The best parks & outdoor spots in Minneapolis

“Expansive, outdoor athletic facility with multiple soccer fields, plus baseball & softball diamonds.”

“Bustling recreational area on 170 acres, with a beach, boating & an 18-hole disc golf course.”

“Sprawling dog park featuring ponds, a baseball field, plus a playground, picnic tables and walking trails.”

“Dam featuring a walkway and scenic views along with paved trails for biking and hikes.”

“Relaxed wooded park featuring a lake and playground and trails for biking and picnics.”

“Linear park featuring a creek and paths for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing.”

“Park featuring playgrounds and a basketball court for outdoor sports.”

“Lush parkland offering wildlife & forested walking & biking tails around a secluded lake.”

“Environmental center with a farm and a wildlife refuge, plus trails, ponds, and fields.”

“Lakeside green space featuring a playground, walking trails and dog park for off-leash play.”

“Brooklyn Park Historical Farm brings a 19-acre living history site to life from 1905 to 1920, with hands-on chances to dig in the gardens, explore nature, and visit the animals. Sneaky-good way to unplug this week, learn some market farming history, and let the kids (or you) play in the dirt.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, August 7, 2026

“When cabin fever kicks in, Clifton E. French Regional Park Playground is the easy win with a sprawling play area right on Medicine Lake, plus paved loops for a quick spin and a legit beach for post-play cooldowns. Pack snacks, unleash the chaos, enjoy the views.”

From the Plymouth newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Burnes Park is the low-stress answer when everyone needs out of the house, fast. The splash pad is on, the playground keeps kids busy, and there are softball fields, a basketball court and two tennis courts, with grills and picnic shelters for an easy dinner and leashed dogs welcome in certain areas.”

From the Lake Minnetonka newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Lake-based spot with swimming, fishing, lighted trails, large playground, boat launch & picnicking.”

“A wide variety of sports facilities from disc golf to hockey, plus a playground & a picnic pavilion.”

“Green space with athletic facilities & a playground, plus a picnic pavilion & seasonal splash pad.”

“This forested area offers fishing, swimming & boating in warm weather, plus snowshoeing in winter.”