Wabun Picnic Area & Wading Pool, Minneapolis

Kids playing in Wabun Park Pool, Minnehaha Regional Park, Minneapolis, MN

One of my personal favorite park pools — Wabun Picnic Area wading pool in MINNEHAHA REGIONAL PARK, Minneapolis — was added to our master list of splash pads this summer when I decided to include wading pools in the mix. My reason for this was that there are so many good options around town for these hybrids that feature the zero-depth entry and spray features that parents of younger children love along with a little deeper water to practice those swim skills.

Wabun Wading Pool and Playground

Not only does Wabun Picnic Area have a pool that fits the above description (and a cool spraying rock structure), it has terrific inclusive playground equipment that was just installed last year to replace the old, worn-out stuff. My youngest loves the updated tot lot with a shaded sandy play area and the swaying vintage camper trailer, a nod to the park’s roots as an auto tourist camp.

Wabun Park Picnic Area & Wading Pool

Wabun Picnic Area

There is also ample covered picnic space at Wabun, perfect for that power lunch before, middle or after a rousing day at the pool and playground.

Birthday Parties – rentals at Wabun Picnic Area

If you are wondering how Wabun Picnic Area was named, it’s because the space has 7 picnic shelters available for the public to reserve for private events like birthday parties. Most of the shelters hold 60 people, but Shelter C has a 230-person capacity. Prices range from $125.00 to $450.00. Find more MPRB picnic site rental information here. If you have a car-crazy kid (with a summer birthday), this could be a great place to throw a car-themed party. The playground will match!


Bonus family fun:

If you think your kids might be up to the walk (it’s also possible to drive and park closer to the visitor center at 5000 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis), there’s a path that will take you from the Wabun Park Picnic Area down to Lock and Dam No. 1 on the Mississippi riverfront. The Visitor Promenade is open daily during park hours and little ones might enjoy spotting watercraft moving through the locks from a birds-eye view.

Wabun Picnic Area (part of Minnehaha Regional Park)
4655 46th Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55417

 

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