Splash Happy: 2024 Guide to Twin Cities Beaches, Pools, Water Parks & Splash Pads

Beaches, Pools, Watrparks & Splash Pads

As the line between late spring & early summer starts to melt away in the rising temps, it’s time to update our master list of best places to swim & splash in the Twin Cities: best beaches, best swimming pools, wading pools, fun water parks and splash pads. We have plenty to choose from. Scroll to the bottom for a quick list of FREE pools, beaches & waterparks. Find your new splash happy spot in Minneapolis, St Paul & the surrounding Twin Cities Metro.

Valleyfair and Soak City

Two Parks One Price

With more than 75 rides and attractions, Valleyfair is the Twin Cities’ amusement park where families come for thrills and splish-splashing fun with two parks in one!

Discover your next big adventure with the stomach- dropping weightlessness of Wild Thing or the dizzying heights of North Star.
For the little thrill-seekers, Planet Snoopy features 15 Peanuts-themed rides.
Cool off in the area’s premier waterpark and experience ocean-like- waves you won’t find at one of our 10,000 lakes. With waterslides, a ginormous wave pool, two kids’ areas, a looping lazy river, Soak City is the ultimate waterpark experience.
Save on tickets at Valleyfair.com.

Get started planning your best summer yet!

Everything under the sun you need to know about family fun this summer in the Twin Cities. Beat boredom and fill your long school break days exploring the best the Twin Cities has to offer in the way of parks, swim spots, community entertainment and local festivals with our Ultimate Summer Events Guide.

TWIN CITIES WATER FUN QUICK LINKS

Twin Cities Beaches – Swimming by County

The most popular beaches by county:

Anoka County Parks Swimming Beaches

  • COON LAKE COUNTY PARK: The swimming beach is situated on the northeastern corner of Coon Lake. It’s shallow, sandy bottom extends a nice stretch from the shore. 5450 197th Avenue NE Columbus, MN 55092
  • LAKE GEORGE REGIONAL PARK: 3100 217th Ave NW, Oak Grove, MN 55011
  • RICE CREEK CHAIN OF LAKES PARK RESERVE: The swimming beach is located on Centerville Lake. Use the address for Rice Creek Campground to navigate; the beach parking lot is across the street. There is a smooth bike trail around most of the lake, and the WARGO NATURE CENTER nearby. 7373 Main St, Centerville, MN 55038.

OPEN: Beaches open early June – Labor Day, 9am-8pm.
FEES: A $7 vehicle permit is required for swimming beaches located in Anoka County parks in 2024.

Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Beach in Lino Lakes, Minnesota

Carver County Parks Swimming Beaches

Managed by Carver County Parks:

Note: Carver County has ended lifeguard services beginning in 2024. All three beaches are now “swim at your own risk”.

OPEN: Memorial Day weekend – the Sunday after Labor Day, Daily 6am-10pm.
FEES:
Carver County beaches are FREE; vehicle fees were eliminated in 2019.

Lake Minnewashta Regional Park Beach
Lake Minnewashta Regional Park Beach in Carver County

Dakota County Parks swimming beaches

  • LAKE BYLLESBY REGIONAL PARK: The swimming beach is located in the campground area of the park. 7650 Echo Point Rd, Cannon Falls, MN 55009. 
  • LEBANON HILLS REGIONAL PARK: Schulze Lake Beach makes the cut on our list of the best beaches in the Twin Cities to try this summer. Clear, cool and feeling removed from the bustle of the city. Amenities include outdoor showers, indoor restrooms and baby changing station and nearby vending machines for snacks, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN 55123.

OPEN: Starting Memorial Day Weekend, 2024.
FEES: There are no vehicle fees to enter the park and use the swimming beaches.

Kids playing in lake at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan, Minnesota: "Featured Park: Lebanon Hills Regional"

Ramsey County swimming beaches

Lake Johanna Beach, Tony Schmidt Regional Park

OPEN: Ramsey County beaches with lifeguard service are open Memorial Day-Labor Day. Beaches are open sunrise-sunset (park hours).
FEES:
Admission is FREE to swim.

Three Rivers Park District swimming beaches

Find Twin Cities Beaches in FFTC's directory
Lake Minnetonka Regional Park (Image courtesy Three Rivers Park District)

Washington County Parks swimming beaches

  • BIG MARINE PARK RESERVE: 17495 Manning Trail N, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047.
  • LAKE ELMO PARK RESERVE: The swim pond is chlorinated, has a gently sloping sand bottom and maxes out at 6 feet. 1515 Keats Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042.
  • POINT DOUGLAS PARK: The swimming beach is small but located on the lovely confluence of the St Croix and Mississippi Rivers. 14810 Point Douglas Dr S, Hastings, MN 55033.
  • SQUARE LAKE PARK: The lake water at the swimming beach is exceptionally clear and clean. 15450 Square Lake Trail N, Stillwater, MN 55082.
  • ST CROIX BLUFFS REGIONAL PARK: 10191 St Croix Trail S, Hastings, MN 55033.

OPEN: Memorial Day – Labor Day, 2024. 9am-8pm.
FEE:
A $7 vehicle permit is required. Each first Tuesday of the month is FREE entry day!

NOTE: The LAKE ELMO SWIM POND at Lake Elmo Park Reserve may open later than Memorial Day.

water safety
Lake Elmo Park Reserve swim pond

Twin Cities Beaches – Swimming by City

We have some great beaches run by municipalities in the Twin Cities. Find the closest beach by city:

BLAINE BEACHES

Lakeside Commons Park & Beach

3020 Lakes Pkwy, Blaine, MN 55449
Public beach, splash pad, playground, and water rentals. Open late May – late August, 10am-8pm. $10/non-res, residents FREE. 

BLOOMINGTON BEACHES

Bush Lake Beach

9140 E Bush Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55438
Make a day of it at East Bush Lake Beach with close proximity to the ginormous HYLAND PLAY AREA and a visit to the RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER. Admission and parking are free. Open daily from sunrise to 10pm, June 1, 2024 through Labor Day.

BURNSVILLE BEACHES

Crystal Beach Park

1101 Crystal Lake Rd E, Burnsville, MN 55306
Located on an isthmus between Crystal & Keller Lakes, its highlight is a swimming beach open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

CHANHASSEN AREA BEACHES

Carver Beach

6891 Lotus Trail, Chanhassen, MN 55317
This six-acre neighborhood park has two small, unguarded beaches on the shore of Lotus Lake. Beach opens May 25, 2024.

Greenwood Shores Park

7110 Utica Lane, Chanhassen, MN 55317
This is an unguarded, small beach perfect for a peaceful day by the water. Beach opens May 25, 2024.

Lake Ann Park & Beach

1456 West 78th Street, Chanhassen, MN 55317.
The beach and playground are so close together, that you can watch kids at both from a cozy place in the sand. Opens Memorial Day weekend 2024. Lifeguard services are TBA.

Roundhouse Park Beach

3950 Kings Road, Excelsior, MN 55331.
This is a nice park with an unguarded beach, a good-sized playground and a small picnic pavilion. Beach opens May 25, 2024.

CHASKA BEACHES

Clayhole Swim Beach

3260 Chaska Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318
Firemen’s Park surrounds Clayhole Lake & Swim Beach. We rate this one of the best beaches for families in the Twin Cities with a boardwalk, splash pad, concessions and bike trail nearby. Staffed starting early June. 2024 TBA.

EDEN PRAIRIE BEACHES

Round Lake Park Beach

16691 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346
Kids will go crazy for the marine-themed splash pad and treehouse play equipment at the Round Lake Play Area. Older kids might find it fun to rent youth kayaks ($5/hr) or stand-up paddleboards ($8/hr) for Round Lake Beach.

OPEN: Eden Prairie beaches open Memorial Day–Labor Day.

Riley Lake Park Beach

Riley Lake Park Pavilion, 9180 Riley Lake Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
The newly expanded beach at Riley Lake offers a boat launch, picnic areas, grills and a sand volleyball court

OPEN: Eden Prairie beaches open Memorial Day–Labor Day.

MINNEAPOLIS BEACHES

These beautiful swimming beaches are in the heart of the Twin Cities metro area, mere steps (or bike pedals) away from lots of fun family attractions and outdoor dining spots. Admission to the beaches is FREE.

Bde Maka Ska Park & Beaches

  • BDE MAKA SKA 32ND ST BEACHUnguarded. 3200 E Calhoun Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55408.
  • BDE MAKA SKA NORTH BEACH – Unguarded. 2707 Lake Street W, Minneapolis, MN 55416.
  • BDE MAKA SKA THOMAS BEACH – Guarded daily from noon to 7pm. 3700 Thomas Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55410. (A short walk from the fishing pier)

Cedar Lake Park & Beaches

  • CEDAR LAKE EAST BEACH – Unguarded. 2000 Upton Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55405.
  • CEDAR LAKE POINT BEACH – Unguarded. 2101 Cedar Lake Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55416.
  • CEDAR LAKE SOUTH BEACH – Unguarded. 3500 Cedar Lake Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55416.

Lake Harriet Park & Beaches

  • LAKE HARRIET NORTH BEACH – Unguarded. 4180 East Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55409. (Stick around for live music – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday all summer)
  • LAKE HARRIET SOUTHEAST BEACH – Unguarded. 4740 Lake Harriet Parkway E, Minneapolis, MN 55417.

Lake Hiawatha Park & Beach

  • LAKE HIAWATHA BEACH – Unguarded. 4500 28th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55406.

Lake Nokomis Park & Beaches

  • LAKE NOKOMIS 50TH STREET BEACH – Unguarded. 5000 Lake Nokomis Parkway E, Minneapolis, MN 55417.
  • LAKE NOKOMIS MAIN BEACH – Guarded daily from noon to 7pm. 5001 Lake Nokomis Parkway W, Minneapolis, MN 55417.

Theodore Wirth Regional Park & Beaches

  • WIRTH LAKE BEACH – Guarded daily from noon to 7pm. 3200 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405.

Reader Recommendation: White Sand Beach

  • WHITE SAND BEACH – This unofficial and somewhat secret beach is located along West River Parkway. (This is Minneapolis park land, but not a park.) Once known for its clean white sand, reviewers tell us it is a bit more polluted from bonfires and nightlife than it once was. We would recommend against swimming with kids at this location, as the Mississippi can be dangerous and there are no lifeguards. However, one of my great disappointments moving to Minnesota as an adult was the rocky, dirty beach sand. If you are looking to dig around in whiter & cleaner sand than the typical Minnesota beach offers, this could be your place. 2901 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55406.

Minneapolis beaches traditionally open Memorial Day weekend; lifeguards arrive in early June. 2024 lifeguard information TBA.

Three girls playing in the water at Lake Nokomis Beach in Minneapolis, MN
Lake Nokomis Beach

MINNETONKA AREA BEACHES

Shady Oak Beach

5200 Shady Oak Rd, Minnetonka, MN 55343
Boasts a pretty swimming beach, sand play and water play areas, playground equipment and a fossil dig. Open June 8- August 18, 2024, 10am. $6/pp, $3 discount after 6pm. 

NORTH ST PAUL BEACHES

Silver Lake Beach

2601 19th Ave ste e, St Paul, MN 55109
A large expanse of sandy beach and the swimming boundaries are relatively small.

PLYMOUTH BEACHES

East Medicine Lake Park Beach

1740 E Medicine Lake Blvd, Plymouth, MN 55441.
Note there are no lifeguards at East Beach, see West Beach for lifeguard hours. Traditionally open Memorial Day weekend – August. 9am-8pm. .2024 TBA.

West Medicine Lake Park Beach

Bring a picnic to grill, a volleyball to play and maybe your fishing gear. 1920 W Medicine Lake Dr, Plymouth, MN 55441. Traditionally open Memorial Day weekend – August. 9am-8pm. .2024 TBA..

Parkers Lake Park Beach

There is a nearby playground and space to picnic. 15205 County Road 6
Plymouth, MN 55447.

SAINT PAUL BEACHES

Lake Phalen Regional Park Beach

1600 Phalen Dr, St Paul, MN 55106
Complete with a playground, splash pad (open starting June 15) and water craft rentals.
2024 hours TBA.
FEES: Admission is FREE.

WOODBURY BEACHES

Carver Lake Park Beach

3175 Century Ave S, Woodbury, MN 55125
Clean, sandy & threaded with hilly little bike trails and a bike park. The beach is unguarded and swim-at-your-own-risk.

Carver Lake Park beach, Woodbury

Want the best? For more beachy ideas, try our list of 20 Twin Cities Beaches & Playgrounds To Try This Summer.

Is This Beach Safe to Swim In?

Each year, beaches get closed because of high bacteria levels – particularly E. coli – or blue green algae growth. So how do you know whether the water quality of a beach is safe for swimming? Many municipalities and park systems routinely monitor and proactively close beaches if bacteria levels exceed state guidelines, usually before any sickness is reported. This information is publicly available online. To avoid disappointment, you may want to check before heading out. The Minnesota Department of Health has conveniently created a list of public beaches that are regularly monitored.

State Park Beaches Near the Twin Cities

These State Park beaches are all a one-hour drive or less from the Twin Cities.

Afton State Park Swimming Beach

6959 Peller Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033

The swimming beach is a strip a sandy shore along a shallow and peaceful area of the St. Croix River. The DNR marks out the swim area with buoys during the summer season. Find the beach near the lower picnic area, which is a half mile hike from the nearest parking lot.

Small boy on the beach on the St. Croix River in Afton State Park, Hastings, Minnesota

Fort Snelling State Park Beach

Snelling Lake Trail, St Paul, MN 55111

We love Fort Snelling’s beach year round for its close proximity. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Collage of kids exploring Fort Snelling State Park in St. Paul, Minnesota, on a cool fall afternoon.
Cool fall days are a great time to explore the beach without crowds

Interstate State Park Swimming Beach

Lake O’ the Dalles, St Croix Falls, WI 54024

The unguarded swimming beach and beach house is on the Wisconsin side of the park on Lake O’ the Dalles, approximately 15 minutes from the Minnesota side.

William O’Brien State Park Swimming Beach

16821 O Brien Trail N, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047

The swimming beach is on Lake Alice, a picturesque, spring-fed lake with a sandy shore. 

Girl sitting on beach at William O'Brien State Park in St. Croix, Minnesota
William O’Brien State Park beach on Lake Alice

Learn more about each of these state parks, family-friendly amenities and nearby attractions here: 9 Twin Cities Metro-Area Minnesota State Parks

Twin Cities Water Parks & Outdoor Pools – by City 

Whether you prefer a water park or public swimming pools, find the best outdoor pools in Minnesota. Many of these pools offer swim lessons as well.

Splash Happy: 2021 Guide to Twin Cities Beaches, Pools, Water Parks & Splash Pads
Webber Park Pool, Minneapolis

ANOKA 

Anoka Aquatic Center

1551 7th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303
Mon-Thurs: 11am-6pm; Fri 11am-8pm; Sat: Noon-8pm; Sunday: Noon-7pm. May 25 – August 25. 2024; fees: $6-$8/pp.

APPLE VALLEY

Apple Valley Aquatic Center  

14421 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd, Apple Valley, MN 55124.
Open June-August. Admission: $13/pp.
 

Redwood Outdoor Pool

311 150th St W, Apple Valley, MN 55124.
June-August. Admission: $5/pp.

BLOOMINGTON

Bloomington Family Aquatic Center

201 E 90th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Tot Open Swim times, Mon-Fri, 11am-noon for ages 0-6 (Don’t forget to pack swim diapers). Open June 8 – August 18, 2024. 2024 fees: $10/pp, half-price after 4pm.

COON RAPIDS

Bunker Beach Water Park

701 County Rd A, Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Minnesota’s largest outdoor water park entertains with a wave pool, waterslides, lazy river, splashy play areas and activity pools. Open June 8 – August 25, 202. Admission: $13-$19/pp, discount after 4pm.

CRYSTAL

Crystal Cove Aquatic Center

4848 Douglas Dr N, Crystal, MN 55429
Closed for construction in 2024. Check back in 2025.

EAGAN

Cascade Bay Water Park

1360 Civic Center Dr, Eagan, MN 55122
Sand and water play areas dedicated to little ones, water slides, a lazy river and a miniature golf course. Swimmers purchase either a half-day session ticket or all-day access ticket. June-August. 2024 TBA.

Twin Cities waterpark
Cascade Bay Waterpark, Eagan

EDINA

Edina Aquatic Center

4300 W 66th St, Edina, MN 55435
Wave simulator, cable zipline ride, pirate-themed kiddie pool complete with pirate ship, and an outdoor playground. There is also a 50-meter lap pool for serious swimmers to get their lap swim in. Opens June 6, 2024. Admission: $8-$14/pp, discount after 5pm.

MAPLEWOOD

Battle Creek Waterworks

2401 Upper Afton Rd E, Maplewood, MN 55119
Sand play area, 3-story waterslide, zero-entry pool. June 8 – August 18, 2024. Admission: $5-$7/pp, discount after 6pm.

Find your new splash happy spot with Family Fun Twin Cities guide to splash pads, beaches, pools and water parks.
Battle Creek Waterworks Waterpark, Maplewood

MAPLE GROVE

Grove Cove Aquatic Center Outdoor Pool

12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
2024 h0urs and fees TBA.

MINNEAPOLIS SWIMMING POOLS & WATERPARKS

Webber Park Swimming Pool 

4300 Webber Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55412
The pool water is naturally treated with plants instead of chemicals. Zero-depth entry for the littlest swimmers. FREE admission! 2024 Details TBA in May.

North Commons Water Park 

1701 Golden Valley Rd., Minneapolis, MN 55411
The most affordable water park in the Twin Cities includes water slides and a splash pool. FREE admission for kids/teens; adult chaperones $3; adult swimmers: $5. 2024 Details TBA in May.

Jim Lupient Waterpark

1520 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Amenities include: water slides, tube slide, log water walk, spray fountains, zero-depth entry. There is a shade pavilion area, toilet facilities, drinking fountains and outside showers and lockers in the waterpark area. 2024 Details TBA in May.

Jim Lupient Waterpark, Minneapolis

NEW HOPE

New Hope Aquatic Park

4411 Xylon Ave N, New Hope, MN 55427
Includes a shallow water recreation area with body slides and a vortex pool. Open June 1 – August 18, 2024;  fees: $12-$13/pp. 

RICHFIELD

Richfield Outdoor Pool

630 E 66th St, Richfield, MN 55423
Includes a wading pool and main pool. Open June 7-August 14, 2024. Admission: $10-$11/pp, discount after 4pm.

SHAKOPEE

SandVenture Aquatic Park

1101 Adams St S, Shakopee, MN 55379
Chlorinated water with a sand bottom and beach, slides and special discount days. 2024 Details TBA (will likely open late due to construction).

SOUTH ST PAUL 

Northview Pool

635 18th Ave N, South St Paul, MN 55075
Located in Northview Park, the pool has a diving board, a climbing wall, a bathhouse and concession stand where swimmers can buy snacks. June 8-August 18, 2024. Daily admission is $5/pp, cash only.

ST LOUIS PARK 

St. Louis Park Outdoor Aquatic Park

3700 Monterey Dr, St Louis Park, MN 55416
Aqua obstacle course, slides, wet sand play area and splash playground. There are locker rooms and a concession area at this park. Tot Time is Monday-Friday, 10-11am. Open: June 3, 2024-August 25, 2024 (weather permitting). Admission: $6-$15/pp. Twilight discount begins at 4:40pm.

ST PAUL SWIMMING POOLS

Como Regional Park Pool

1151 Wynne Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
Features a zip line, climbing wall, lazy river and separate splash pool. Saturday Tot Time at Como, 9:30 to 11:00am, $8 per parent/child pair. Open June -September; 2024 dates TBA. Admission: $4-$7/pp. Twilight discount.

Highland Park Aquatic Center

1840 Edgcumbe Rd, St Paul, MN 55116
Children’s activity pool, diving well & slide. Tot times on Saturday mornings from 9:30am-11am when only the splash zone is open. Open June -September; 2024 dates TBA. Admission: $4-$7/pp. Twilight discount.

Como Pool Waterpark
Como Regional Park Pool, St Paul

TAYLORS FALLS

Wild Mountain Resort Waterpark

37200 Wild Mountain Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084
Wild Adventure Island Waterpark offers fun for both thrill-seekers and those seeking lazy fun in the sun, with interactive water feature including water cannons, jets, slides and a 350-gallon dumping bucket as well as a lazy river. Wet and dry rides available. Day passes can include one or both. If you plan to visit more than once in a season, than a season pass will save you money after your second visit. Opens May 25, 2024.

Budget Tip: If you have a favorite Twin Cities water park, look for discounts on annual passes January – March.

Vacation-worthy Water Parks:

Kamp Dels Pool
Image courtesy of Kamp Dels.

 10 Things for Kids at Kamp Dels in Waterville, MN — Just an Hour Outside the Twin Cities

Plan a Walt Disney World Resort Vacation

The Best Twin Cities Splash Pads & Wading Pools – By City

For showers of fun, find all the details and our MASTER LIST of Twin Cities-area splash pads and water playgrounds.

Girl playing in splash pad Text: "Best Twin Cities Splash Pads & Wading Pools"

APPLE VALLEY SPLASH PAD

Kelly Park splash pad

6855 Fortino St, Apple Valley, MN 55124

BLAINE SPLASH PAD

Lakeside Commons Park

Includes a beach & splash pad. 3020 Lakes Pkwy, Blaine, MN 55449.

BLOOMINGTON SPLASH PAD

Cedarcrest Park splash pad

8700 Bloomington Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425

BURNSVILLE SPLASH PADS

Burnsville Lions Park

The splash pad is located at the playground within CLIFF FEN PARK.  120 Cliff Rd E, Burnsville, MN 55337.

Nicollet Commons Park

The beautiful water feature is the focal point of the city’s main public gathering space. Pick a Thursday for Rockin’ Readers and Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hours in Nicollet Commons Park beginning in June. The water feature at Nicollet Commons is open the third weekend in May through the third weekend in September, weather permitting. 12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN 55337.

Girl playing in Nicollet Commons Park - Splash Pad in Burnsville, Minnesota

CHAMPLIN SPLASH PAD

Andrews Park splash pad

7200 117th Ave N, Champlin, MN 55316. Onsite snack bar and restrooms.  Splash pad closes for inclement weather and temps below 65 degrees. Open May through September.

CHASKA SPLASH PAD

Firemen’s Park

The park contains interactive fountains (along with a lovely beach, boardwalk, playground and other amenities).  3210 Chaska Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318.

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS SPLASH PADS & WADING POOLS

Huset Park West

The Huset Park splash pad usually opens the first day of public school summer vacation. 3965 Jefferson St NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421.

Columbia Heights wading pools

  • MCKENNA PARKThe park contains a small, shallow wading pool. 4757 7th St NE, Columbia Heights MN.
  • RAMSDELL PARK wading pool – 4956 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55421.

COON RAPIDS SPLASH PAD

Boulevard Plaza splash pad

2880 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433

COTTAGE GROVE SPLASH PAD

Highlands Park splash pad

6975 Idsen Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016

CRYSTAL SPLASH PAD

Becker Park

The park contains interactive fountains to splash in. 5530 Douglas Dr N, Crystal, MN 55429.

DELANO

Central Park of Delano

650 River St N, Delano, MN 55328.

EAGAN SPLASH PAD

Eagan Central Park splash pad 

Open 9am-8pm, except Wednesdays when it closes at 2pm to prepare for the outdoor market. 3333 Pilot Knob Rd, Eagan, MN 55121.

EDEN PRAIRIE SPLASH PADS

Miller Park splash pad

8208 Eden Prairie Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55347.

Round Lake Park splash pad

16691 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346.

Splash Happy: 2020 Guide to Twin Cities Beaches, Pools, Water Parks & Splash Pads

HOPKINS SPLASH PAD

Burnes Park splash pad

301 2nd St N, Hopkins, MN 55343.

MAPLE GROVE SPLASH PAD

Central Park of Maple Grove

The large city park contains interactive fountains and an amazing playground. 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369.

Girl paying in splash pad found at Central Park in Maple Grove Minnesota
Maple Grove Central Park

MINNEAPOLIS SPLASH PADS & WADING POOLS

Check out our master list of free Minneapolis wading pools (my kids call it “the baby pool”) to see which pools best fit your needs.

OTSEGO SPLASH PAD

Prairie Park splash pad

13355 90th St NE, Otsego, MN 55330.

ROBBINSDALE SPLASH PAD

Manor Park splash pad

Abbott Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55422

ROSEMOUNT SPLASH PAD

Rosemount Central Park splash pad

2893 145th St W, Rosemount, MN 55068.

ROSEVILLE WADING POOL

Rosebrook Park

Contains a small, shallow wading pool. 2590 Fry Street, Roseville MN 55113.

SHAKOPEE SPLASH PAD

Shakopee Lions Park

The park includes a whimsical splash pad and an inclusive, fun-for-all playground. 1103 Adams St S, Shakopee, MN 55379.

Shakopee Lions Park splash pad

SOUTH ST. PAUL WADING POOL

Lorraine Park Splash Pool

The splash pool charges a small fee of $2-3.50/pp. 756 3rd Ave S, South St Paul, MN 55075.

ST ANTHONY VILLAGE SPLASH PADS

Central Park splash pad, St Anthony Village

ST LOUIS PARK SPLASH PAD

Oak Hill splash pad

The deluxe splash pad is FREE for residents, $1/non-res. 3201 Rhode Island Ave S, St Louis Park, MN 55426.

ST PAUL SPLASH PADS

WEST ST. PAUL SPLASH PAD

Harmon Park splash pad

230 Bernard St W, West St Paul, MN 55118.

WOODBURY SPLASH PAD

M Health Fairview Sports Center

The splash pad is located next to Madison’s Place Playground, an all-access playground. 4125 Radio Dr, Woodbury, MN 55129.


Quick List of Free Outdoor Pools, Beaches and Water Parks in the Twin Cities

How To Make A Backyard Splash Pad:

Is 2024 the year to get creative and make your own backyard splash pad?  You could start with a pop bottle sprinkler.

Ocean beaches? Nope. Surfing? Maybe in Duluth, if you like it cold. Spring Break? We’re more likely to have a blizzard than beach day. We recommend Florida or the Gulf of Mexico for fun in the sun in spring. Mosquitoes? Yep. They’re our unofficial state bird.

Minnesota will never be anyone’s idea of a great beach vacation. But, we LOVE our summers like no where else, and our metro area provides plenty of fun in the sun for the whole family!

4 thoughts on “Splash Happy: 2024 Guide to Twin Cities Beaches, Pools, Water Parks & Splash Pads”

  1. You didn’t list the Cottage Grove splash pad. 🙁 it’s off 70th in Cottage Grove and is WAY nicer/bigger than the Woodbury one. It too is free and has been open since last week.

  2. Any chance we could get captions for the photos? I can’t tell if the photo is of the location listed above or below it.

    Thanks for the great list!

    1. I will try to add captions today. The pictures are below the corresponding waterpark/splash pad except for Como Park Regional Park Pool, which is to the right of the Como Pool description. The picture of the playground with the dinosaur bone dig is in Elm Creek Park Reserve adjacent to the Elm Creek Swimming Pond in Maple Grove. There is only the $5 charge to swim; the playground, nature center and historic site are free. Thanks for reading!

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