Splash Happy: 2022 Guide to Twin Cities Beaches, Pools, Water Parks & Splash Pads

As the line between late spring & early summer starts to melt away in the rising temps, it’s time to update 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 quicklist of FREE pools, beaches & waterparks. Find your new splash happy spot in Minneapolis, St Paul & the surrounding Twin Cities Metro.

Get started planning your best summer!

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 2022 Ultimate Summer Events Guide.

---

Twin Cities swimming 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.

FEES: A $6 vehicle permit is required for swimming beaches located in Anoka County parks.

Carver County Parks swimming beaches

• 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.

NOTE: 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, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN 55123.

NOTE: 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.

NOTE: Ramsey County beaches with lifeguard service are open Memorial Day-Labor Day. Beaches are open sunrise-sunset (park hours). 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 playground & nature center. $5/pp. 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. $5/pp. 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. There is no fee to swim here. 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.

FEE: Washington County Beaches are open 9am-8pm. A $7 vehicle permit is required w/ the exception of Point Douglas Beach. Each first Tuesday of the month is FREE entry day!
NOTE: The LAKE ELMO SWIM POND at Lake Elmo Park Reserve will open June 12, 2022.

---

TWIN CITIES SWIMMING BEACHES – BY CITY

BLAINE: LAKESIDE COMMONS PARK & BEACH

3020 Lakes Pkwy, Blaine, MN 55449
Public beach, splash pad, playground, and water rentals. $5/non-res, residents FREE. 

BLOOMINGTON: 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 Lake Park Reserve Play Area and a visit to the Richardson Nature Center. Admission and parking are free.

BURNSVILLE: 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.

CHASKA: CLAYHOLE SWIM BEACH

3260 Chaska Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318
Firemen’s Park surrounds Clayhole Lake and Swim Beach. We rate this one of the best beaches for families in the Twin Cities.

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.

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 tables, grills and a sand volleyball court.

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 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.
• 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 NORTH BEACH – Unguarded. 4180 East Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55409.
• LAKE HARRIET SOUTHEAST BEACH – Unguarded. 4740 Lake Harriet Parkway E, Minneapolis, MN 55417.
• LAKE HIAWATHA BEACH – Unguarded. 4500 28th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
• 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.
• WIRTH LAKE BEACH – Guarded daily from noon to 7pm. 3200 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405.

Minneapolis beaches traditionally open Memorial Day weekend; lifeguards arrive in early June 2022.

MINNETONKA: 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. $3-$6/pp, discount after 6pm. 

NORTH ST PAUL: SILVER LAKE BEACH

2601 19th Ave ste e, St Paul, MN 55109
A large expanse of sandy beach and the swimming boundaries are relatively small.

PLYMOUTH BEACHES:

• EAST MEDICINE LAKE PARK: 1740 E Medicine Lake Blvd, Plymouth, MN 55441.
• WEST MEDICINE LAKE PARK: Bring a picnic to grill, a volleyball to play and maybe your fishing gear. 1920 W Medicine Lake Dr, Plymouth, MN 55441.
• PARKERS LAKE PARK: There is a nearby playground and space to picnic. 15205 County Road 6
  Plymouth, MN 55447.

SAINT PAUL: LAKE PHALEN PARK BEACH

1600 Phalen Dr, St Paul, MN 55106
Complete with a playground, splash pad and water craft rentals. Free, Open 12pm-8pm. 

WOODBURY: CARVER LAKE PARK BEACH

3175 Century Ave S, Woodbury, MN 55125
Clean, sandy & threaded with hilly little bike trails and a bike park.

---

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.

---

TWIN CITIES WATER PARKS & OUTDOOR POOLS – BY CITY

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

ANOKA: Anoka Aquatic Center

1551 7th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303
Sat-Sun & holiday noon-7pm, Mon-Fri 3-7pm. $4-$7/pp.

APPLE VALLEY:

APPLE VALLEY AQUATIC CENTER  

$11/pp. 14421 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd, Apple Valley, MN 55124.

REDWOOD OUTDOOR POOL 

$5/pp. 311 150th St W, Apple Valley, MN 55124.

BLOOMINGTON: Bloomington Family Aquatic Center

201 E 90th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Tot Open Swim, Mon-Fri, 11am-noon for ages 0-6. $7.25-$10/pp, discount after 4pm.

COON RAPIDS: Bunker Beach Water Park

701 County Rd A, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Wave pool, waterslides, lazy river. $9-$15/pp, discount after 4pm.

CRYSTAL: Crystal Cove Aquatic Center

4848 Douglas Dr N, Crystal, MN 55429
$6-$8/pp, discount after 5pm.

EAGAN: Cascade Bay Water Park

1360 Civic Center Dr, Eagan, MN 55122
Sand and water play areas dedicated to little ones, slides, a lazy river and mini golf. $7-$11/pp, discount after 4pm.

EDINA: Edina Aquatic Center

4300 W 66th St, Edina, MN 55435
Wave simulator, cable zipline ride, pirate-themed kiddie pool, and an outdoor playground. $9-$11.50/pp, discount after 5pm.

MAPLEWOOD: Battle Creek Waterworks

2401 Upper Afton Rd E, Maplewood, MN 55119
Sand play area, 3-story waterslide, zero-depth entry. $5-$7/pp, discount after 6pm.

MAPLE GROVE: Grove Cove Aquatic Center Outdoor Pool

12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Open for outdoor and indoor swimming 10am-6pm. $7-$8/pp or $26-$30/family. 

MINNEAPOLIS SWIMMING POOLS & WATERPARKS:

WEBBER NATURAL SWIMMING POOL

4300 Webber Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55412
Water treated wih plants instead of chemicals. Zero-depth entry for the littlest swimmers. FREE admission.

JIM LUPIENT WATERPARK

1520 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Pre-season hours prior to June. $3-$5/pp.

NEW HOPE: New Hope Aquatic Park

4411 Xylon Ave N, New Hope, MN 55427
Open June 5th – August 15, 2021, 12-8pm weekdays; 11am-7pm weekends. $8-$10/pp. 

RICHFIELD: Richfield Outdoor Pool

630 E 66th St, Richfield, MN 55423
$8-$10/pp, discount after 4pm.

SHAKOPEE: SandVenture Aquatic Park

1101 Adams St S, Shakopee, MN 55379
Chlorinated water with a sand bottom and beach, slides and special discount days. $3-$7/pp, discount after 5pm.

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. Admission is $4/pp.

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. Tot Time is Mon-Fri, 10-11am. $5.50-$9.50/pp, discounts after 4:30pm.

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, $8 per parent/child pair. $6-$7/pp.

HIGLAND PARK AQUATIC CENTER

1840 Edgcumbe Rd, St Paul, MN 55116
Children’s activity pool, diving well & slide. $6-$7/pp.

TAYLORS FALLS: Wild Mountain

37200 Wild Mountain Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084
Day passes range from $9.99 to $44.99; 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.

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

---

The best twin cities splash pads & wading pools – BY CITY

Find all the details and our MASTER LIST of Twin Cities-area splash pads or click the graphic below.

APPLE VALLEY

• KELLEY PARK splash pad – 6855 Fortino St, Apple Valley, MN 55124.

BLAINE

• LAKESIDE COMMONS PARK beach & splash pad – 3020 Lakes Pkwy, Blaine, MN 55449.

BLOOMINGTON

• CEDARCREST PARK splash pad – 8700 Bloomington Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425.

BURNSVILLE

• BURNSVILLE LIONS PLAYGROUND splash pad (located in CLIFF FEN PARK) – 120 Cliff Rd E, Burnsville, MN 55337.
• NICOLLET COMMONS PARK water feature. 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. 12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337.

CHAMPLIN

• ANDREWS PARK splash pad – 7200 117th Ave N, Champlin, MN 55316.

CHASKA

• FIREMEN’S PARKS interactive fountains – 3210 Chaska Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318.
  

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS

• HUSET PARK WEST splash pad (Usually opens the first day of public school summer vacation.) 3965 Jefferson St NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421.
• MCKENNA PARK wading pool – 4757 7th St NE, Columbia Heights MN.
• RAMSDELL PARK wading pool – 4956 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55421.

COON RAPIDS

• BOULEVARD PLAZA splash pad – 2880 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433.
  

COTTAGE GROVE

• HIGLANDS PARK splash pad – 6975 Idsen Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016.

CRYSTAL

• BECKER PARK interactive fountain – 5530 Douglas Dr N, Crystal, MN 55429.

DELANO

• CENTRAL PARK OF DELANO splash pad – 650 River St N, Delano, MN 55328.

EAGAN

• EAGAN CENTRAL PARK splash pad (9am-8pm, except Wednesdays when it closes at 2pm). 3333 Pilot Knob Rd, Eagan, MN 55121.

EDEN PRAIRIE

• 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

• BURNES PARK splash pad – 301 2nd St N, Hopkins, MN 55343.
  

MAPLE GROVE

• CENTRAL PARK OF MAPLE GROVE interactive fountains – 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369.
  

MINNEAPOLIS

Check out our master list of free Minneapolis wading pools to see which pools best fits 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.
• New in 2022: PHELPS FIELD PARK splash pad – 701 E 39th St, Minneapolis, MN 55407.

OTSEGO

• PRAIRIE PARK splash pad – 13355 90th St NE, Otsego, MN 55330.

ROBBINSDALE 

• MANOR PARK splash pad – Abbott Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55422.
  

ROSEMOUNT

• ROSEMOUNT CENTRAL PARK splash pad – 2893 145th St W, Rosemount, MN 55068.

ROSEVILLE

• ROSEBROOK PARK wading pool – 2590 Fry Street, Roseville MN 55113.

SHAKOPEE

• LIONS PARK splash pad – 1103 Adams St S, Shakopee, MN 55379.

SOUTH ST. PAUL

• LORRAINE PARK SPLASH POOL – $2-3.50/pp. 756 3rd Ave S, South St Paul, MN 55075.
  

ST ANTHONY VILLAGE

• 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

• OAK HILL SPLASH PAD – FREE for residents, $1/non-res. 3201 Rhode Island Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426.

ST PAUL

• 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 

• HARMON PARK splash pad – 230 Bernard St W, West St Paul, MN 55118.

WOODBURY

• M HEALTH FAIRVIEW SPORTS CENTER splash pad – 4125 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55129.

---

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.

---

How To Make A Backyard Splash Pad:

Is 2022 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*:

* Links to Amazon are affiliate links and Family Fun Twin Cities receives a small commission on sales through our site.