About This Playground
🌳 Wabun Playground is a popular recreational area located within Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It features stunning views of the Mississippi River and offers a variety of play equipment for children of different ages along with picnic areas and nearby hiking trails.
Visitor Experience: Wabun Playground receives mostly positive reviews from visitors who appreciate its spacious layout, variety of equipment, and beautiful setting within Minnehaha Park. Families particularly enjoy the well-maintained facilities and natural surroundings.>
More about this playground
Playground Type
Address
4825 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
Coordinates
44.91573, -93.20442
Hours of Operation
Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead for confirmation.
Playground Features
Age Suitability
The playground has separate play areas designed for different age groups: a toddler area (2-5 years) with smaller equipment and a section for older children (5-12 years) with more challenging structures.
Equipment Available
Features include multiple swing sets, climbing structures, slides, spinners, balance beams, tunnels, and interactive play panels. The playground has modern equipment that was updated during a recent renovation.
Shaded Areas
There are several mature trees throughout the playground providing natural shade, as well as some covered picnic areas nearby. However, some play structures are in full sun during midday.
Seating For Parents
Multiple benches are positioned around the playground perimeter, allowing parents to supervise while children play. There are also picnic tables in adjacent areas.
Restroom Availability
Clean restroom facilities are available near the playground area and are open seasonally (typically April through October).
Drinking Fountains
Several drinking fountains are available near the restrooms and picnic areas, including some with bottle-filling stations.
Safety Accessibility
Fencing
The playground is partially fenced, with natural boundaries formed by landscaping elements, but is not completely enclosed.
Surface Material
The playground features a combination of engineered wood fiber mulch and rubber surfaces under equipment to provide fall protection.
Ada Accessibility
The playground includes several accessible play features and pathways that accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices.
Cleanliness Maintenance
The playground and surrounding areas are well-maintained by Minneapolis Park staff, with regular cleaning and equipment inspections.
Additional Amenities
Nearby Parking
A large parking lot is available adjacent to the playground area with additional overflow parking nearby during busy periods. Parking is free but can fill up on summer weekends and holidays.
Pet Policy
Dogs are welcome in the park but must be leashed at all times and are not permitted within the playground area itself.
Bike Racks
Several bike racks are available near the playground entrance, encouraging eco-friendly transportation.
Nearby Food Options
Picnic areas are available for those who bring their own food. Sea Salt Eatery, a seasonal restaurant near Minnehaha Falls, is within walking distance (approximately 10-15 minutes).
Sports Areas
The larger park complex includes sports fields, basketball courts, and disc golf areas a short walk from the playground.
Walking / Biking Trails Nearby
The playground connects to the extensive Minnehaha Park trail system, including paths along the Mississippi River and to Minnehaha Falls. The Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway also passes nearby.
Community Reviews
User Submitted Photos
Numerous photos show children enjoying the varied equipment, picnic areas, and natural surroundings of the playground.
Recent Reviews
Recent visitors praise the playground's cleanliness, variety of play options, and beautiful setting. Some mention that it can get crowded on nice weekend days.
Crowd Levels
Typically busiest on weekend afternoons and holidays during summer months. Weekday mornings are generally less crowded.
Special Events
The playground and surrounding park host various seasonal events throughout the year, including summer concerts, cultural festivals, and nature programs.
User Experience
Entrance Fee
Free admission to both the playground and surrounding Minnehaha Regional Park.
Space For Groups
The playground area and adjacent picnic facilities can accommodate larger groups, though reservations for picnic shelters are recommended for organized gatherings.
Nature Connection
Located in a natural setting with views of the Mississippi River gorge, mature trees, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Noise Level
Moderate noise levels from playing children, but the spacious setting helps dissipate sound. Occasional aircraft noise due to proximity to MSP airport.
Aesthetic Design
The playground has a natural aesthetic that complements its park setting, using earth tones and materials that blend with the environment.
Safety Regulations
Security Presence
Park police regularly patrol the area, especially during busy summer months.
Rules Restrictions
Standard playground rules apply, including adult supervision requirements, no smoking, and proper use of equipment. Park hours are from 6am to midnight.
First Aid Availability
No permanent first aid station, but park staff are trained in basic first aid. Emergency services can access the playground area if needed.
Community Interaction
Community Activities
The playground serves as a gathering spot for community events, playgroups, and informal meetups among local families.
Social Interaction
The layout encourages cooperative play and social interaction between children, with equipment designed for multiple users and open spaces for group activities.
Sustainability Environment
Eco Friendly Practices
The playground and park implement sustainable practices including native plantings, stormwater management systems, and recycling stations.
Renewable Energy
Some solar-powered lighting is used in the park area, though not specifically at the playground itself.
Walkability Bike Access
The playground is accessible via bike paths and pedestrian walkways, connecting to the larger Minneapolis Grand Rounds trail system. It's located approximately 1 mile from the 46th Street light rail station.
Reviews
Tiffany Rupp
6 months ago
If you are looking for a park to fit all your ages from baby to 12. They have a water play area that features a gentle fountain and covered sitting area. Those under 5 do need supervision as some areas will be a bit deep for them. The bathrooms are in decent condition, maybe just a little old. Plenty of picnic shelters, a volleyball court, swings, two handicapped accessible swinging chairs, a sand playground, a playground for with wheelchair accessible features. Oh and the disc golf course!
View on GoogleDeborah Russell
8 months ago
So much different aspects of this park encourage imaginative play!! My ten year old had a great time playing camp 🏕️ and we stayed for so long here for all the kids to play out the story. Definitely a playground we would like to return to!
View on GoogleWayne O
a year ago
We visited on a chilly April Monday. Although the pool and restrooms were closed, it was still a good place to bring the kids. Nice play equipment and tables.
View on GoogleJon Laursen Roesler
a year ago
Lots of families and kids here today, on Mother’s Day! It was a long, snowy winter and it feels good to be out in the sun with temps in the upper 60s. Kids love the he playground equipment here!
View on GoogleDan Fredell
2 years ago
The Wabun Park Picnic Area Wading Pool was a blast for my 2.5 year old. The deep side was only 1.5ft deep. There were bathrooms right there for us to change into our swimsuits. Then we played at the playground and grilled up dinner.
View on Google