The Gardner School of Minnetonka asked our parent partners for their best ideas for where to take children for outdoor fun in Minnetonka. Here are their collected greatest hits for the most kid-friendly recreational spots in the area.
Glenn Lake Park
Diverse options for family fun abound at this neighborhood park, with plenty of space for open play or organized games. Bring your ball and glove for practice on one of their baseball or softball fields, or gather family and friends for a pick-up game of basketball or kickball. Younger children can wear themselves out on the park’s playground while older kids practice new tricks in Glen Lake’s skatepark. Don’t count this place out for winter fun, either: pack your hot cocoa and lace up to explore the outdoor ice rink and warming house.
Miller Park (Eden Prairie)
Miller Park has just about every sporting field imaginable, whether your game of choice is played on the green turf, a dirt field, the court, or an ice rink! In addition to plenty of space for games, Miller Park’s barrier-free playground makes it a parent favorite among neighborhood parks. Spearheaded by a local family to provide an accessible play space for their daughter, the playground is community-funded and part of a national trend toward providing spaces where children of all mobility levels can fully participate in outdoor recreational fun!
Bandimere Park (Chanhassen)
If you’re looking for a quiet park off the beaten path but still packed with all the amenities, Bandimere is the place to go. In addition to multiple sporting fields and a disc golfing course, the park features two different playgrounds catering to different age groups in the center of the park, surrounded by plenty of open lawn space to run wild. Mature trees stud the area, providing plenty of shade when it’s time for a rest.
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 children from birth to two years old.
Burnes Park
It’s no wonder reviewers say this park is typically bustling. At seven acres, Burnes Park checks every box for outdoor fun, and the variety of features makes it easy to share the space. Toddlers love the splash pad, and there are playground features for older and younger children alike. The park’s outdoor shelters are perfect for a spontaneous picnic, and they can also be reserved for special events. Tennis and basketball courts, baseball and soccer fields, and an ice rink all translate to year-round sporting fun for the whole family!
Minnetonka Civic Center Park
Located right next to Minnetonka’s community center, the civic center park offers a lovely mix of landscaped and wilder areas for play. The park’s open lawns are a great place for pickup games, and playground structures offer spaces for children to climb and swing. To explore the woods around the park, accessible walking and biking trails make it easy for all ages to enjoy nature. Grab a bench on the park’s boardwalk and watch birds fly over the water!
Eden Prairie Community Center
Children love the recreational pool at EPCC, with its zero-depth entry and awesome waterslide. Parents and younger siblings can take advantage of the Tot Time Open Swim when caretakers and children under six get the pool to themselves for gentle exploration and play. In the winter, build family memories by visiting one of the three ice rinks. Of course, parents can work on their physical health in the top-of-the-line fitness studio and weight room. Personal training and classes for adults make the EPCC a winner with every member of your family.
The Gardner School Knows Minneapolis Kids
We’re proud to be a part of the Minnetonka community, and we know what Minnesota parents are looking for in childcare. They want a school with an interactive curriculum, a caring staff, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor play. We bring all of that and more to our students, including multiple extracurricular and S.T.E.A.M. learning activities. For more information about The Gardner School of Minnetonka, schedule a virtual tour to learn more.
