If you’re trying to decide where to take your little ones for family recreational fun, Eagan parents have a few ideas. The Gardner School of Eagan conducted a parent poll, and they came up with quite a few ideas for recreational fun. Here are the top parent picks for the kid-friendly outdoor activity spots in Eagan, Minnesota.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Minnesota parents know that there’s serious outdoor fun to be had at Lebanon Hills. In fact, there’s something to do there through all four seasons, from scorching summers to ice-cold winters. If your kids are looking for adventure, it’s a haven for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. When the summer sun is out, gorgeous lakes and marshlands provide a perfect backdrop for hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and boating. It’s the best thing about living in Eagan: nearly 2,000 acres of wilderness right in the middle of the suburbs.
Minnesota Zoo
Looking for the perfect outdoor activity for the whole family? Look no further than the Minnesota Zoo! New friendship opportunities abound, from waddling penguins to slinking leopards. Children love to watch the powerful sharks and elegant stingrays in the magnificent 1.1 million-gallon Discovery Bay aquarium. And, when you need a break from the elements, the indoor Bee Hive offers interactive play in a heated or air-conditioned environment.
Woodhaven Park
It’s no accident that in a 2020 national survey, Eagan emerged as a top-rated community for the quality of parks and recreation. Beloved by parents for its 100% accessible and inclusive infrastructure, Woodhaven Park is a spectacular example of what sets this community apart. From swings to spinners and slides, a Bankshot basketball court, musical toys, and ziplines, Woodhaven has something for every age and ability. Brightly-colored equipment is designed to engage all the senses. Residents say Woodhaven sets a new national standard for parks, designed by a community that believes children of different abilities shouldn’t have to sit on the sidelines.
Patrick Eagan Park
The stunning loop trail at Patrick Eagan Park encircles two small lakes and offers views of the water at nearly every turn. Visitors can catch lush greenery and flowers in the summertime and beautiful fall colors that reflect on the lake as the weather gets colder. At 1.6 miles total with minimal elevation change, the wide trail is suitable for all skill levels and perfect for a family outing. Don’t forget to bring along your furry friends, too, as this park welcomes leashed dogs.
Goat Hill Park
For the sports fanatics in the family, Goat Hill Park is a sanctuary. This sprawling neighborhood green space contains multiple baseball fields and two hockey rinks and is home to local leagues for both sports in the summer and winter months. For those who prefer less competitive play, the park also features a large playground area, paved walking trails for bikes and scooters, and a recreational ice-skating rink. The rink stays well-lit for evening outings and features a warming house when little hands need a break from the cold.
Brand Farms
Brand Farms is in its fourth generation of operation, currently led by Aaron Brand, who farms alongside his father, John. The farm features an apple orchard, a seasonal pumpkin patch, and currently boasts over 2,000 hens! Bring the whole family for pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, and stick around a little longer for a weekend hayride and a homemade apple donut at the end of the day. Their gift shop offers even more take-home treats, and farm fresh eggs from their happy, healthy free-range chickens are available year-round.
The Gardner School Knows Eagan
We’re proud to be a part of the Eagan community, and we know what Minnesota parents are looking for in childcare. They want a school with an interactive curriculum, academic focus, and highly-trained teachers. We bring all of that to our learners, including multiple extracurricular and S.T.E.A.M. learning activities. For more information about The Gardner School of Eagan, schedule a tour to meet with us and learn more.
