The Gardner School of Minneapolis asked our parent partners for their best ideas about where to take their children for outdoor activities in Minneapolis. Here are their collected greatest hits for the most kid-friendly recreational spots in the area:
The Minnesota Zoo
When the weather’s right, you’ll find all your favorite animals frolicking outside at the Minnesota Zoo. If some animals are feeling shy, hourly demonstrations showcase the animal kingdom at its best. Children love to watch the penguins gulp down flying fish, or learn how cows are milked during a daily milking demonstration. When the sun goes down, the zoo heats up, featuring concerts in the gorgeous Weesner Family Amphitheater or overnight excursions for elementary-aged children. The Minnesota Zoo truly values the youngest members of a family, offering free admission for little ones from birth to two years old.
Baker Park
Parents and children love to reconnect to nature at Baker Park, and it’s no wonder! A short 20-minute drive from downtown Minneapolis takes you into the heart of this 2,700-acre wonderland, where visitors can explore something new every season. Check out the winter trailhead to take on Baker’s famous sledding hill or ski through cross-country trails. For guided activities and events, schedule a visit to the outdoor learning center where families and groups come for year-round educational programming in a breathtaking, rustic setting.
Clifton E. French Regional Park
This creative play area takes the meaning of playground to the next level. With six slides up to 12 feet tall, almost 50 different climbable nets, and a 28-foot tower, French Regional is nothing less than iconic. When it’s hot out, children love to cool off in the water misters or take a snack break under shade umbrellas on the patio. With its unique, creative construction and a host of amenities, parents can’t believe that it’s free!
Dodge Nature Center
Cultivating curiosity and care for nature is central to childhood education in and out of the classroom. The folks at Dodge Nature Center know this, and they have made it their mission to provide singular outdoor experiences for all their visitors, young and old. With four different locations in the Twin Cities, eight miles of trails, and a continuous schedule of educational events throughout the year, there’s something new to learn at Dodge with every visit.
Minnehaha Regional Park
Come to Minnehaha to see the iconic 53-foot waterfall and breathtaking limestone bluffs, and stick around a little longer to check out the incredible park facilities. In addition to awe-inspiring natural views, Minnehaha is also home to curated gardens surrounding historic houses, sculpture integrated throughout the park, and a full-size playground and Tot Lot play area for young visitors. During the summer months, children love to cool off in Minnehaha’s Wabun area wading pool, open May to September.
Elm Creek Park Reserve
Nearly rounding out 5,000 acres, Elm Creek Park is there when families need a truly wild escape into nature without having to venture too far outside the city. Find your niche at Elm Creek with access to just about any outdoor activity you can imagine: biking trails, skiing, water recreation, and even archery! Children love to take on the role of naturalists, keeping tabs on the multitude of different species of birds and mammals that call this park their home.
The Gardner School Knows Minneapolis Kids
We’re proud to be a part of the Twin Cities community, and we know what Minnesota parents are looking for in childcare. They want a school with an interactive curriculum and skilled, caring teachers. We bring all of that to our learners and more, including multiple extracurricular and S.T.E.A.M. learning activities. For more information about The Gardner School of Minneapolis,schedule a tour to meet with us and learn more.