27 FREE Twin Cities Splash Pads

Minneapolis has over 50 splash pads and wading pools in the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation system. We’ve listed several of our favorites, but be sure to explore their map for more information and locations!

2026 Season

Preseason begins Saturday, May 23
Dozens of wading pools open

Main Season: Thursday, June 11 – Monday, September 7
Pools open in “school-site” parks adjacent to Minneapolis Public Schools properties

Daily hours at all open locations: 10 AM to 9 PM

• Free to use
• No lifeguards: please keep safety in mind while enjoying the wading pools
• Final day of the season is Monday, September 2 (Labor Day holiday)
• Restrooms accessible outside recreation centers are available during the same hours

Wabun Picnic Area (within Minnehaha Falls Regional Park) | 4655 46th Ave S, Minneapolis

More technically, a wading pool, but it’s simply too beautiful to leave off our list! This zero-depth entry pool features a large, arched stone structure in the middle that sprays water (and is just super fun in general).  The playground nearby is a huge bonus!

Currie Park | 500 15th Ave. S, Minneapolis

Currie Park is one of the more recently updated splash pads in Minneapolis – and some say it’s the BEST splash pad.  We’ll let you be the judge! Restroom facilities have been upgraded, too.

The Commons | 425 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis

On the smaller side, The Commons splash pad is located within green space close to the heart of downtown Minneapolis. You’ll often run into great summer programming!

Franklin Steele Square | 1600 Portland Ave S, Minneapolis

Tucked into the Elliot Park neighborhood, you can splash around with the city skyline in the distance!  This park is close to the hustle and bustle of 35W and the 94 interchange.

Waite Park | 1810 34th Ave NE, Minneapolis

Sometimes smaller is better!  We love this unfussy splash pad with its zero-depth entry, simple water features, and bench with shade!  The small enclosed space allows parents to relax a bit.  A nice playground nearby, too!

Phelps Field Park | 701 E 39th St, Minneapolis

This splash pad is simple but gets the job done!  There is one large water feature in the middle with other jets spouting up around it.

twin cities splash pads

Saint Paul’s splash pads offer free aquatic fun with spray features and little to no standing water. In 2026, all outdoor splash pads are open daily from June 13 through September 7, 9 AM to 9 PM.

Conway Park | 2090 Conway Ave, St Paul

This splash pad is part of a larger recreational hub with plenty to keep the whole family busy. Cool off in the spray features, then head to the playground or pop into the community recreation center.  The Sun Ray Branch of the St Paul Public Library is also here and features a great children’s area.

Roy Wilkins Park | 900 N Marion St, St Paul

This is St Paul’s very first splash pad! There are fountains and jets as well as a newer playground with a turf surface. Some say to keep shoes on when enjoying the turf area.

Parque Castillo | 149 Cesar Chavez St, St Paul

Revamped in 2018, this park features a splash pad, updated play structures, picnic areas with grills, and public art. It’s conveniently located next to El Rio Vista Recreation Center and the Gilbert de la O baseball and multi-use athletic fields.

Phalen Beach | 1400 Phalen Dr, St Paul

Located at the beloved Phalen Park, this splash pad sits just steps from a large sandy beach, making it easy to move between water play and shoreside fun. The park has plenty more to explore, including trails, a tot lot, tennis courts, a fire ring, a rec center, and regular family events throughout the summer.

twin cities splash pads

For the sake of our map, the Northwest Twin Cities Metro covers the area west of Interstate 35W and north of Interstate 494, not including Minneapolis proper.

Andrews Park | 7200 117th Ave N, Champlin

This thoughtfully designed splash pad has something for every age, from low-to-the-ground water tables perfect for toddlers to flower showers, rings, and nautical-themed features, including sprayer masts. Plenty of seating, picnic tables, and a sunshade make it comfortable for parents to settle in and stay awhile.

Huset Park | 3965 Jefferson St NE, Columbia Heights

Located in the heart of Columbia Heights, Huset Park is a community staple with plenty to keep families busy beyond the splash pad. The water feature includes large walk-through rings and a deck that shoots water, with ample seating and picnic space nearby. The park also features a playground, a rec center, and athletic fields, making it a great all-around destination for families.

Central Park | 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove

Nestled within the expansive Central Park in Maple Grove, this splash pad is surrounded by some of the best amenities in the suburbs. The park features walking trails, a playground, and picnic areas, making it an easy choice for a full family outing. With plenty of open green space and a beautiful setting, it’s a favorite warm-weather destination for families across the northwest metro.

Emerald Park | 3925 MacAlaster Dr NE, St Anthony

Don’t let the size fool you – this charming little splash pad in St. Anthony Village packs plenty of fun into a compact neighborhood setting. Emerald Park is a sweet spot for younger kids looking to cool off close to home, with a relaxed, community feel that keeps families coming back all summer long.

Splash Down Splash Pad – City Hall Park | 2401 Mounds View Blvd, Mounds View

Splash Down splash pad at City Hall Park is a convenient and fun stop for families in the north metro. The central location and park setting provide a comfortable space for kids to play and parents to unwind.

twin cities splash pads

For the sake of our map, the Northeast Twin Cities Metro covers the area east of Interstate 35W and north of Interstate 94W, not including Minneapolis and St Paul proper.

According to how we structure our maps, there aren’t many FREE Splash Pads to choose from in this area of the Twin Cities!  If you have a splash pad to add, please email us: info@twincitiesfamily.com

twin cities splash pads

For the sake of our map, the Southeast Twin Cities Metro covers the area south of Interstate 94W and east of Interstate 35W, not including Minneapolis or St. Paul proper.

Harmon Park | 230 Bernard St W, West St Paul

With spray features at varying heights for kids of all ages, Harmon Park’s splash pad is a great way to cool off after a full day outdoors. The 19-acre park has no shortage of things to do, from baseball and softball diamonds with batting cages to soccer fields, a playground, picnic areas, and a concession stand.

M Health Fairview Sports Center | 4125 Radio Dr, Woodbury

At this M Health Fairview Sports Center splash pad, the fun starts when kids press a button on a special flower, setting off bubblers, water buckets, and sprayers for four minutes before resetting. A larger platform features dumping buckets and flower showers, while a separate toddler platform keeps little ones in the mix. The inclusive playground Madison’s Place Playground is nearby for even more fun.

Highlands Park | 6975 Idsen Ave S, Cottage Grove

Highlands Park in Cottage Grove is a fun summer stop for families, featuring a splash pad with both overhead sprayers and ground-level sprayers to keep kids cool from every direction. The park also offers a playground and picnic areas to round out the visit. One thing to note: seating near the splash pad is limited, so if having a chair is important to you, consider bringing your own.

Eagan Central Park | 1507 Central Pkwy, Eagan

Centrally located near the Festival Grounds Pavilion at Eagan Central Park, this splash pad offers a great mix of water features, including ground sprayers, overhead fountains, and dumping buckets to keep kids entertained. When it’s time to take a break, a rock seating wall lines the western edge of the splash pad, and a sun shelter with picnic tables provides a shady spot to recharge before the next round.

Cedarcrest Park | 8700 Bloomington Ave S, Bloomington

Cedarcrest Park in Burnsville packs a lot into one stop, with a playground, softball field, tennis courts, and volleyball courts all on site. The splash pad is the star of the show, and a practical bonus worth noting: new rubber tile surfacing makes for a safer, more comfortable experience underfoot. Nearby Cedar Valley Church generously allows visitors to use its parking lot, making access a breeze.

Cliff Fen Park | 120 Cliff Rd E, Burnsville

Cliff Fen Park is a standout Burnsville destination, and its roughly 2,000-square-foot splash pad is a big reason why. Kids activate the water themselves by pressing a button, and a separate toddler area with gentler sprayers keeps little ones in the fun. With a massive playground, walking trails, picnic shelters, and sports fields also on site, it’s an easy choice for a full day out.

Nicollet Commons | 12550 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville

Not a traditional splash pad, Nicollet Commons in Burnsville is a truly lovely water feature that absolutely deserves a spot on this list. The interactive plaza jets can be activated by pressing a button, while a river-style water element adds to the charm. The feature runs daily from mid-May through mid-September, making it a reliable and scenic warm-weather stop in the heart of Burnsville.

Kelley Park | 6855 Fortino St, Apple Valley

Kelley Park in Apple Valley is a well-rounded stop with a splash pad that features towering blue rings that mist and spray, creating an immersive tunnel of water kids will want to run through again and again. When it’s time to dry off, a gazebo with picnic tables provides a shady retreat, and a rubber-matted playground means no wood chips to contend with underfoot.

Central Park | 2893 145th St W, Rosemount

Rosemount’s splash pad is particularly well-suited for younger kids, with 3,700 square feet of ground nozzles spraying up from a rain deck and the interactive Water Journey feature, where little ones can guide water through a winding maze. Parents will appreciate the ample seating and a covered shelter with picnic tables nearby for a shady break.

twin cities splash pads

For the sake of our map, the Southwest Twin Cities Metro covers the area south of Interstate 494W and west of Interstate 35W, not including Minneapolis or St. Paul proper.

Round Lake Park | 16691 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie

Round Lake Park in Eden Prairie is a natural all-day destination, with a splash pad conveniently situated right alongside the beach and playground. Kids can move seamlessly between the water features, the sandy shore, and the play structures, making it one of the more versatile warm-weather stops in the southwest metro.

Miller Park | 8208 Eden Prairie Rd, Eden Prairie

Miller Park in Eden Prairie is home to a splash pad with sprayers at multiple heights, tucked right into the heart of the Miller Park Barrier-Free Playground. The playground was born from a deeply personal mission: local parents Mike and Jenny Garvin envisioned a place where their daughter Ashley, who has cerebral palsy, could play alongside her peers. The result is a fully accessible space with inclusive pathways and surfaces that allow children and adults of all abilities to explore every level of the play structure.

Oak Hill Park | 3201 Rhode Island Ave S, St Louis Park

Oak Hill Park in St. Louis Park offers a fun splash pad experience with a small admission twist: it’s free for St. Louis Park residents, while non-residents pay just $1. It’s a small price for a cool summer outing, and the park’s surroundings make it well worth the trip regardless of where you’re coming from.

twin cities splash pads