Longfellow Park - Family Fun Twin Cities

Sign at the entrance of Longfellow Park in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Address: 3435 36th Ave South, Minneapolis, MN, 55406
Upcoming Events: Jump to Longfellow Park Events

Website Longfellow Park
Phone 612-370-4957
Rec Center Hours: Mon-Fri 3-8pm; Sat 12-5pm
Park Hours: 6am-Midnight

Longfellow Park and Recreation Center offers year-round activities with family-friendly amenities that include a playground and pool, space for picnics and sports, and an air-conditioned rec center.

There is a concrete platform a few yards from the playground area that was popular with my kids and other kids visiting the park. It probably houses utilities of some sort, but the kids like to pretend its a stage. (Note: This platform isn’t technically playground equipment and I don’t know how the Parks Department feels about the kids playing on it. Use at your own discretion).

Kids playing on a concrete platform in autumn at Longfellow Park in South Minneapolis, Minnesota

Longfellow Park Playground

The playground was updated in 2018 with new playground equipment and surfacing in both playground areas, including the small swing area. The new, upgraded play equipment meets current safety and accessibility standards. The photo below was a conceptual drawing of the playground prior to construction.

Longfellow Park wading pool

Longfellow has an older style wading pool. Minneapolis pools are generally open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

The Wading Pool at Longfellow Park in Minneapolis Minnesota with fall leaves layering the bottom. — Longfellow Wading Pool in the fall

Longfellow Recreation Center

This Recreation Center is one of the air-conditioned park buildings in Minneapolis. It has a gym and several rooms available for public use.

Picnic area near Recreation Center at Longfellow Park in South Minneapolis, Minnesota

Free summer meals

Longfellow Park traditionally participates in the summer meals program, offering free lunch to children under 18 years old. For the most current times and dates, see MPRB’s Summer Meals page.

Birthday parties

The parks department wants offers park facilities for birthday parties and other private events. There can be permit requirements and special use fees.

Share Your Experience/Tips:

We would love to hear your thoughts and parental tips. Share your experiences and any information you think other parents would find useful. Leave us a comment below.

Upcoming Family-Friendly Events

Events TBA

Fun Past Events We Hope to See Again

Halloween Costume Soccer Game - 10/31/2025 - 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Longfellow Music, Fire and Ice Skate Night (FREE) - 01/23/2026 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Please Note: FamilyFunTwinCities.com is an independent website run by Twin Cities families for Twin Cities families. We attempt to include the information we find most essential as parents. We make every effort to keep up with changes. However, we are not employed by or connected to this venue, and information sometimes changes without our knowledge. We recommend calling or checking the venue’s website for up-to-date information.

No. 1291