40 Best Twin Cities Splash Pads & Wading Pools

Girl playing in splash pad Text: "Best Twin Cities Splash Pads & Wading Pools"

If you’re looking for a few new places to cool off during the hot summer days, we’ve put together a master list of all the Twin Cities Metro-area splash pads we could find. We organized these spray parks by region for your convenience and nearly all are free of charge (except where noted). With a few more elaborate exceptions, these aren’t so much swimming holes as simple spots where you might beat the heat with your youngsters. Stay cool!

New splash pads are built every year. We’ve found some of the best spash pads in the Twin Cities through readers. Feel free to leave a comment if you know of any other great places to splash in the Metro.

Valleyfair and Soak City

Two Parks One Price

With more than 75 rides and attractions, Valleyfair is the Twin Cities’ amusement park where families come for thrills and splish-splashing fun with two parks in one! Discover your next big adventure with the stomach-dropping weightlessness of Wild Thing or the dizzying heights of North Star. For the little thrill-seekers, Planet Snoopy features 15 Peanuts-themed rides. Cool off in the area’s premier waterpark and experience ocean-like- waves you won’t find at one of our 10,000 lakes. With waterslides, a ginormous wave pool, two kids’ areas, a looping lazy river, Soak City is the ultimate waterpark experience. Save on tickets at Valleyfair.com.

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    MINNEAPOLIS SPLASH PADS & SPLASH WADING POOLS

    Check out this handy pools dashboard on the Minneapolis Parks website. It gives you real time closure information for pools, leaving less chance of disappointment when you get there.

    The Commons

    425 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415
    Located on a public green space near the heart of downtown Minneapolis, these splash fountains are on the small side, but definitely do the trick on a hot day. Look for kids activities and programming to satisfy all ages: a farmers market, live music, free lawn games, movies, public art and food trucks. Stay tuned to find out what this summer will bring. Daily 6am-10pm.

    Splash Pads Twin Cities

    Currie Park

    500 S 15th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55454
    Recent updates to this park included a new play area and and one of the best splash pads in Minneapolis, along with new restroom amenities near the splash pad. The basketball court was also updated. Other family friendly amenities include soccer fields.

    Splash Pad at Currie Park in Minneapolis Minnesota
    Image courtesy of MPRB.

    Franklin Steele Square

    1600 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
    This little urban oasis near the southern cusp of downtown Minneapolis also has a playground and a basketball court. Daily 10am-9pm.

    Splash Pad MN

    Lake Hiawatha Park

    2701 E 44th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
    Lake Hiawatha Park’s water play space could be more accurately called a wading pool, but there is a zero-depth entry end lined with water jets so we count that as a splash pad. The water is about two feet at its deepest and features spraying cattails. There is also a sand play area on the playground with a tot lot onsite. Daily 10am-9pm (10pm if temp is 85 degrees at 6pm).

    Cool Off at Twin Cities Area Splash Pads & Wading Pools

    Phelps Field Park

    701 39th St E., Minneapolis, MN 55407
    The splash pad is a large open area with a central mist sprayer and several water jet sprayers that kids can run through. The updated play equipment’s not too shabby either! As the park’s name suggests, you will also find sports fields.

    Wabun Picnic Area (part of Minnehaha Falls Regional Park)

    4655 46th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
    Similar to Lake Hiawatha’s pool, the Wabun splash pad pool (aka Minnehaha Falls Splash Pad) also has a zero-depth entry and maxes out at 2 feet — perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and even those kids just learning to swim. A pair of short bubblers in the shallow end and a spraying arched rock structure keep everyone cool. There’s also a great playground adjacent that’s easy to keep an eye on older kids from and shaded picnic pavilions. Open 10am-9pm.

    Wabun Wading Pool

    Waite Park

    1810 34th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
    Cool off at the Waite Park wading pool & splash pad. Check out its zero-depth entry, shade structure and interactive water features. This is the new design for wading pool/ splash pad Minneapolis Parks are heading toward. (Joy says, “Of all the splash pads near me, this is our hands-down favorite. The mix of pool and splash pad is perfect.) Open 10am-9pm.

    MINNEAPOLIS FREE SPLASH PADS & WADING POOLS

    The above list only includes only splash pads and splash pad-style pools. Find the full list including traditional wading pools in Minneapolis Parks below:

    ST PAUL SPLASH PADS & SPRAY GROUNDS

    Como Zoo Splash Pad

    Como Town Amusement Park, 1301 Midway Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55108
    The Splash Zone splash pad is included in admission to Hodge Park Park or can be purchased separately and is for all-day admission. 10 pts = $5.00 Admission. Wed-Sun 11am-6pm.

    Conway Recreation Center

    2090 Conway St, St Paul, MN 55119
    This simple splash pad hovers near the eastern boundary of St Paul. Enjoy the fountains, playground equipment, and a community recreation center that offers open gym and free summer meals for kids. The Sun Ray branch of the St Paul Public Library, with a lovely children’s space, is steps away from the park if you need a quiet book break. Daily 9am-9pm.

    Phalen Park & Beach

    1600 Phalen Dr., St Paul, MN 55106
    Added in 2017, kids can make a quick dash from the splash pad fountains to the large and sandy Phalen Park beach. This beautiful park also offers trails, a tot lot, a fire ring, a rec center, tennis courts and regular family events. Daily 9am-9pm.

    Roy Wilkins Park (formerly Lewis Park)

    900 Marion St, St Paul, MN 55117
    St. Paul’s first splash pad features fountains and jets plus fun new playground equipment. We love the synthetic turf surfacing on the playground, but I’d advise you to keep your shoes on. Open 9am-9pm.

    NORTHWEST METRO SPLASH PADS & SPRINKLER PARKS

    BLAINE

    Lakeside Commons Park & Beach

    3020 Lakes Pkwy, Blaine, MN 55449
    The simple splash pad is located within Lakeside Commons Park and admission includes access to the sandy beach, playground equipment, and picnic space. Free to Blaine residents, $10/pp admission to non-residents. Daily 10am-6pm.

    CHAMPLIN

    Andrews Park

    7200 117th Ave N, Champlin, MN 55316
    This popular community park has it all – the splash pad, playgrounds suitable for a variety of ages, sport fields, sand volleyball courts, a large pavilion and a snack shack if you forget to pack your own.

    Cool Off at Twin Cities Area Splash Pads & Wading Pools

    COLUMBIA HEIGHTS

    Huset Park West Splash Pad

    3965 Jefferson St NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
    Scoot through the spray tunnels and watch out for the dump buckets (or don’t!) A playground and picnic shelter are located conveniently nearby. Open daily 10am-7pm.

    Cool Off at Twin Cities Area Splash Pads & Wading Pools
    Huset Park

    Columbia Heights Wading Pools

    The city maintains box-style wading pools with a depth of just over a foot at two parks: 

    • MCKENNA PARK4757 7th St NE, Columbia Heights MN 55421
    • RAMSDELL PARK – 4956 Johnson St NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
    McKenna Park wading pool, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
    McKenna Park wading pool, Columbia Heights

    COON RAPIDS

    Boulevard Plaza

    2880 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
    A Grand Opening was held June 2018 to celebrate the city’s first splash pad. Bring a picnic to enjoy at the shaded tables. Open daily, 10am-8pm.

    CRYSTAL

    Becker Park Interactive Fountain

    5530 Douglas Dr N, Crystal, MN 55429
    New in 2020, Becker Splash Pad is part of the park’s accessible playground and includes resilient surfacing.

    DELANO

    Central Park of Delano

    650 River St N, Delano, MN 55328
    Recommended by a reader, Central Park Splash Paid is a pay splash pad with an on-duty attendant during open hours. Open daily 12-8pm. $3/pp (season pass available).

    ELK RIVER

    Orono Park 

    18599 Gary Street, Elk River, MN 55330-5600
    You won’t want to miss cooling off during the summer Orono Park.  There’s a well-kept and sandy beach, exciting new destination playground, splash pad for pre-swimmers, covered picnic pavilions, a little nature play area and a skatepark.

    MAPLE GROVE

    Central Park of Maple Grove

    12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369
    The Maple Grove splash pad has become one of the favorites among Twin Cities parents. A fairly new (and pretty sweet) playground is also onsite with challenges for a wide variety of ages and abilities. Interactive fountain open daily 10am – 8:30pm, 8:45pm – 10pm – show mode with lights.

    MOUNDS VIEW

    City Hall Splash Pad

    2401 County Hwy 10, Mounds View, MN 55112
    Splash Down splash pad is open Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10am to 7:30pm. Families can host a birthday party at this splash pad by renting a pavilion.

    OTSEGO

    Prairie Park Splash Pad

    13355 90th St NE, Otsego, MN 55330
    This park also has nice playgrounds and picnic areas. Open daily 9am-9pm Memorial day into September as weather permits.

    PLYMOUTH?

    We have a lot of search traffic for a splash pad in Plymouth MN. To date, the closest splash pads are probably Maple Grove and St. Louis Park. In the meantime, families can splash around at these Plymouth beaches:

    ST ANTHONY VILLAGE

    Central Park

    3503 Silver Lake Rd NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
    Local parents of toddlers and preschoolers: if all your kids aim to do is get wet, the splash pad at this mini-park will do. Skip Emerald Park and head here for less elaborate fountains and a sweet little playground. It features dumping buckets and pop-up jets. (Joy says: “This is a splash pad near me, so we visit sometimes, but I find the wet concrete scares me when the park is busy. While Central Park has its own playground, we like to walk across the campus and up a small hill to play at Water Tower Playground.”).

    Emerald Park

    3925 MacAlaster Dr NE, St Anthony, MN 55421
    This extra neat and tidy little park has a primary-colored splash pad with a rainbow mister, jumping fountains and dump buckets and a wiggle worm. an impressive number of picnic tables (including 4 in a pavilion), plenty of shaded benches, grassy lawns and clean bathrooms. Open during park hours.

    ST MICHAEL

    St Michael Town Center Park Splash Pad

    4320 Landmark Drive NE, St. Michael, MN 55376
    The area’s newest splash pad opened in 2021. The one has a giant dump bucket for maximum thrills.

     

    Don't Forget to Pack:
    Fun Extras for the Park

    SOUTHEAST METRO SPLASH PADS & WATER PLAYGROUNDS

    APPLE VALLEY

    Kelley Park 

    6855 Fortino St, Apple Valley, MN 55124
    Hoops of spraying water to run through at this splash pad, plus playground equipment. Free concerts in the park summer Fridays through mid-August, 6-9pm. Open 9am-9pm

    BURNSVILLE

    Nicollet Commons Park

    12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337
    The Burnsville Splash Pad is our pick
    for one of the best “splash pads” in the city! The layout is that of a circular plaza amidst a city shopping district with a shallow stream running around it. There are lots of natural elements – rocks, fountains, and small waterfalls to play in – just be wary of slippery surfaces.  There is plenty of street parking nearby if you don’t mind walking a couple of blocks and lots of places to pick up lunch to eat on the grassy amphitheater-style seating. The city hosts a variety of family-friendly events during the summer. So remember to pack your bathing suits when you come for concerts or movies. Open during park hours, 5am-midnight.

    Burnsville Lions Playground at Cliff Fen Park

    120 Cliff Rd E, Burnsville, MN 55337
    This Burnsville splash pad made waves when it opened summer of 2015 with a brand new playground to boot. Daily 9am-9pm.

    COTTAGE GROVE

    Highlands Park Splash Pad

    6975 Idsen Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
    When the city’s public pool closed in 2011 it was replaced with this brand-new splash pad. Spray nozzles keep the kids cool when the temps rise. Daily 9am-9pm.

    EAGAN

    Eagan Central Park

    1507 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121
    This Eagan splash pad opened in July of 2018 near the city’s Community Center. Market Fest is held Wednesday nights during the summer for locals to shop within clear view of kids playing in the splash pad. Cool off after using the park’s obstacle course or miles of walking trails.

    Splash Pad at Central Park, Eagan, Minnesota
    Eagan Central Park Splash Pad

    ROSEMOUNT

    Rosemount Central Park

    2893 145th St W, Rosemount, MN 55068
    Toddlers and preschoolers will love manipulating the stream through the moving “Water Journey” and splashing about in the nozzles and fountains. The pad has been designed to re-use water for irrigation in nearby fields. Daily 9am-9pm.

    SHAKOPEE

    Shakopee Lions Park

    1103 Adams St S, Shakopee, MN 55379
    New in 2019, this inclusive splash pad is located near the new Fun For All Playground at Lions Park. Daily 10am-8pm.

    Lion fountain at the Lions Park Splash Pad in Shakopee Minnesota
    Splash pad

    SOUTH ST. PAUL

    Lorraine Park Splash Pool

    756 3rd Ave S, South St Paul, MN 55075
    The interactive zero-depth entry pool is ideal for little waders, containing a water slide, sprayers and changing facilities. Daily 12:30-7pm for all ages, Toddler Time 11am-12:30pm weekdays. $2-3.50/pp.

    Lorraine Park Splash Pool in South St. Paul, Minnesota
    Lorraine Park

    WEST ST PAUL

    Harmon Park

    230 Bernard St W, West St Paul, MN 55118
    A complete 2016 makeover of the park included the installation of a splash pad, a new playground, ballfields, and space to host gatherings called Neighborhood Center. Don’t wait to check this one out! Daily 9am-9pm.

    Harmon Park splash pad in West St. Paul, Minnesota
    Harmon Park splash pad

    WOODBURY

    M Health Fairview Sports Center

    4125 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55129
    Located on the grounds of the Sports Center and next to Madison’s Place inclusive playground, this new Woodbury splash pad features dumping buckets and “flower showers” on one side and an area geared towards younger children on the other with smaller bubblers. Bring a picnic for the grassy shaded lawn behind the restroom building. Daily 9am-9pm.

    girl shooting water sprayer at Madison's Place Playground Splash Pad in Woodbury, Minnesota

    SOUTHWEST METRO SPLASH PADS

    BLOOMINGTON

    Cedarcrest Park

    8700 Bloomington Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425
    The small splash pad and playground is located adjacent to the Cedar Valley Church. This splash pad has a rubber tile floor. Park free in the church parking lot (but maybe wait until services are over on Sundays).

    Hyland Lake Park Reserve

    8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
    While not a full splash pad, the popular Chutes & Ladders Playground in Hyland Park has misting stations where kids can cool off while they play. Daily 5am-10pm.

    CHASKA

    Firemen’s Park

    3210 Chaska Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318
    The sweet little splash pad consists of interactive ground spray fountains to splash in, lit at night. The park is also home to the Clayhole Swim Beach, a boardwalk to stroll across and along the water, a playground, and a concession stand. There is no charge to play. This is the only FREE Chaska splash pad.

    Toddler boy splashing in fountain style splash pad at Clayhole Park in Chaska, Minnesota
    The BEST Place to Splash in Chaska!

    COLOGNE

    City Square Park

    209 Playhouse Street West, Cologne, MN 55322
    Open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Daily 10am-8pm.

    EDEN PRAIRIE

    Miller Park

    8208 Eden Prairie Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
    This park has it all: a splash pad, a sand and water play area, and an exceptionally accessible playground for younger children. Miller Park Splash Pad is Open daily 10am-8pm.

    Girl playing in splash pad at Miller Park in Eden Prairie
    Miller Park, Eden Prairie

    Nesbitt Preserve Splash Pad

    8641 Center Way, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
    A new Eden Prairie splash pad opened June of 2023 at Nesbitt Preserve Park. Additional seating and shade structures were put in near the splash pad and playground to make the area more comfortable.

    Round Lake Park

    16691 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346
    Installed in 2013, the Round Lake splash pad has a marine-themed rubber surface to keep slips to a minimum. There are fun interactive spray features as well as traditional bubblers and fountains. Very close by is elaborate new playground equipment, shaded seating and a sandy beach at Round Lake Park. Daily 10am-8pm.

    Collage of children playing in the splash pad at Round Lake Park in Eden Prairie, MN

    EDINA

    Currently there is no free Edina splash pad. Residents often hop over to Oak Hill Park in St. Louis Park or visit the Lil’ Lagoon at Edina Aquatic Center in Rosland Park. Guests with small kids like this zero-depth pool with built in sprayers and triggers like a splash pad. It is fenced off from the lap pool and the rest of the water park for easier supervision. However, Edina Aquatic Center does not currently offer a reduced rate for toddlers, so at $11.50/pp, you may want to consider season passes if you plan to visit the splash area often.

    HOPKINS

    Burnes Park

    301 2nd St N, Hopkins, MN 55343
    This large splash pad is operated on a touch system and turns off when not in use. Open Mon-Sat: 9am- 9pm; Sun: 12-9pm.

    JORDAN

    Lagoon Park

    300 Park Dr, Jordan, MN 55352
    During the summer visit the colorful, interactive splash pad for little ones, the large playground and the sandy beach. We also recommend the scenic waterfall at Sand Creek adjacent to the beach parking lot.

    LAKEVILLE

    Coming to Avonlea Community Park in 2024

    16700 Pilot Knob Rd, Lakeville, MN 55044
    The city’s first splash pad is part of updates scheduled for 2024. The city will also be updating trails and the playground.

    ROBBINSDALE

    Manor Park

    Abbott Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55422
    A colorful splash pad with buckets, fountains, and limited shaded seating for adults. There is a decent distance between the splash pad and the children’s play area, so don’t expect it will be easy to watch kids going to and fro. Daily 10am-8pm.

    ST LOUIS PARK

    Oak Hill Park

    3201 Rhode Island Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426
    This splash pad in Oak Hill Park got so popular (and for good reason!) it charges $1 per person for non-residents. It’s one of the largest and most elaborate splash pads in the metro with interactive bubblers and nozzles. Daily 10am-8pm.

    WAYZATA

    Panoway on Wayzata Bay

    688 Lake St E, Wayzata, MN 55391
    Panoway is a new restoration initiative in Wayzata, which includes a new splash pad among its urban greenspace additions. The splash pad opened in the summer of 2021. It is operational from 8am to 8pm during the season and is activated by a push button.

    NORTHEAST METRO SPLASH PADS

    WHITE BEAR LAKE

    Possible Splash Pad in White Bear Lake

    Memorial Beach, 4980 Lake Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
    White Bear Lake is another place where area parents would like to see the installation of a splash pad. It would be the first in the northeast metro area. In its 2018 Comprehensive Plan, the City of White Bear Lake Parks Commission expressed an interest in working with Ramsey County to install a splash pad at this county-managed beach. If installed, the splash pad would be located near the playground and close to the beach. Stay tuned!

    SPLASH PADS A DAY TRIP FROM MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL METRO

    BUFFALO

    Downtown Buffalo Splash Pad

    Buffalo’s splash pad is made up of simple fountains within easy walking distance of downtown. Families will find nearby picnic tables and and a the music trail full of oversized instruments.

    Buffalo MN splash pad
    Buffalo MN splash pad and music trail

    MAKE A BACKYARD SPLASH PAD

    Make your own with a pop bottle. Has anyone actually done this? How does it work? Let us know.

    MORE WATER FUN IDEAS IN THE TWIN CITIES

    27 thoughts on “40 Best Twin Cities Splash Pads & Wading Pools”

    1. I live a few blocks from the Biehlenberg (now called HealthEast) Sports Center. The splash pad and “inclusive” playground is lovely but the “word is out” and it has become extremely crowded seven days a week! People from all over are coming to it, making for extremely crowded conditions. After 5pm, there are less families and more teenagers and young adults which changes the atmosphere considerably. After 9pm, teenagers use it as a hangout and several incidents of vandalism have occurred, sadly. I’m hoping they will consider charging a non-resident fee eventually to ease overcrowding and related problems.

      1. Thanks for that information Wayne. Hopefully more communities will see Woodbury’s success and use it as inspiration for their own playgrounds. Already Maplewood is adding an indoor version of Madison’s Place.

    2. I would strongly recommend AGAINST going to Lewis Park in St Paul. We went on a Sunday AM and there were people bathing in it, bodily discharges and broken glass on the ground from recent nights (i assume), it was disgusting. I reported it to the city

    3. What’s up everyone, it’s my first visit at this web site, and
      article is truly fruitful in favor of me, keep up posting
      such articles or reviews.

      1. Hey Paintball (that’s a cool nickname, btw).

        We are so glad you found our splash pads and wading pools article useful and hope you enjoyed the season. Check back in the spring because we’ll update the post for the 2018 season!

    4. Pingback: 25 Bucket List Items for Summer in Minnesota with Kids - MinneMama Adventures

    5. There is a new splash pad opening at Huset Park in Columbia Heights. Grand opening on June 1st, 2016.

    6. The “South Metro” section is missing two splash pads for the 2015 update :-). The Rosemount one that opened last summer (already mentioned in a previous comment) which has an awesome area for toddlers, BTW. And a new one in Burnsville has their grand opening next week at Cliff Fen Park
      Thanks for the awesome listings! 🙂

      1. Thanks for the reminder to get the Rosemount splash pad included, Heidi! We will be adding the Burnsville pad as well. The grand opening should be on our Family Fun Calendar.

    7. Hi,
      The splash pad in Rosemount, MN just opened last year. Haven’t checked it out yet, but looks fun! You might want to add it to this list, for the South metro.

    8. There is a new one that just opened in Woodbury at the Bielenberg Sports Center. Haven’t been yet, but hoping it will be lots of fun

    9. Pingback: The thisgratefulmama 2015 Twin Cities Summer Bucket-List (70+ Toddler & Preschooler-Friendly Places To Visit) | this grateful mama

      1. Thanks for sharing. Sunday was a great day for splash pads. Today is a little cool. Make sure to check out my Free List from this weekend. It lists the various water parks, splash pads and pools that are closing this week and the coming weeks.

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