So with summer almost done with I really need to take my family to some of the fun activities outdoors. I live in Eden Prairie so I am willing to do some driving. not over an 1 hour though. I heard there was a park in Bloomington that is fun, does anyone know the name or what I am referring to?
I have done Como park, Splash Pad in St Louis Park. We haven't done any canoeing or boating. What have been some fun outdoor activites that you have tried? I need to take advantage before its too late.
Thanks a bunch
It's "Chutes & Ladders" park in Bloomington. I've heard it's awesome. You can find it on the internet to see where it's at. Otherwise there's the MN Zoo, Centennial Lakes, etc. Have fun!
Cleary Lake down by Prior Lake is right next to a golf course and offers some wonderful picnicing areas, a beach with roped swimming area, concession stand with canoe and paddle boat rental and there is a really nice walking/bike path that goes around the whole lake. Our family loves going there!
Chutes and Ladders is the name of the play area at Hyland Park in Bloomington; it's really fun. Go on a warm, sunny day, and bring/wear swimsuit and towels so your kids can go in the spray part of the playground.
The Bloomington park is called Chutes and Ladders and it is at Hyland nature center, but the BIG playground is definitely for older kids than 2 and 4. We play alot outside in our own yard... scooters, skateboards, baseball, catch, kickball, waterfights etc. Good old-fashioned simple play. My kids adore it when I play outside at home all day with them. Outside picnic lunches are always a hit or even pitching a tent in the backyard and "camping" during the day and going on bug hunts is always fun!
Bloomington aquatic center and cascade bay in Eagan are fun pools. The Edina pool would be great for your little ones - they have a playland in the water and no kids over age 7 or 8 can be in that area. My kids loved it when they were smaller. Prior Lake has a sand beach that's clean and fun. The MN zoo in apple valley has an exhibit of african animals just for the summer that's cool.Have fun!
DM,
The park you are referring to is Hyland Park Play Area at 10145 Bush Lake Road in Bloomington, otherwise known as "Chutes and Ladders." They just finished remodeling it. http://www.threeriversparkdistrict.com/parks/park.cfm
Since you are willing to drive 30-45 minutes, I would recommend...
Cascade Bay Waterpark in Eagan http://www.ci.eagan.mn.us/live/page.asp?menu=8891
Renaissance Festival in Shakopee
http://renaissancefest.com/MRF/index.html
Minnehaha Park and waterfall – picnic area
Apple Valley Water Park 11 am – 8 pm $7.50 or 10 punch card for $70 http://www.ci.apple-valley.mn.us/Parks/Facilities/Aquatic...
The Landing – Minnesota River Heritage Park http://www.threeriversparkdistrict.org/outdoor_ed/murphys...
Gale Woods Farm http://www.threeriversparkdistrict.org/parks/galewoods_up...
Oliver H. Kelly Farm http://www.mnhs.org/places/sites/ohkf/visitkelley.html
Apple picking http://www.minnesotaharvest.net
Hope you enjoy the rest of your summer,
S.
The Jim Lupient Water Park in St. Anthony is lots of fun. It has a mini splash pad, slides (for over 42") and a pool (max depth is 4.5 feet). It cost $4 after 6 pm (closes at 8 pm) and I believe it is $6 for an all-day pass. They didn't charge for my daughter who is three, but I'm not sure what the exact age cut-off is. It is a blast!
Lake Minnetonka Regional Park out on Hwy 7 and Hwy 44 by Minnetrista has a great playground (huge for all ages) then they have a sandy pool. Very cool.
Here is the link.
http://www.threeriversparks.org/parks/lake-minnetonka-par...
The park you are talking about is called Chutes and Ladders. You can find it by looking at the Three Rivers Park website. I live in EP as well and there is so much to do. Take advantage of the Museum Pass at the library. Even if the description says it's for kids 5 and older, still take your kids. My kids are 6, almost 4, and 2 and I take them to these places and all of them have a good time. The library also has special kid days like magic shows, puppet shows, the circus, etc. You can find it online or get a brochure from the library. There are a ton of beaches like Lake Riley, Lake Ann, Lake Susan, Shady Oak, Minnetonka Regional, Winnewashta, Wacania, Prior Lake, Round Lake, Bryant Lake. There is also another splash pad in Minneapolis on 50th just east of Penn. You can also check out MOMS Club. There are 3 chapters in EP, but they have playgroups, playdates, and outings. Huber Park in Shakopee is also really good, it's by the downtown area and the last Saturday of every month they have outdoor movies there. Minneapolis also has these 3 nights a week. Sorry, I don't know the website, but you can google it to find more info. The River Rats are a waterskiing team in St. Paul. They perform every Thursday night and it's free. Don't forget about Staring Lake on Tuesdays, they have free kid concerts. There is so much to do and I feel that summer is so short to get it all in. Our basic week looks like this (1 each day): new park, new beach, use the museum pass, playgroup, library activity and/or playdate. We never go to the same place twice. We started this rule at the beginning of summer. We can't repeat a place until we've tried all the places we want to go first. We decided on no camps this year and I'm glad we did. Both the kids and I are having a great summer.
Apple Valley has a splash pad too off of Cty.Rd.42 by the courthouse.
Hyland Park Reserve in Bloomington has a AWESOME park and it's by the lake so you can rent a paddleboat etc.
chutes and ladders at hyland park reserve in bloomington. it's awesome, huge play area, lots of hiking, reserve also has a beach and i think there maybe boat rentals... check out the "three rivers park district"
