Address: 1801 N James Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55411
Upcoming Events: Jump to North Commons Park Events
North Commons Park and Recreation Center is a 25-acre park in North Minneapolis. Its large space encompasses plenty of family-friendly adventures including an outdoor water park and wading pool, sports fields and courts and a big new playground with play structure and sand play area.
North Commons Water Park & Wading Pool
Replacement of the water park is part of the planned updates to this park. As part of that update, the waterpark will be closed through all of 2025 and 2026.
There is an additional non-guarded wading pool that is also free. The wading pool is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Free Summer Meals at North Commons
North Commons Park has historically participated in the summer meals program, offering free lunch and snacks to children under 18 years during summer break. Each year, participating Minneapolis Park locations are found on the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (“MPRB”) website or call ahead to confirm it is still participating in the program.
North Commons Recreation Center
This recreation center has air conditioning. It offers guests a variety of camps, activities, events and programs. Find more information in the seasonal activity guides. Indoor attractions include board games and a computer lab. The game room isn’t quite an arcade, but it has foosball, ping pong and billiards.
In 2019, the gymnasium was updated with a new basketball court, backboards, rims, lights, fresh paint, and new enhancements throughout the center. These improvements were part of an effort to build a safe place for families and young people to play, learn and grow so this park could continue to be a community hub and a resource for kids of all ages. A new rec center is in the planning stages of development.
Birthday parties at North Commons Park
More information
- Learn more about North Commons Water Park
- Find Minneapolis parks participating in the Free Summer Meals program
- Rent a facility at a Minneapolis Park
Related content
- Free Minneapolis Wading Pools
- Free Summer Meals for Minnesota Kids
- Twin Cities Birthday Parties for Kids: Party in the Park
- Tons of Twin Cities Beaches and the Best Water Parks, Pools & Splash Pads
- 100+ Things to Do This Summer in the Twin Cities: A Family Bucket List
More Twin Cities water parks & resorts
Thrill seekers can explore these activity pools for tons of fun. Amenities can include lap pool options, tube slides, surfing simulator, body slides, waterslides, diving board, wave pool, water cannons, hot tub and more.
- Jim Lupient Water Park, Minneapolis
- Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark & Lazy River, Bloomington
- Cascade Bay Water Park, Eagan
- SandVenture Aquatic Park, Shakopee
- Great River Water Park, St. Paul
- Maplewood Community Center and Swimming Pool
- Battle Creek Waterworks Family Aquatic Center, St. Paul
- Bunker Beach Water Park, Coon Rapids
- Soak City at Valleyfair Amusement Park
- Twin Cities Indoor Water Parks and Pools
Upcoming Family-Friendly Events
Events TBA
Fun Past Events We Hope to See Again
- Northside Creative Day (FREE) - 08/30/2025 - 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- North Commons Halloween Trick or Treat (FREE) - 10/30/2025 - 5:00 pm - 9:00 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.
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