5pm and all ages pay $7/pp.
MAPLEWOOD
Battle Creek Waterworks
2401 Upper Afton Rd E, Maplewood, MN 55119
Sand play area, 3-story waterslide, zero-entry pool.
CLOSED for 2025
MAPLE GROVE
Grove Cove Aquatic Center Outdoor Pool
12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Open: TBA
Hours: Daily, 10am-6pm
Admission: $8/pp
MINNEAPOLIS SWIMMING POOLS & WATERPARKS
Webber Park Swimming Pool
4300 Webber Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55412
The pool water is naturally treated with plants instead of chemicals. Zero-depth entry for the littlest swimmers.
Open: June 7-August 17, 2025
Hours: Tues-Sun, 1-7pm
Admission: FREE
North Commons Water Park
1701 Golden Valley Rd., Minneapolis, MN 55411
The most affordable water park in the Twin Cities includes water slides and a splash pool.
Closed in 2025-2026 for the Rebuild.
Jim Lupient Waterpark
1520 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Amenities include: water slides, tube slide, log water walk, spray fountains, zero-depth entry. There is a shade pavilion area, toilet facilities, drinking fountains and outside showers and lockers in the waterpark area.
Open: June 7-August 17 2025
Hours: Daily, 1-7pm
Admission: $10/pp
NEW HOPE
New Hope Aquatic Park
4411 Xylon Ave N, New Hope, MN 55427
Includes a shallow water recreation area with body slides and a vortex pool. Open: May 31-June 1, 2025 & June 5-August 24, 2025
Hours: Weekdays 12-8pm and weekends 11am-7pm
Admission: $12-$13/pp.
RICHFIELD
Richfield Outdoor Pool
630 E 66th St, Richfield, MN 55423
Includes a wading pool and main pool.
Open: June 6-August 10, 2025.
Hours: Main pool, 12-7pm, wading pool opens at 11am. Tot Time runs Mon-Sat 10-11am for ages 7 & under.
SHAKOPEE
SandVenture Aquatic Park
1101 Adams St S, Shakopee, MN 55379
Chlorinated water with a sand bottom and beach, slides and special discount days. Grand Re-Opening: June 6, 2025
Hours: 11am-7pm, Daily
Admission: $6-$16/pp
SOUTH ST PAUL
Northview Pool
635 18th Ave N, South St Paul, MN 55075
Located in Northview Park, the pool has a diving board, a climbing wall, a bathhouse and concession stand where swimmers can buy snacks.
Open:TBA
Daily admission is $5/pp, cash only.
ST LOUIS PARK
St. Louis Park Outdoor Aquatic Park
3700 Monterey Dr, St Louis Park, MN 55416
Aqua obstacle course, slides, wet sand play area and splash playground. There are locker rooms and a concession area at this park. Tot Time is Monday-Friday, 10-11am.
Open: June 6-August 22, 2025
Hours: 11am-8pm on weekdays, closing time of 7pm on weekends.
Admission: $6-$15/pp. Twilight discount begins at 4:40pm.
ST PAUL SWIMMING POOLS
Como Regional Park Pool
1151 Wynne Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
Features a zip line, climbing wall, lazy river and separate splash pool. Saturday Tot Time at Como, 9:30 to 11:00am, $10/parent child pairing
Open: June 11-August 20, 2025
Hours: Mon/Wed 12-6pm, Tues/Thurs/Fri 12-8pm, Sat 11am-7pm & Sun 11am-6pm
Admission: $6-$8/pp. Twilight discount.
Highland Park Aquatic Center
1840 Edgcumbe Rd, St Paul, MN 55116
Children’s activity pool, diving well & slide. Tot times on Saturday mornings from 9:30am-11am when only the splash zone is open.
Open: June 11-September 1, 2025
Hours: Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri 12-6pm, Wed 12-8pm, Sat 11am-7pm & Sun 11am-6pm
Admission: $5-$8/pp. Twilight discount.
TAYLORS FALLS
Wild Mountain Resort Waterpark
37200 Wild Mountain Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084
Wild Adventure Island Waterpark offers fun for both thrill-seekers and those seeking lazy fun in the sun, with interactive water feature including water cannons, jets, slides and a 350-gallon dumping bucket as well as a lazy river. Wet and dry rides available. Day passes can include one or both. If you plan to visit more than once in a season, than a season pass will save you money after your second visit. Opens May 24, 2025.
Budget Tip: If you have a favorite Twin Cities water park, look for discounts on annual passes January – March.
Vacation-worthy Water Parks:
10 Things for Kids at Kamp Dels in Waterville, MN — Just an Hour Outside the Twin Cities
Plan a Walt Disney World Resort Vacation
Quick list of free outdoor pools, beaches and water parks in the Twin Cities
- 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 beaches – 2 locations, $5/vehicle permit.
- Lakeside Commons Park & Beach in Blaine. Free for residents only; bring proof of residency. Non-residents pay $5.
- Phalen Beach, St. Paul – Free, Open 12pm-8pm.
- 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.
Twin Cities beaches – swimming by county
The most popular beaches by county:
Anoka County Parks swimming beaches
- COON LAKE COUNTY PARK: The swimming beach is situated on the northeastern corner of Coon Lake. It’s shallow, sandy bottom extends a nice stretch from the shore. 5450 197th Avenue NE Columbus, MN 55092
- LAKE GEORGE REGIONAL PARK: 3100 217th Ave NW, Oak Grove, MN 55011
- RICE CREEK CHAIN OF LAKES PARK RESERVE: The swimming beach is located on Centerville Lake. Use the address for Rice Creek Campground to navigate; the beach parking lot is across the street. There is a smooth bike trail around most of the lake, and the WARGO NATURE CENTER nearby. 7373 Main St, Centerville, MN 55038.
OPEN: Beaches open early June – Labor Day, 9am-8pm.
FEES: A $7 vehicle permit is required for swimming beaches located in Anoka County parks in 2025.
Carver County Parks swimming beaches
Note: Carver County has ended lifeguard services since 2024. All three beaches are now “swim at your own risk”.
- BAYLOR REGIONAL PARK: Family-friendly amenities in the park include the swimming beach, disc golf course, campground and an observatory with public programs. 9406 10775, County Rd 33, Norwood Young America, MN 55397.
- LAKE MINNEWASHTA REGIONAL PARK: In addition to the swimming beach, see our list of 10 Ideas for Family Fun at Lake Minnewashta Regional Park. 6900 Hazeltine Boulevard, Excelsior, MN.
- LAKE WACONIA REGIONAL PARK: Head to the swimming beach early if you want to stake out a spot underneath one of the shade umbrellas. 8170 Paradise Ln, Waconia, MN 55387.
OPEN: Memorial Day weekend – the Sunday after Labor Day, Daily 6am-10pm.
FEES: Carver County beaches are FREE; vehicle fees were eliminated in 2019.
Dakota County Parks swimming beaches
- LAKE BYLLESBY REGIONAL PARK: The swimming beach is located in the campground area of the park. 7650 Echo Point Rd, Cannon Falls, MN 55009.
- LEBANON HILLS REGIONAL PARK: Schulze Lake Beach makes the cut on our list of the best beaches in the Twin Cities to try this summer. Clear, cool and feeling removed from the bustle of the city. Amenities include outdoor showers, indoor restrooms and baby changing station and nearby vending machines for snacks, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN 55123.
OPEN: Starting Memorial Day Weekend.
FEES: There are no vehicle fees to enter the park and use the swimming beaches.
Ramsey County swimming beaches
- LAKE GERVAIS COUNTY PARK: 2420 Edgerton Street, Little Canada, MN 55117.
- LAKE JOSEPHINE COUNTY PARK: It’s an short walk to Dairy Queen from this swimming beach! 3027 North Lexington Avenue, Roseville, MN 55113.
- LAKE MCCARRONS COUNTY PARK: 1795 North Rice Street Roseville, MN 55113.
- LONG LAKE REGIONAL PARK: We rate the swimming beach among the top in the Twin Cities Metro area. Plus, the park has winding bike trails, multiple playgrounds and a historic train depot to explore. 1500 Old Highway 8 New Brighton, MN 55112.
- LAKE OWASSO COUNTY PARK: The beach is separated from a sweet little nature playground by Owasso Blvd. 370 North Owasso Boulevard Shoreview, MN 55126.
- TONY SCHMIDT REGIONAL PARK: The swimming beach on Lake Johanna is perfect for parents with young children. 3500 Lake Johanna Boulevard Arden Hills, MN 55112.
- TURTLE LAKE COUNTY PARK: 4979 Hodgson Road Shoreview, MN 55126.
- VADNAIS-SNAIL LAKES BEACH: We’ve included this swimming beach on our list of the 10 BEST PARKS IN SHOREVIEW, MINNESOTA. 4191 Snail Lake Boulevard, Shoreview, MN 55126.
- WHITE BEAR LAKE COUNTY PARK: 5050 Lake Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
OPEN: Ramsey County beaches with lifeguard service are open Memorial Day-Labor Day. Beaches are open sunrise-sunset (park hours).
FEES: Admission is FREE to swim.
Three Rivers Park District swimming beaches
- BAKER PARK RESERVE: The large park has a terrific swimming beach on Lake Independence. Enter at 3800 County Rd 24, Maple Plain, MN 55359.
- BRYANT LAKE REGIONAL PARK: 6800 Rowland Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344.
- CARVER PARK RESERVE: The small swimming beach is located on the west half of Lake Auburn. Plan to make a stop at the LOWRY NATURE CENTER while you’re in the sprawling park. 7290 Victoria Drive, Victoria MN 55386.
- CEDAR LAKE FARM REGIONAL PARK: 25875 Juniper Ave, New Prague, MN 56071.
- CLEARY LAKE REGIONAL PARK: 18106 Texas Ave, Prior Lake, MN 55372.
- ELM CREEK REGIONAL PARK: The swimming pond is chlorinated with a sand beach. It’s also close to an elaborate play structure & nature center. $6/pp plus tax. 12400 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369.
- FISH LAKE REGIONAL PARK: We include this park, with its swimming beach, in our list of the 10 BEST PARKS IN MAPLE GROVE, MINNESOTA. 14900 Bass Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55311.
- FRENCH LAKE REGIONAL PARK: In addition to the swimming beach on Medicine Lake, your kids will go also go nuts for all the climbing opportunities on the playground. 12605 Rockford Rd, Plymouth, MN 55441.
- LAKE MINNETONKA REGIONAL PARK: The swim pond is chlorinated with a sand beach. $6/pp plus tax. 4610 County Rd 44, Minnetrista, MN 55364.
- LAKE REBECCA PARK RESERVE: 9831 Rebecca Park Trail, Rockford, MN 55373.
Washington County Parks swimming beaches
- BIG MARINE PARK RESERVE: 17495 Manning Trail N, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047.
- LAKE ELMO PARK RESERVE: The swim pond is chlorinated, has a gently sloping sand bottom and maxes out at 6 feet. 1515 Keats Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042.
- POINT DOUGLAS PARK: The swimming beach is small but located on the lovely confluence of the St Croix and Mississippi Rivers. 14810 Point Douglas Dr S, Hastings, MN 55033.
- SQUARE LAKE PARK: The lake water at the swimming beach is exceptionally clear and clean. 15450 Square Lake Trail N, Stillwater, MN 55082.
- ST CROIX BLUFFS REGIONAL PARK: 10191 St Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN 55033.
OPEN: Memorial Day – Labor Day, 2025. 9am-8pm.
FEE: A $7 vehicle permit is required. Each first Tuesday of the month is FREE entry day!
NOTE: The LAKE ELMO SWIM POND at Lake Elmo Park Reserve may open later than Memorial Day.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve – Swim Beach
Twin Cities beaches – swimming by city
We have some great beaches run by municipalities in the Twin Cities. Find the closest beach by city:
BLAINE BEACHES
Lakeside Commons Park & Beach
3020 Lakes Pkwy, Blaine, MN 55449
Public beach, splash pad, playground, and water rentals. Open late May – late August, 10am-8pm. $10/non-res, residents FREE.
BLOOMINGTON BEACHES
Bush Lake Beach
9140 E Bush Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55438
Make a day of it at East Bush Lake Beach with close proximity to the ginormous HYLAND PLAY AREA and a visit to the RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER. Admission and parking are free. Open daily from sunrise to 10pm, June 1, 2025 through Labor Day.
BURNSVILLE BEACHES
Crystal Beach Park
1101 Crystal Lake Rd E, Burnsville, MN 55306
Located on an isthmus between Crystal & Keller Lakes, its highlight is a swimming beach open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
CHANHASSEN AREA BEACHES
Carver Beach
6891 Lotus Trail, Chanhassen, MN 55317
This six-acre neighborhood park has two small, unguarded beaches on the shore of Lotus Lake. Beach opens Memorial Day Weekend.
Greenwood Shores Park
7110 Utica Lane, Chanhassen MN 55317
This is an unguarded, small beach perfect for a peaceful day by the water. Beach opens Memorial Day Weekend.
Lake Ann Park & Beach
1456 West 78th Street, Chanhassen, MN 55317.
The beach and playground are so close together, that you can watch kids at both from a cozy place in the sand. Opens Memorial Day weekend. Lifeguard services are TBA.
Roundhouse Park Beach
3950 Kings Road, Excelsior, MN 55331.
This is a nice park with an unguarded beach, a good-sized playground and a small picnic pavilion. Beach opens Memorial Day Weekend.
CHASKA BEACHES
Clayhole Swim Beach
3260 Chaska Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318
Firemen’s Park surrounds Clayhole Lake & Swim Beach. We rate this one of the best beaches for families in the Twin Cities with a boardwalk, splash pad, concessions and bike trail nearby. Staffed starting early June. 2025 TBA.
EDEN PRAIRIE BEACHES
Round Lake Park Beach
16691 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346
Kids will go crazy for the marine-themed splash pad and treehouse play equipment at the Round Lake Play Area. Older kids might find it fun to rent youth kayaks ($5/hr) or stand-up paddleboards ($8/hr) for Round Lake Beach.
OPEN: Eden Prairie beaches open Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Riley Lake Park Beach
Riley Lake Park Pavilion, 9180 Riley Lake Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
The newly expanded beach at Riley Lake offers a boat launch, picnic areas, grills and a sand volleyball court
OPEN: Eden Prairie beaches open Memorial Day–Labor Day.
MINNEAPOLIS BEACHES
These beautiful swimming beaches are in the heart of the Twin Cities metro area, mere steps (or bike pedals) away from lots of fun family attractions and outdoor dining spots. Admission to the beaches is FREE.
Bde Maka Ska Park & Beaches
- BDE MAKA SKA 32ND ST BEACH – Unguarded. 3200 E Calhoun Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55408.
- BDE MAKA SKA NORTH BEACH – Unguarded. 2707 Lake Street W, Minneapolis, MN 55416.
- BDE MAKA SKA THOMAS BEACH – Guarded daily from noon to 7pm. 3700 Thomas Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55410. (A short walk from the fishing pier)
Cedar Lake Park & Beaches
- CEDAR LAKE EAST BEACH – Unguarded. 2000 Upton Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55405.
- CEDAR LAKE POINT BEACH – Unguarded. 2101 Cedar Lake Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55416.
- CEDAR LAKE SOUTH BEACH – Unguarded. 3500 Cedar Lake Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55416.
Lake Harriet Park & Beaches
- LAKE HARRIET NORTH BEACH – Unguarded. 4180 East Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55409. (Stick around for live music – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday all summer)
- LAKE HARRIET SOUTHEAST BEACH – Unguarded. 4740 Lake Harriet Parkway E, Minneapolis, MN 55417.
Lake Hiawatha Park & Beach
- LAKE HIAWATHA BEACH – Unguarded. 4500 28th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
Lake Nokomis Park & Beaches
- LAKE NOKOMIS 50TH STREET BEACH – Unguarded. 5000 Lake Nokomis Parkway E, Minneapolis, MN 55417.
- LAKE NOKOMIS MAIN BEACH – Guarded daily from noon to 7pm. 5001 Lake Nokomis Parkway W, Minneapolis, MN 55417.
Theodore Wirth Regional Park & Beaches
- WIRTH LAKE BEACH – Guarded daily from noon to 7pm. 3200 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405.
Reader Recommendation: White Sand Beach
- WHITE SAND BEACH – This unofficial and somewhat secret beach is located along West River Parkway. (This is Minneapolis park land, but not a park.) Once known for its clean white sand, reviewers tell us it is a bit more polluted from bonfires and nightlife than it once was. We would recommend against swimming with kids at this location, as the Mississippi can be dangerous and there are no lifeguards. However, one of my great disappointments moving to Minnesota as an adult was the rocky, dirty beach sand. If you are looking to dig around in whiter & cleaner sand than the typical Minnesota beach offers, this could be your place. 2901 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
Minneapolis beaches traditionally open Memorial Day weekend; lifeguards arrive in early June. 2025 lifeguard information TBA.
MINNETONKA AREA BEACHES
Shady Oak Beach
5200 Shady Oak Rd, Minnetonka, MN 55343
Boasts a pretty swimming beach, sand play and water play areas, playground equipment and a fossil dig. Open June 72025, 10am. $7/pp, $5 after 6pm.
NORTH ST PAUL BEACHES
Silver Lake Beach
2601 19th Ave, St Paul, MN 55109
A large expanse of sandy beach and the swimming boundaries are relatively small.
PLYMOUTH BEACHES
East Medicine Lake Park Beach
1740 E Medicine Lake Blvd, Plymouth, MN 55441.
Note there are no lifeguards at East Beach, see West Beach for lifeguard hours. Traditionally open Memorial Day weekend – August. 9am-8pm.
West Medicine Lake Park Beach
1920 W Medicine Lake Dr, Plymouth, MN 55441.
Bring a picnic to grill, a volleyball to play and maybe your fishing gear. Traditionally open Memorial Day weekend – August. 9am-8pm.
Parkers Lake Park Beach
15505 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447
There is a nearby playground and space to picnic. 15205 County Road 6
Plymouth, MN 55447.
SAINT PAUL BEACHES
Lake Phalen Regional Park Beach
1600 Phalen Dr, St Paul, MN 55106
Complete with a playground, splash pad (open starting June 11) and water craft rentals.
FEES: Admission is FREE.
WOODBURY BEACHES
Carver Lake Park Beach
3175 Century Ave S, Woodbury, MN 55125
Clean, sandy & threaded with hilly little bike trails and a bike park. The beach is unguarded and swim-at-your-own-risk.
Want the best? For more beachy ideas, try our list of 20 Twin Cities Beaches & Playgrounds To Try This Summer.
Is this beach safe to swim in?
Each year, beaches get closed because of high bacteria levels – particularly E. coli – or blue green algae growth. So how do you know whether the water quality of a beach is safe for swimming? Many municipalities and park systems routinely monitor and proactively close beaches if bacteria levels exceed state guidelines, usually before any sickness is reported. This information is publicly available online. To avoid disappointment, you may want to check before heading out. The Minnesota Department of Health has conveniently created a list of public beaches that are regularly monitored.
State Park beaches near the Twin Cities
These State Park beaches are all a one-hour drive or less from the Twin Cities.
Afton State Park swimming beach
6959 Peller Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033
The swimming beach is a strip of sandy shore along a shallow and peaceful area of the St. Croix River. The DNR marks out the swim area with buoys during the summer season. Find the beach near the lower picnic area, which is a half mile hike from the nearest parking lot.
Fort Snelling State Park beach
Snelling Lake Trail, St Paul, MN 55111
We love Fort Snelling’s beach year round for its close proximity. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Interstate State Park swimming beach
Lake O’ the Dalles, St Croix Falls, WI 54024
The unguarded swimming beach and beach house is on the Wisconsin side of the park on Lake O’ the Dalles, approximately 15 minutes from the Minnesota side.
William O’Brien State Park swimming beach
16821 O Brien Trail N, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047
The swimming beach is on Lake Alice, a picturesque, spring-fed lake with a sandy shore.
Learn more about each of these state parks, family-friendly amenities and nearby attractions here: 9 Twin Cities Metro-Area Minnesota State Parks
How to make a backyard splash pad:
Is this your year to get creative and make your own backyard splash pad? You could start with a pop bottle sprinkler.
Ocean beaches? Nope. Surfing? Maybe in Duluth, if you like it cold. Spring Break? We’re more likely to have a blizzard than beach day. We recommend Florida or the Gulf of Mexico for fun in the sun in spring. Mosquitoes? Yep. They’re our unofficial state bird.
Minnesota will never be anyone’s idea of a great beach vacation. But, we LOVE our summers like no where else, and our metro area provides plenty of fun in the sun for the whole family!
You didn’t list the Cottage Grove splash pad. 🙁 it’s off 70th in Cottage Grove and is WAY nicer/bigger than the Woodbury one. It too is free and has been open since last week.
Thanks for the heads up, Kristina. I’ve added it.
Any chance we could get captions for the photos? I can’t tell if the photo is of the location listed above or below it.
Thanks for the great list!
I will try to add captions today. The pictures are below the corresponding waterpark/splash pad except for Como Park Regional Park Pool, which is to the right of the Como Pool description. The picture of the playground with the dinosaur bone dig is in Elm Creek Park Reserve adjacent to the Elm Creek Swimming Pond in Maple Grove. There is only the $5 charge to swim; the playground, nature center and historic site are free. Thanks for reading!