The Best Water Parks and Splash Pads in the Twin Cities (2026 Guide)
Summer in Minnesota may be short, but we know how to make the most of it! When the temperatures start climbing, nothing beats spending the day splashing in the water with family and friends. Whether your kids love thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, or simply running through fountains at a neighborhood splash pad, the Twin Cities metro area has plenty of options to keep everyone cool.
One of the best things about living in the Twin Cities is that you don’t have to travel far for a fun summer adventure. There are fantastic outdoor water parks in nearly every direction, along with dozens of free splash pads that are perfect for younger children or families looking for a budget-friendly outing.
To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve rounded up some of the best public water parks and splash pads throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding suburbs. We’ve included what each location offers, whether there’s an admission fee, food options, and tips to help you choose the best destination for your family. Here’s a free printable list to keep handy this summer to check off the water parks as you visit them.
Cascade Bay Water Park – Eagan
If you’ve never visited Cascade Bay, you’re missing one of the most popular family water parks in the Twin Cities. This award-winning outdoor water park has something for nearly every age, making it an excellent choice for families with multiple children.
One of the biggest attractions is the relaxing lazy river that lets you float around the park at your own pace. Thrill seekers will enjoy several exciting water slides, while younger children can safely explore the zero-depth entry pool and interactive splash playground.
Another unique feature is that your admission also includes access to the park’s mini golf course, giving families even more value for their visit.
What You’ll Find
- Large water slides
- Lazy river
- Zero-depth entry pool
- Interactive splash playground
- Sand play area
- Mini golf included
Admission
Daily admission fees apply, with discounts available for residents and season pass holders.
Food
Cascade Bay offers a concession stand serving pizza, burgers, hot dogs, snacks, frozen treats, and beverages. While outside food isn’t allowed inside the park, picnic areas are available nearby if you’d like to pack a lunch.
Best For: Families with children of all ages looking for a full-day adventure.
Bunker Beach Water Park – Coon Rapids
Bunker Beach is one of the largest outdoor water parks in Minnesota, and it’s easy to see why families return year after year.
Its massive wave pool is one of the biggest in the state, creating waves that kids absolutely love. Older children and teens can spend hours racing down the six towering water slides, while younger kids enjoy the interactive splash playground and shallow activity areas.
There is plenty of seating throughout the park, making it a comfortable place for parents to relax while still keeping an eye on the kids.
Highlights
- Giant wave pool
- Six large water slides
- Lazy river
- Children’s splash playground
- Climbing wall
- Activity pool
- Sand play area
Admission
Daily admission is required, and season passes are available.
Food
The concession stand serves burgers, pizza, fries, chicken tenders, ice cream, snacks, and drinks.
Outside food is not permitted inside the park, but families can picnic outside the entrance and return with a hand stamp.
Best For: Elementary-aged kids through teenagers.
Splash Valley Water Park – Apple Valley
Splash Valley is a favorite among south metro families because it offers a nice balance between excitement and relaxation.
Children love the colorful sprayground, while older kids enjoy the water slides and leisure pool. Parents often appreciate the lazy river, shaded seating areas, and well-maintained grounds.
The park isn’t overwhelming in size, making it easy to keep track of younger children throughout the day.
Attractions
- Water slides
- Lazy river
- Sprayground
- Leisure pool
- Lawn games
- Shaded seating
Admission
Admission is charged daily, with discounted rates for Apple Valley residents.
Food
Food concessions are available, and cabanas can be rented if you’d like a little extra shade during your visit.
Best For: Toddlers through middle school students.
Como Regional Park Pool – St. Paul
Planning to visit Como Zoo? Consider adding the Como Regional Park Pool to your day.
Located just steps from the zoo and conservatory, this aquatic center is an easy way to cool off after spending the morning visiting animals and gardens.
Kids enjoy the water slides and splash features, while adults appreciate the lazy river and spacious seating areas.
Features
- Lazy river
- Water slides
- Splash play area
- Diving boards
- Lap swimming area
Admission
Affordable daily admission makes this one of the better values in the metro.
Food
Concessions are available during open swim hours.
Best For: Families already planning a trip to Como Zoo or Como Park.
Highland Park Aquatic Center – St. Paul
One of St. Paul’s newer aquatic centers, Highland Park combines modern amenities with attractions for swimmers of every age.
Little ones enjoy the whale-themed splash area while confident swimmers head straight for the tall water slide. There are also diving boards and lap lanes for those looking to practice swimming or simply enjoy the water.
The facility is clean, spacious, and family-friendly.
Highlights
- Large water slide
- Children’s splash area
- Diving boards
- Lap pool
- Zero-depth play area
Admission
Reasonably priced daily admission.
Food
Concession stand available.
Best For: Families with children ranging from preschool through high school.
Jim Lupient Water Park – St. Louis Park
Jim Lupient Water Park has become a summer tradition for many west metro families.
Its zero-depth entry makes it welcoming for younger swimmers, while older kids enjoy the water slides and diving boards. Parents often appreciate the manageable size, making supervision easier than at some larger parks.
Attractions
- Water slides
- Zero-depth pool
- Diving boards
- Sand play area
- Lap swimming
Admission
Daily admission required.
Food
Concession stand on-site.
Outside food is not allowed inside the facility, although nearby picnic areas are available.
Best For: Families with elementary and middle school-aged children.
North Commons Water Park – Minneapolis
If you’re looking for an affordable way to spend a summer afternoon, North Commons Water Park is a fantastic option. Located in north Minneapolis, this smaller water park offers plenty of fun without the crowds you may find at some of the larger facilities.
The park features a three-story water slide, shallow play areas, and a splash zone that’s perfect for younger swimmers. Families also appreciate that the admission price is budget-friendly, making it easy to visit multiple times throughout the summer.
What You’ll Find
- Three-story water slide
- Children’s splash area
- Shallow activity pool
- Lounge chairs
- Plenty of green space
Admission
Daily admission is required and is one of the most affordable water parks in the metro.
Food
A concession stand offers drinks, snacks, and light meals during operating hours.
Best For: Families looking for a fun day without spending a fortune.
Great River Water Park – St. Paul
If Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, Great River Water Park is an excellent backup plan. This indoor water park is open year-round, making it perfect for rainy summer days or even winter swimming.
Unlike the outdoor parks, this facility includes a large indoor pool, lazy river, climbing wall, and exciting water slides.
Highlights
- Indoor water slides
- Lazy river
- Children’s play area
- Lap pool
- Rock climbing wall
Admission
Daily admission and memberships are available.
Food
Unlike many outdoor water parks, Great River Water Park allows families to bring small snacks that can be enjoyed at designated tables. Glass containers, peanuts, and alcohol are not permitted.
Best For: Rainy days and year-round family fun.
The Best FREE Splash Pads Around the Twin Cities
Sometimes the best summer adventures don’t cost a thing. The Twin Cities is home to dozens of free splash pads that are perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-aged kids. Many are located next to playgrounds, picnic shelters, walking trails, and libraries, making them easy places to spend an entire afternoon.
Eagan Central Park Splash Pad – Eagan
One of the nicest free splash pads in the south metro, Eagan Central Park combines water fun with one of the area’s best playgrounds.
Families can easily spend several hours here thanks to the walking paths, picnic tables, open green space, and nearby restaurants.
Admission: Free
Amenities
- Splash pad
- Large playground
- Picnic areas
- Walking trails
- Restrooms
Round Lake Park Splash Pad – Eden Prairie
Round Lake Park offers much more than just a splash pad. Families love combining the water play area with the nearby swimming beach, playground, and shaded picnic areas.
It’s one of those parks where you can easily spend an entire day without feeling rushed.
Admission: Free
Amenities
- Splash pad
- Beach
- Playground
- Walking trails
- Picnic shelters
Oak Hill Park Splash Pad – St. Louis Park
Oak Hill Park is especially popular with younger children because everything is close together. Parents can comfortably watch children move between the playground and splash pad without having to cover long distances.
The mature trees also provide plenty of welcome shade during hot afternoons.
Admission: Free
Andrews Park Splash Pad – Champlin
This north metro favorite offers a creative splash area with fun water features designed for children of all ages.
The park also includes:
- Large playground
- Sand volleyball
- Covered picnic pavilion
- Plenty of seating for parents
It’s an excellent destination for birthday parties or family gatherings.
Conway Park Splash Pad – St. Paul
Conway Park is much more than a splash pad. Families also enjoy the playground, recreation center, and nearby Sun Ray Library, making it easy to turn your visit into a full day of activities.
It’s an especially great option if you have children with different interests.
Admission: Free
Phalen Beach Splash Pad – St. Paul
Why choose between a splash pad and a beach when you can have both?
Located next to beautiful Lake Phalen, kids can cool off in the splash pad before building sandcastles on the beach. The park also offers miles of walking trails, playgrounds, fishing, and plenty of picnic space.
Admission: Free
Minneapolis Splash Pads
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board operates more than 50 free splash pads and wading pools throughout the city. Many are open daily during the summer season and feature nearby playgrounds, shaded seating, restrooms, and picnic areas. Because locations occasionally close for maintenance, it’s a good idea to check the city’s online status map before heading out.
Some local favorites include:
- Wabun Picnic Area
- Waite Park
- Currie Park
- Franklin Steele Square
- Victory Park
- Bottineau Park
Money-Saving Tips for Visiting Water Parks
A day at the water park can add up quickly, especially for larger families. Here are a few simple ways to save money.
- Visit during resident discount days if you live nearby.
- Purchase season passes if you plan to visit several times.
- Pack a picnic whenever outside food is allowed.
- Bring refillable water bottles.
- Visit during evening discount hours when available.
- Arrive early to grab shaded seating without renting a cabana.
What to Pack for a Successful Water Park Day
Having a few essentials can make your visit much more enjoyable.
Consider bringing:
- Plenty of sunscreen
- Waterproof sandals or water shoes
- Extra towels
- Dry clothes for the ride home
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Refillable water bottles
- Goggles for younger swimmers
- Hats and sunglasses
- Small first aid kit
- Portable phone charger
- Lightweight beach blanket
These are also great products to link through your Amazon affiliate account since they’re items many families purchase every summer.
One of the best things about living in Minnesota is that you don’t have to travel very far to create unforgettable summer memories. Whether your family enjoys racing down towering water slides, floating through lazy rivers, or simply watching toddlers laugh as they run through fountains, there’s a destination for every age and every budget.
Many of these parks also pair beautifully with nearby playgrounds, beaches, hiking trails, and picnic areas, making it easy to turn a simple afternoon into an all-day family adventure.
No matter which destination you choose, don’t forget the sunscreen, plenty of water, and your camera—you’ll want to capture these summer memories while they last.
Have a favorite Twin Cities water park or splash pad that didn’t make our list? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear where your family likes to cool off during the summer.
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