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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Columbia Heights Wading Pools
The city maintains box-style wading pools with a depth of just over a foot at two parks:
- MCKENNA PARK – 4757 7th St NE, Columbia Heights MN 55421
- RAMSDELL PARK – 4956 Johnson St NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
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:
- West Medicine Lake Park and Beach, Plymouth
- East Medicine Lake Park and Beach, Plymouth
- Parkers Lake Park and Beach, Plymouth
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
The area’s newest splash pad opened in 2021. The one has a giant dump bucket for maximum thrills.
Don't Forget to Pack:
- Towels
- Sun Umbrellas
- Swim Diaper / Diapers
- Sunsreen
Fun Extras for the Park
- Playground Ball
- Skates, Scooters, Rollerblades, Bicycles and/or Skateboards
- Dry Clothes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MAKE A BACKYARD SPLASH PAD
Make your own with a pop bottle. Has anyone actually done this? How does it work? Let us know.
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.
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.
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
Thank you for letting us know, Dani and thank you for reporting it to the City. I hope they take action.
Central park in Delano has one. Open 12pm to 8 pm, $3
Thanks for the information, Bethany. We’ve added this to our list.
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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!
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Checked Lewis park today. Nothing works.
There is a new splash pad opening at Huset Park in Columbia Heights. Grand opening on June 1st, 2016.
Thanks for the info, Nicole! We will add the information.
A list of splash pads in the area to cool off in on this hot day!… http://t.co/67cwW95h8s
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! 🙂
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.
Thank you!! 🙂
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.
Stacy- in case you are interested 🙂
Looking for something fun to do when you have the kids?
Bielenberg Splash Pad at the Woodbury, MN-Bielenberg… http://t.co/imPCbO0Ym4
Family Fun Twin Cities has a master list of splash pads, check it out. http://t.co/R6B4OVoirM
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
Thanks for sharing, Liz! We’ve added it to the list.
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Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.
54849 701678I just put the link of your blog on my Facebook Wall. very nice blog indeed.,
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.
Prairie Park in Otsego