Address: 5200 Shady Oak Road, Minnetonka, MN, 55343
Upcoming Events: Jump to Shady Oak Beach and Play Area Events
Website Shady Oak Beach and Play Area
Weather line 952-939-8355
Park Hours: Minnetonka Parks are open 5am-10pm — City Ordinance 1135.015
Shady Oak Beach is an 85-acre recreational area with a large sandy beach and spring-fed waters for swimming. The is also a playground and sand dig play area, lifeguards, high diving board, and concessions. Other family-friendly amenities include a sand volleyball court and fishing area. Beach restrooms are available between early June and mid-August. Outside of beach season, a Porta-Potty is available. This park has free off-street parking.
While the facility is owned by the City of Hopkins, it is operated by the Minnetonka’s Recreation Department.
Shady Oak Play Area
Shady Oak Play Area is located within Shady Oak Beach. Note that the beach has an entrance fee and the play area, restrooms and other beach amenities cannot be accessed without paying the fee.
Shady Oak Beach
The sanded beach spans 76 feet across the shoreline of a clear spring-fed lake. Lifeguards are on duty when the beach is open. The lake is deep enough to allow the beach a high dive. Visitors can also rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Other useful amenities include a first-aid station and family, women’s and men’s restrooms with changing areas. Parents will enjoy the patio area with umbrellas and the lap swimming area.
Pets are not allowed at this beach and picnics must not include cans or glass containers.
2026 Information
- Season: June 6-August 16, 2026
- Hours: June 6-July 31: 10am-9pm; August 1-16: 10am-8pm
- July 4th: Beach closes at 7pm
- Annual Pass: $20/residents; $35/non-residents
- Daily admission: $7/pp ($5 after 6pm); $50/10-visit punch card.
8 Ideas for family fun at Shady Oak Play Area
- Visit the beach. While there is an entrance fee to visit the beach, it is really the best reason to visit the park.
- Rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard or bring your own to use the public launch. (Don’t forget life jackets).
- Got a fishing license? Bring your gear and take the kids fishing.
- Pack a picnic for an outdoor meal.
- Play together at the playground outside the beach
- Visit the sand and water play area inside the beach (beach fee required).
- Rent volleyball gear and play a game of sand volleyball (inside the beach)
- Bring the family dog and take a hike. He’s not allowed in the beach area, but you can explore the trails together.
Birthday parties at Shady Oak Play Area
The playground area has a picnic shelter available to rent for birthday parties and other private events. Note that the restrooms are within the beach area and guests will need to pay beach admission to use the restrooms. However, if you have more than 20 guests, you can arrange for a discounted admission.
Related content
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- Find This and Other Beaches in Splash Happy: Twin Cities Guide to Beaches, Pools, Water Parks & Splash Pads.
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
- Shady Oak Beach Opens - 06/06/2026 - 10:00 am - 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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