Burnsville Family Fun: 9 Close-To-Home Parks To Explore this Summer

The Twin Cities is bursting with local fun for kids no matter what city or suburb you are in. If you are in this southwest Twin Cities suburb this summer, we’ve got a list of ideas for entertaining your family in the Burnsville Area.

Skate, board or bike at Burnsville Lions Skate Park

Burnsville Skate Park is located in Civic Center Park and is free to use. This 5,500 square foot, Tier I outdoor facility is for inline skaters, skateboarders and bikers and is open during park hours (5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily). The skate park is not maintained during winter months, but the rest of the year, it could be fun to grab your kids’ bikes and skateboards and teach the little ones how to use them. Protective gear is strongly recommended as you are using the facility at your own risk. However it is designed for all skill levels and there are restrooms located onsite.

LEARN MORE about Burnsville Civic Center Park & Skate Park.

Play A round of disc golf at Red Oak Park

Another family activity I have been wanting to try is disc golf. Burnsville’s Red Oak Disc Golf course is made up of 20 holes and is free to play during park hours (5am-10pm). Red Oak Park is reportedly scenic, beautifully kept and offers a wide variety of shot options with multiple tee and pin placements for each hole. If you know as little about disc golf as me, you may also want to read Playing Disc Golf with Your Children from Disc Golfing Moms. It’s a very realistic article for families with smaller children.

Red Oak Park also contains a pickleball court and a large inclusive playground.

LEARN MORE about Red Oak Park in Burnsville.

Fun with the family dog at Alimagnet Park

Spring is a great time to bring the dog along on an outing. It’s not too hot and not too cold. However, he still doesn’t want to spend the whole trip locked in a car. Burnsville’s Alimagnet Dog Park is an award-winning, enclosed seven-acre area to allow your dog to go unleashed; and it is also free. Community members are encouraged to purchase a membership that comes with perks, but if you are just visiting for the day, know that you don’t need a membership to give your dog some exercise. Like the other two options, Alimagnet Park is open from 5am-1opm daily, year-round. Don’t forget your doggy bags.

LEARN MORE Make a day of it with these 12 Ideas for Family Fun at Alimagnet Park.

Enjoy summer entertainment at Nicollet Commons Park

Each summer, Nicollet Commons Park rolls out its community entertainment series with Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hours and Flicks on the Bricks. Thursdays include family-friendly entertainment and stories read by local school principals. Friday evening movies start at dusk. While there, check out the coolest splash pad in the Twin Cities.

LEARN MORE about all the summer fun to be had at Nicollet Commons Park.

Try archery at Archer Park

Archer Park is Burnsville’s year-round archery range. Located off Highway 13 on Zenith Avenue South, the range features 11 targets at various lengths and a covered shooting Area. The park is open to all ages (but children under 16need to be accompanied by an adult).

BONUS FUN Archer Park is situated near Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve. Take a nature walk after practicing archery.

Go swimming at Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach is Burnsville’s unguarded swimming beach. Families can swim for free, but concessions, canoe rental and paddleboard rentals are available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

UPDATES The city of Burnsville will be replacing the playground equipment and the sand and water play feature in 2026.

Splash around at Cliff Fen Park

On hot days, splash around under the 2,000 square foot splash pad at Cliff Fen Park. Bring a towel! With over a dozen water features, you are sure to get soaked. The splash pad is open daily 9am – 9pm into September if the weather permits.

In total, the park is 40 acres and includes a large playground, picnic shelters, volleyball courts, soccer fields, nature trails and scenic wetlands. It also connects to the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge.

LEARN MORE aboutBurnsville’s Cliff Fen Park.

Combat nature deficit disorder at Terrace Oaks East Park

Terrace Oaks East Park’s Nature Play Area includes painted animal tracks for kids to follow, tree cookies and sticks for building, logs and rocks for climbing and jumping and log trails for exploring. Parents can play along or watch from the limestone block benches and enjoy the free city wi-fi.

BONUS FUN The combined Terrace Oaks parks feature playgrounds, trails, sports courts and fields and picnic areas, as well as mountain bike trails. Bring your off road bikes!

Get active at Lac Lavon Park

Lac Lavon Park combines many of the features of the parks above. It has an unguarded beach, plenty of sports courts and fields, space to hike and grills for picnics.

LEARN MORE 10 Ideas for Family Fun at Lac Lavon Park.

Your turn. Where do you go for Burnsville family fun? Leave us a comment with your favorite places to take your kids in Burnsville.