This list of 12 different playgrounds and parks takes you to every corner of the Twin Cities metro. It also suits a variety of ages and abilities. We love accessibility for all and many of these playgrounds offer just that. So pick a playground and discover new things each week!
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NORTHWEST
Clifton E. French Regional Park | 12605 Rockford Rd, Plymouth
My kids declared this their top playground choice in the metro and I’m not going to argue with them. While they love the 47 cargo nets to climb, in addition to a 29-foot tower, six slides, and a splash pad for the summer, I love the easy parking, great spots to hand under the shade while they run around and explore, and fairly easy accessibility for all ages and interests. We haven’t yet ventured out into the park to explore the paths but there are so many you could spend a whole day at this park.
Elm Creek Park Reserve | 12400 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove
This playground is one of the most colorful ones around but my kids love all there is to do. There are 25-foot slides, plenty of climbing zones, ropes, tunnels, a giant dino skeleton sandbox, a zipline, and tons more! Bring a picnic and stay to explore the rest of this large park and trails.
Schaper Park | 631 Ottawa Ave N, Golden Valley
For the ninja fans, you’ll love this playground with an obstacle course to climb and maneuver through, plus timers to race their friends. While it has a big appeal to older kids, your younger ones will enjoy this park too with smaller play sets in the middle. There isn’t a lot of shade at this playground so you might plan on cooling off in one of the many picnic spots and trails to explore in the nearby parks.
NORTHEAST
Madison’s Place Playground | 4125 Radio Dr, Woodbury
This playground was dreamed up by the Madison Claire Foundation with a mission to bring inclusive play to all. Their smart design on this 16,000 square foot inclusive playground includes a zip line, bridges, monkey bars, tunnels, slides, swings, and more all on top of a soft rubber turf. Don’t forget a towel for those who want to run through the splash pad.
Teddy Bear Park | 207 Nelson St E, Stillwater
You can’t miss this playground with its lovable granite teddy bear! This playground is geared towards the 8 and under crowd and includes slides, nets, tubes, bridges, a climbing wall, and more! The treehouse with a log slide feel plus a train and a “lift bridge” to resemble the Stillwater Lift Bridge leaves plenty of room for imaginative play!
SOUTHEAST
Fawn Crossing Nature Play Area | 17100 Station Trl, Farmington
Located in Whitetail Woods Regional Park, this is a great option for natural play with stumps and sticks, sand and water, and pumps and dams to create and imagine. Bigger kids will enjoy the obstacles, fort-building areas, climbing net, and lots of woods to wander and get “lost.”
Wabun Playground and Picnic Area | 4655 46th Ave S, Minneapolis
With a fantastic splash pad next door, we make a visit to this park multiple times a summer. The playground is great and set against a hill so even the higher sections are accessible to all. The smaller playground is fun for little ones, especially the camper car to encourage imagination. I love all of the shady spots to relax while everyone plays. Looking for more to do? Wander down to the nearby Mississippi River and watch for big boats or walk over to visit the iconic Minnehaha Falls!
Phelps Park | 701 E 39th St, Minneapolis
This is one of the most unique playgrounds in the city and because of that, my kids ask to go all the time. If you have climbers, this is the place for you. There are plenty of climbing nets and obstacles but the highlight is the giant rubber slide perfect for sliding and bouncing down in a large group. Bring ball equipment too to run around the big field in between climbing sessions.
Woodridge Park | 9000 90th St S, Cottage Grove
There is so much to do at this 23,000 square foot playground with 82 pieces of equipment (I didn’t make my kids count them all but you could if you have a really bored child!) There is so much accessibility at this playground for all ages and interests like zip lines, gliders, musical instruments, nature-based elements, and sensory areas. Plus plenty of shady spots to relax.
SOUTHWEST
Hyland Play Area | 10145 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington
Everyone knows this as “Chutes and Ladders” because, well, it is filled with chutes to slide down and ladders to climb up. The height looks massive but is completely enclosed by nets so very safe. For the less adventurous kids, there are also plenty of smaller play zones, swings, etc to explore. I also love the shady spots where I can sit and watch them play. Have your kids wear bright colors so you can spot them easily.
Lake Minnetonka Play Area | 4610 Country Road 44, Minnestrista
You’ll find entertainment for any age at this Three Rivers Park District playground. Slides, stairs, rock walls, bridges, ropes, and tunnels, all on top of a bouncy rubber turf. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen as there is not a lot of shade at this playground.
Round Lake Park | 16691 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie
If you’re looking for a park playground with plenty to keep you busy beyond the play equipment, this is the place for you. The playground is filled with the usual joys for sliding, climbing, and spinning (the merry-go-round is EPIC! Also, no thank you.) But beyond the equipment, there is a splash pad, a bike park, a skate park, and a beach. Plus, the lake in the background gives a lovely view to enjoy while the kids play.
