happyly approved

Shady Oak Beach and Community Play Area

Shady Oak Beach, Shady Oak Road, Minnetonka, MN, USA

Daily 10:00am - 8:00pm, check the website for summer beach hours.

$$

swim, run, bike-trails, water-activities

The Shady Oak Beach and community play area have a seasonal playground and beach for families.

Families looking for summer fun can head to Shady Oak Beach and Community Play Area! Here, not only will you find a stunning water-front playground, but a long stretch of sandy beach with a lifeguard on duty. Not to mention, scenic views of Shady Oak Lake.

Accurately named because of the field of oak trees providing lovely shade around the area, this popular Minnetonka park is ideal for summer days spent in the sun together! The playground and beach area are fenced, allowing families to visit with ease knowing their kids will be able to safely run and play. On the playground, kids can scurry through tunnels, dig for hidden fossils, and race down slides. Outside of the fenced area, there are plenty of walking and biking paths, areas to fish, and public docks for kayaks and canoes. Fishing is also permitted here. 

Then, families can also enjoy sunny days on the beach. Families will certainly appreciate the lifeguard on duty, as well as a concession stand, changing areas (family-style, men's, and women's options), and a first-aid area. Those looking to explore the waters a bit more can also rent (or bring their own) kayaks or canoes. Along the beach, there are shaded seating areas and picnic tables too.

Please note that there is a small fee to access the beach and facilities (full-season passes are available too). Free, off-street parking is widely available, as are off-season portable toilets. The covered picnic table area is a great place for having lunch or dinner (charcoal grills are available).

Features

Parking Restrooms Playground Biking Beach Fishing Walking Path
Thoughtfully captured by:
Antonia Grant
Antonia Grant is a life-long learner and avid adventurer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She loves equipping families with the tools and confidence they need to travel and adventure together. Antonia is also a strong believer in the beauty of multigenerational relationships and travel. Her main adventure buddies are her husband and young daughter. As a family, they love trying new restaurants, hiking, and traveling the world! By day she works at Carleton College, by night she is a Minneapolis ambassador for happyly. She’s always seeking new adventures to write about and share. Connect with Antonia on Instagram @knead.to.roam!
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