South Metro Outdoor Spaces Your Kids Will Love
Best South Metro Twin Cities Parks and Nature Centers for Family Adventures
When home-shopping, we often focus on the house itself - square footage, bedroom count, and that kitchen island we've been dreaming about. But as a realtor who's helped countless families find their perfect south metro home (and as a mom of two who values her sanity), I can tell you that easy access to natural spaces might just become your family's most-used amenity.
[FREE DOWNLOAD: Don't miss our Nature Adventure Scavenger Hunt at the end of this article - a perfect way to keep kids engaged at any of these parks!]
If you're exploring the Twin Cities south metro area - whether as a potential homebuyer or a current resident looking for weekend adventures - these family-friendly parks and nature centers should be on your radar. I've personally tested these outdoor destinations with my own little nature explorers, so I can vouch for their kid-friendly appeal! From Eagan to Prior Lake, these eight destinations offer the perfect mix of adventure, education, and outdoor activities for families of all ages.
1. Lebanon Hills Regional Park & Visitor Center (Eagan) - Top Twin Cities Nature Center
As the largest park in Dakota County, Lebanon Hills offers something for every family. With over 2,000 acres featuring multiple lakes, extensive hiking trails, and a top-notch Visitor Center, this park has been deemed "awesome" by my son's highly scientific measurement system and is truly a year-round destination for outdoor activities in the Twin Cities.
Why your family will love it: The variety of kid-friendly activities makes this park a winner no matter the season. Summer brings swimming and paddle sports (canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals available), while winter transforms the park into a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing haven. The Visitor Center serves as the perfect starting point with helpful staff who can recommend age-appropriate trails, educational exhibits, and equipment rentals.
Pro tip: Check the Visitor Center's event calendar before your trip - they offer fantastic family programming throughout the year that can turn a simple hike into an educational adventure for kids of all ages.
2. Ritter Farm Park (Lakeville) - Hidden Gem for Family Hikes
This 250-acre hidden gem in Lakeville features 6+ miles of hiking trails through restored prairie and wooded areas. The historic farm site adds educational value to your family adventure in the south metro.
Why your family will love it: The varied terrain creates perfect "explorer" opportunities for kids. The trails are challenging enough to feel adventurous but manageable enough for family outings with children. The open spaces make it perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying outdoor activities near Lakeville.
Pro tip: Visit in late summer/early fall when the prairie flowers are in bloom - it's absolutely stunning and perfect for family photos and nature exploration!
3. Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve (Savage/Prior Lake) - Wildlife Watching with Kids
This 2,400-acre wilderness area offers some of the most challenging mountain bike trails in the metro, but also features family-friendly hiking options and incredible bird watching opportunities for Twin Cities families.
Why your family will love it: This is one of the most popular places in the Twin Cities metro area where you might spot bald eagles! The park's commitment to keeping large areas undeveloped means wildlife abounds - pack binoculars for your little explorers and enjoy one of the best outdoor nature experiences in Dakota County.
4. Cleary Lake Regional Park (Prior Lake) - Best Beach for Kids in South Metro
Centered around a 150-acre lake, this family-friendly park features a swimming beach, fishing pier, and paved trails perfect for biking with younger children in the Twin Cities south metro.
Why your family will love it: The graduated swimming area is perfect for kids of different ages and abilities. The off-leash dog area makes this a full family destination (furry members included!), creating an ideal outdoor recreation spot for Prior Lake families.
Seasonal bonus: Winter brings groomed cross-country ski trails and a sledding hill making this one of the best year-round outdoor activity destinations in the south suburbs.
5. Spring Lake Regional Park (Prior Lake) - Peaceful Nature Trails for Families
As a newer addition to the Twin Cities park system, Spring Lake Regional Park features beautiful natural shoreline and developing trail systems that offer impressive views of Spring Lake, making it a perfect destination for family nature walks in the south metro.
Why your family will love it: The less crowded atmosphere makes this perfect for families who need a little more space. The educational markers along trails are perfect for curious little minds learning about Minnesota wildlife and ecosystems. This is one of the best places for peaceful outdoor activities with kids in the southern suburbs.
6. Schwarz Pond Park (Rosemount) - Kid-Friendly Fishing in the Twin Cities
This community park features accessible fishing opportunities, nature trails, and playground equipment - the perfect combination for shorter attention spans and families looking for outdoor activities in Rosemount!
Why your family will love it: The fishing pier is accessible and often yields results even for novice anglers (nothing keeps kids engaged like actually catching fish!). The mix of play equipment and natural areas lets kids transition between structured and unstructured play, making it one of the most versatile parks for young children in the south metro area.
7. Alimagnet Park (Apple Valley) - Perfect for Dogs and Kids
Featuring both natural areas and developed recreation facilities, Alimagnet offers a popular dog park, new playground as of 2024, walking trails, and fishing opportunities for Apple Valley families looking for outdoor activities.
Why your family will love it: The balance of natural and developed amenities means everyone finds something to enjoy. The paved paths are stroller-friendly while still offering nature exposure, making this an excellent destination for families with very young children in the Twin Cities south metro.
Local insight: The dog park here is a community hub. It's one of the best pet-friendly outdoor recreation areas in Dakota County.
8. Whitetail Woods Regional Park (Farmington) - Unique Outdoor Adventure for Kids
One of the newest additions to Dakota County's park system, this 456-acre park features rolling hills, restored prairie, and the Instagram-famous camper cabins elevated among the trees, making it one of the most unique outdoor destinations in the south metro.
Why your family will love it: The award-winning design incorporates natural play areas for children. The 4 miles of hiking trails offer various difficulty levels for growing explorers, perfect for families looking for kid-friendly hikes near Farmington.
Must-see: The elevated camper cabins are booked months in advance for good reason - they offer a unique overnight experience that feels like glamping in a treehouse! This is one of the most exciting outdoor experiences for Twin Cities families in the south metro region.
Planning Your Twin Cities Nature Adventure
Before heading out to any of these south metro parks, I recommend:
Check individual park websites (linked above!) for current hours, amenities, and any special notices - particularly important for seasonal activities in Minnesota
Pack essentials - water, snacks, sun protection, bug spray, and a change of clothes for little ones (especially for water activities)
Download or screenshot trail maps since cell service can be spotty in some areas of these natural spaces
Consider seasonal factors - spring brings mud but fewer crowds, summer offers full amenities but more people, fall delivers stunning colors, and winter transforms the landscape for unique snow activities and adventures
The Real Estate Connection
As a Realtor who specializes in helping families find their perfect south metro home, I've seen firsthand how access to these natural spaces impacts housing decisions and property values. Homes within walking distance or a short drive to these parks often:
+Sell more quickly than comparable homes without nearby nature access
+Command higher prices, especially properties near premier parks like Lebanon Hills
+Create stronger neighborhood satisfaction among families with children
+Build community connections through shared outdoor spaces
If you're considering a move to the Twin Cities south metro, I'd love to help you find a home that balances your indoor must-haves with the outdoor amenities that will truly enhance your family's lifestyle. The perfect home isn't just about what's inside your four walls - it's about the community and natural spaces that become extensions of your home.
FREE RESOURCE
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FREE RESOURCE ---
Nature Adventure Scavenger Hunt
Make your family park visits even more engaging with our FREE printable scavenger hunt!
As a mom who's tried everything to keep little ones engaged on nature walks (yes, even bribing with snacks), I created this scavenger hunt to transform ordinary park visits into exciting adventures.
It works at ANY outdoor space and encourages children to:
+Notice wildlife and plants they might otherwise miss
+Engage their senses in the natural world
+Build observation skills while having fun
+Create lasting family memories
Our scavenger hunt includes:
+Easy-to-spot items for toddlers
+More challenging finds for older kids
+Sensory experiences unique to Minnesota's natural areas
No email required, just click to download, print, and start exploring!
Is access to outdoor spaces important for your family’s next move?
