Wabun Picnic Area
A family-friendly oasis in Minnehaha Park, featuring a fenced splash pad, playground, and reservable picnic shelters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Wabun Picnic Area
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-friendly oasis in Minnehaha Park, featuring a fenced splash pad, playground, and reservable picnic shelters.
"My favorite splash pad for littles! It is completely fenced in and has a zero depth shallow wading pool."
🎯 Reserve a Pavilion Early
Popular shelters book up fast, especially for weekend events. Plan ahead to secure your spot for group gatherings.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking between the playground, wading pool, and picnic spots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fenced Wading Pool & Splash Pad
Main recreation area
A safe, zero-depth water play zone perfect for toddlers and young children to cool off and have fun.
+1Adjacent Playground
Next to wading pool
Features accessible play areas and a mix of rubberized surfaces and sand, catering to various play preferences.
+1Picnic Shelters & Grills
Throughout the area
Several large pavilions are available for reservation, complete with picnic tables and nearby grills, ideal for group events.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Perfect for Little Ones
+1Group Gathering Spot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Reserve a Pavilion Early
Popular shelters book up fast, especially for weekend events. Plan ahead to secure your spot for group gatherings.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking between the playground, wading pool, and picnic spots.
💧 Bring Swim Gear
Don't forget swimsuits and towels for the kids to enjoy the splash pad and wading pool!
☀️ Shade is Plentiful
Large, mature trees offer natural shade, but consider bringing extra shade if you plan to stay long.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Reserve a Pavilion Early
Popular shelters book up fast, especially for weekend events. Plan ahead to secure your spot for group gatherings.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking between the playground, wading pool, and picnic spots.
💧 Bring Swim Gear
Don't forget swimsuits and towels for the kids to enjoy the splash pad and wading pool!
☀️ Shade is Plentiful
Large, mature trees offer natural shade, but consider bringing extra shade if you plan to stay long.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Wabun Picnic Area's excellent facilities for young children, particularly the fenced wading pool and playground. The availability of reservable picnic shelters and grills makes it a top choice for group gatherings. While most experiences are positive, occasional issues with stranger behavior have been noted.
"It was so much fun place and people were nice around. Eye nice and huge park. Water park and sand play place for kids."
om Basnet
"Beautiful park with gazebos and plenty of parking. I was in a group of 3 people in the gazebo having great conversation when this stranger sat down beside us. He was respectfully asked to leave us alone and refused. Ruined an otherwise pleasant experience."
Dog8TheHomework
"Great playground and wading pool. Most of the playground is on rubberized ground, but a small section with sand is also a big hit. Lots of benches, picnic tables, and big old trees for shade. Restroom area is decent."
Kathryn-Ann Cravillion
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wabun Picnic Area is located within Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis, MN. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options are also available via Metro Transit buses that stop near the park.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at Wabun Picnic Area, which is convenient for families and groups.
Yes, Wabun Picnic Area is situated along the Mississippi River, near Minnehaha Falls. A path across the parking lot leads down to the falls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Wabun Picnic Area is part of Minnehaha Regional Park, which generally has free entry. However, reservations for picnic shelters may incur a fee.
The wading pool and splash pad typically operate seasonally during the warmer months. It's best to check the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation website for specific operating hours and dates.
While some picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis, it is highly recommended to reserve a pavilion for group gatherings, especially on weekends or holidays.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Wabun Picnic Area offers a fenced wading pool and splash pad for young children, an adjacent playground with accessible features, and several picnic shelters with grills. There are also trails nearby for walking and exploring. +1
Absolutely! The zero-depth wading pool is perfect for children aged 5 and under, and the fenced area provides added safety.
Yes, there are public restrooms located within the Wabun Picnic Area, which are generally well-maintained.
While dogs are welcome in Minnehaha Regional Park on leash, they are typically not allowed in the immediate vicinity of the playground and wading pool areas for hygiene and safety reasons. Always check park regulations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, many of the picnic shelters are equipped with grills, making it easy to have a cookout.
When reserving a pavilion, you can typically confirm if grills are included or available nearby.
While Wabun Picnic Area is primarily for picnicking, there may be food concessions or cafes within the larger Minnehaha Regional Park, especially near Minnehaha Falls. It's advisable to bring your own food and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The wading pool and playground offer fun shots of children playing. The surrounding parkland and mature trees provide a scenic backdrop for family photos.
The picnic shelters and green spaces make Wabun a great location for casual event photography, like birthday parties or family reunions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
+1The adjacent playground features accessible equipment and a mix of surfaces, ensuring fun for all little ones. With multiple picnic shelters and plenty of space, it's easy to organize a birthday party or a simple family picnic. Remember to pack swimsuits and towels for maximum enjoyment!
🎉 Group Event Organizers
Booking a shelter in advance is crucial, especially for weekend events. The surrounding green space also provides ample room for games and activities, ensuring your group has a memorable time. It's a popular spot for everything from casual family reunions to organized meetups.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Day-Trippers
Enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of mature trees, or take a short stroll to the nearby Minnehaha Falls. It's a great spot to combine a picnic with a bit of light exploration of the surrounding natural landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Family Fun at Wabun
+1The adjacent playground complements the water features, providing a variety of play structures. It's noted for having accessible play areas, making it more inclusive. The ground surface is a mix of rubberized material and sand, catering to different preferences.
+1With multiple picnic shelters and ample green space, it's easy to set up for a family picnic or a birthday party. The combination of water play, playground fun, and picnic facilities makes Wabun a complete destination for a family outing.
Group Gatherings and Events
Many of the shelters are situated near grills, allowing for easy cookouts and barbecues. This makes it a popular spot for events where food preparation is part of the plan. It's recommended to book these shelters in advance, especially for weekend dates, as they are in high demand.
Beyond the shelters, the park offers plenty of open green space for outdoor games and activities, making it versatile for various types of events. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, contributing to a successful gathering.
Location and Accessibility
+1The area is accessible by car, with ample parking available, which is a significant plus for families and groups carrying supplies. For those using public transportation, Metro Transit buses serve the vicinity of Minnehaha Regional Park, making it reachable without a personal vehicle.
The park itself is known for its natural beauty, with mature trees providing shade and a pleasant environment. The trails within and around the picnic area offer opportunities for leisurely strolls and enjoying the outdoors.
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