Edina, Minnesota, is known for being a wonderful community for all ages. There’s so much to do for families with children of all ages, including flexible family eateries. The Gardner School of Edina asked local parents to share their favorite outdoor spaces for preschoolers, and they came up with quite a few. Below are a few of their favorite kid-friendly outdoor activity spots in Edina!
Pamela Park
This 60-acre park features an ice rink that’s perfect for winter family fun. Don’t worry—there’s also a warming house on-site to thaw out when your children’s toes are frozen, and their noses turn into icicles. During the summer, the park features free Fitness in the Park classes as well as sports teams for all ages. Children who love outdoor fun can always have a birthday party in the park; the park building can be rented out for small, private events.
Rosland Park
Rosland Park is well-known in Edina for the mile-long walking path around Lake Cornelia. The wetland area surrounding the lake showcases natural flora and fauna that kids can learn to identify. Thousands of children have learned to fish in the lake, and the onsite playground offers hours of recreation. Rosland Park is also great for summer gatherings at the gazebo, where families can fire up the grill for birthdays and other gatherings.
Oak Hill Park
The big draw to Oak Hill Park is the huge splash pad that is perfect for summer fun, but winter park-goers also love the park for ice skating and sledding. Next to the outdoor ice rink, the warming house sells hot cocoa to make a family outing complete. If you need to check in with email or finish up a few work tasks while your child plays, there’s free Wi-Fi in the picnic pavilion and in the park shelters.
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.
Augsburg Adventure Park
This inclusive outdoor park is a stunning place to spend the afternoon. Caregivers love the unique design that is built to accommodate the needs of all children. This park features accessible seating on all its equipment, as well as ramp access to a high deck. It’s also designed with diverse sensory needs in mind, featuring stations with therapeutic rings and spinners, as well as a quiet grove where children can recharge in a low-stimulus environment.
Arden Park
At Arden Park, the options for outdoor fun are everywhere. For adventurers, check out the park’s multiple easy-access trails. If your children are looking for a more relaxing experience, head over to the park’s creek to toss out a fishing line or climb into a canoe. Keep this park in mind when planning your next birthday party, graduation, or family reunion: park buildings and picnic shelters can be rented out for a small fee from May through October.
Gale Woods Farm
Life doesn’t get more delightful than a day spent outdoors at this real working farm! In addition to the beautiful landscape, this farm offers educational opportunities and skill-based seasonal programs for all ages. When you have to bid the sheep goodbye, don’t forget to pick up a keepsake — the gift shop offers goods produced right there on the farm. There’s something for everyone, from meat and produce to munch on to fiber art kits for budding artists.
Wood Lake Nature Center
Parents at The Gardner School love Wood Lake Nature Center for its wonderful educational program and gorgeous outdoor spaces. A virtual tour of the center can help you plan your visit. Take a walk around the grounds on over two miles of accessible limestone trails or try to spot birds, reptiles, and other wildlife on the floating boardwalk. If you plan a visit in winter, the center also features ski and snowshoe rental for some of the best family-friendly cross-country trails around! Before you go, don’t forget to pre-register online for Wood Lake Nature Center programs and events.
An Exceptional Preschool for Edina Parents
Edina parents trust The Gardner School of Edina to care for their children during the day so they can enjoy connected family time at home. Our interactive curriculum, academic focus, and highly-trained teachers keep children engaged and learning on a daily basis. If you’re looking for an exceptional preschool experience in the Minneapolis area, we’d love to share more about what we do. To learn how we fulfill our mission to Edina parents, reach out to us today.
