Lake Minnetonka Regional Park Playground

Out in Minnetrista, this playground is genuinely one of the biggest in the metro area — multiple levels, tunnels, climbing structures, and slides that’ll keep kids busy long enough for you to actually enjoy your lunch. The sandbox is well-kept, which sounds like a small thing until you’ve dealt with the alternative. Pack a cooler, because the BBQ and picnic setup here is legit, with shaded seating that actually delivers on a hot July afternoon. The swim pond with its sandy beach is the real draw for families — clean, lifeguarded, and way less chaotic than you’d expect on a summer weekend. Honestly, between the bike track, walking path, and beach access, you could easily burn a full day here without running out of things to do.