Named as the \"Happiest Place for Families\" by a 2009 Sperling BestPlaces survey, Minneapolis, Minnesota offers plenty of family-friendly recreational activities around the city. Visiting a water park is just one of the many activities families can do in Minneapolis. With twisting slides, splash pools and water gadgets, an afternoon at a water park can be an entertaining outing for the entire family.
Jim Lupient Water Park is conveniently located off of I-35W in northeast Minneapolis and is operated by the city's parks and recreation department. Designed and landscaped to resemble the old rock quarry on which it was built, this outdoor water park features large decorative stones, foam logs and other quarry-themed play equipment. The water park has three slides, a log water walk, a lap swimming section, a water volleyball court and separate pools for toddlers. Park visitors can catch a tan by sprawling out in the a large grassy sunbathing area. A concession stand, showers, lockers and shade areas make up the water park's amenities. The covered shelters accommodate 15 people and can be reserved for birthday parties or other events.
Jim Lupient Water Park
1520 Johnson Street NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612-370-4937?
minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=364
Located in downtown Minneapolis, this train-themed water park is the city's only indoor water park and is open year-round. In this 15,000 square foot water park, visitors enjoy a three-story slide, four swimming pools, a splash fountain and a large whirlpool. Out of the water, enjoy a pizza, hot dog or ice cream at the snack bar or play video games in the arcade. This park is connected to two hotels, both offering several overnight water park packages. Non-hotel guests can purchase a day pass to access the water park. Day passes are limited--call the water park to ensure availability.
Water Park at the Depot
225 3rd Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-375-1700?
thedepotminneapolis.com
With YMCA-trained life guards on duty and plenty of activities, North Commons Water Park is a safe, kid-friendly outdoor water park. This water park features two water slides: a tall, three-story speed slide and a loop slide. Younger children can have fun in a splash pool with water-spouting geysers, fountains and other water toys. A zero-depth wading pool is available for toddlers. After a few hours of sliding, splashing and swimming, visitors can relax and have a snack at the concession stand. The water park also offers special YMCA-hosted events throughout the summer.
North Commons Water Park
1701 Golden Valley Rd.
Minneapolis, MN 55411
612-370-4945
minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=365
