Spring is here and it’s time to get back outside. Whether you are looking for an exciting adventure or you just want a laid-back day to take in the good weather and fresh air, Maple Grove Park, Minnesota, has a many awesome parks for you to enjoy. Let’s take a look at four awesome parks near Maple Grove, Minnesota, where you can enjoy a fun day outside

1. Central Park of Maple Grove

Image used with permission via Unsplash by Gayatri Malhotra

If you’re looking for a park that you can enjoy throughout the entire day, visit Central Park of Maple Grove. Complete with an interactive fountain, trails, gardens, and even a labyrinth, this park will keep you entertained for hours. The Interactive Fountain, or Splashpad, is a 2100-square-foot common area with arching streams of water from a variety of jets and cascading sprays. Don’t worry about clean water as it is all sent and recycled through a pool-grade filtration system. In the evening, all ages can delight in an LED light show while relishing the cooling sprays. 

However, if you are interested in a more quiet and contemplative adventure, consider taking a stroll through the labyrinth. You can visit by yourself or with a partner for a relaxing and fruitful experience. Close to a garden loaded with assorted flora for your viewing pleasure, park guests can fill their time with a plethora of activities, such as pickleball and basketball, ascending the 120-foot climbing wall, ice skating from November to March, walking the trail around Storm pond, and picnics in the pavilion or the great lawn.

2. Elm Creek Park Reserve

The Elm Creek Park Reserve is the perfect space for a variety of activities to suit your outdoor needs. It is the biggest park in the area at 4,900 acres. Whether it’s winter or spring, you can find miles of hiking and biking trails, check out wildlife, or check out the Eastman Nature Center with its floating boardwalk and outdoor events . This rustic landscape will give you views and relaxation to your heart’s content. There are picnic tables in the shade or in the sun so you can enjoy lunch with family and friends while taking in the lush scenery. You can even go swimming in their man-made pond for a tiny $5 fee.  

With no shortage of things to do, Elm Creek Park features an archery range, a disc golf course, and a swimming pond. For educational purposes, you can head over to the Historic Pierre Bottineau House, home of the famous hunter, trader, entrepreneur, and founder of several Minnesota cities. And, if your family likes to bike, you can easily jump onto the 12-mile, single-track trail for an exhilarating ride. Don’t worry; there are portions suitable for all skill levels. Open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, there’s no admission and this park could easily become the center stage for all of your outdoor recreation. 

3. Fish Lake Regional Park

Fish Lake Regional Park should definitely be on your list of places to go when you want to get outside in Maple Park, Minnesota. Parking is free and the terrain lends itself to a plethora of activities for whatever you desire. It is a wooded, lakeside setting where you’ll find plenty of space for swimming, boating, or ice fishing. 

If you plan to have a picnic, you can rent a pavilion and sit with friends and family. Bring your dog and go for a walk on the many paved trails, or let your pet play in the fully fenced-in, off-leash area for dogs. It’s not only perfect for spring and summer activities, but in the fall you can take in the amazing and colorful foliage along the Lakeside, go snowshoeing, or just go hiking through the woods for a little extra exercise.

Park enthusiasts have given some other excellent suggestions for this park as well, including playing volleyball near the beach. If water activities are more your speed, you can go kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boating. For more solitary water activity, you can definitely bring your gear and your license and go fishing. If you love a good scavenger hunt, you can go geocaching alone or with a group of friends. Fish Lake Park should definitely be on your list if you are hoping to get some outside fun this spring and summer. It’s the perfect setting for your next outdoor excursion.

4. Weaver Lake Park

Weaver Lake Park is considered one of the best parks in the Maple Grove area and has plenty of space for you to spread out and enjoy yourselves in the great outdoors. Similar to Fish Lake, this park has a wonderful beach for you to bask in the sun and many places for you to picnic and play. 

If you’re interested in waterfront activity, there is a large tube slide on the beach and you can also go fishing off the pier. Safety is a priority and the public beach facility at this park guarantees lifeguards and a park supervisor on duty. In fact, swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are present. From 12 noon to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, come and get your fill of the water at Weaver Lake.

For those who want to stretch their legs or burn off some energy, there are plenty of spaces to get some exercise. Weaver Park has a plethora of tennis courts, ball fields, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and bicycle trails. It is a great place to bring a group for some friendly competition and gameplay. No matter the season, Weaver Lake Park has something for you.

You can have a good time at any of these five excellent parks recommended by Creme De la Creme of Maple Grove, MN, Minnesota. Take the kids along and make the best of the spring and summer. Did we miss one of your favorites? If we did, please let us know. We love to share the wealth of outdoor opportunities with our friends and family.