Loring Park is home to biking and walking paths that wind around the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. This park hosts some good concerts, festivals and the Loring Park Art Festival. It is a very dog-friendly park. I find it a bit inconvenient to get to, especially when driving. It is definitely more convenient to visit by bus or on bike.
My kids love this park. I'm not certain what makes it stand out. The playground equipment is standard and the pool is old. However, my kids love it. As an adult, I enjoy the nature-in-downtown feel and the proximity to Walker Art Center and a Dunn Brothers Coffee Shop.
The pond has a deep drop off, so care is necessary with little ones. However, the playground equipment is far enough away from the pond, that I haven't had any real reason to worry.
Loring Park Playground
Construction of the new playground began in the fall of 2021 and includes replacement of all play equipment, a new layout (see image below) and new surface materials made from engineered wood fiber and resilient rubber. Dependent on weathering, the new playground is expected to be finished by late November or early December 2021. We would expect to see a ribbon cutting ceremony in the spring of 2022. Learn more at the Loring Park Playground Improvement Page of the MPRB website.
Holidazzle & WinterSkate
Loring Park is currently home to the annual Holidazzle festival and Wells Fargo Minneapolis WinterSkate. The skating rink is free and open to the public every day from late November through the end of the winter skating season. A warming house and a limited number of free loaner ice skates will be available between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 pm on weekdays; 9:00 am through 9:00 pm on Saturdays; and 10:00 am through 6:00 pm on Sundays.
Loring Park Wading Pool
Loring's wading pool opens Memorial Day weekend and closes in late August. It is an older pool without any special features, but on a 90-degree day, my kids didn't care about that and neither did the other kids at the park. Note, the entry gate is located near the restroom facilities -- not on the playground side.
The Garden of the Seasons
The Garden of Seasons is made up of three rings. The center ring is called the Woodlands Circle and is a collection of native trees, shrubs and woodland wildflowers. The middle ring -- The Wheel of Color -- is a rainbow of flowers to represent the diversity of the neighborhood. The outer ring is the Tapestry of Green, adding texture with ground cover such as junipers, Prairie Dropseed Grass and Bearberry.
Birthday Parties at Loring Park
MPRB wants you to use your park facilities to their full potential! Individuals and groups are encouraged to use the centers and park spaces for self-directed activities. There are different permit requirements and special use fees, depending on the use.