Keewaydin Park

Keewaydin Park occupies a sweet spot in the Nokomis neighborhood: it's more than a playground but less overwhelming than a major destination park. The combination of outdoor playground space, open athletic fields, and an attached recreation center gives families options depending on the day, the weather, and how much energy the kids have left.

The playground equipment is solid for the 3-10 age range, with structures and swings in a maintained setting. The open fields adjacent to the playground give bigger kids room to actually run and play without being confined to the equipment — bring a ball and let them go. For parents, the rec center affiliation means there's often something programmed during summer — drop-in activities, youth sports, and seasonal camps run through the Minneapolis Parks system.

The Nokomis neighborhood location is a plus for families who know the area. Keewaydin sits within biking distance of Lake Nokomis and the Minnehaha Creek trail, so the park is a natural component of a bigger active day rather than a standalone destination. Bike to the park, play, then ride to the lake for a swim — that's a solid summer morning.

The recreation center matters more in shoulder seasons and winter. While the outdoor space is the main draw in summer, the rec center has indoor programming through the year — which means Keewaydin remains relevant even when the playground is frozen solid. Check the Minneapolis Parks schedule for drop-in gym access, youth basketball, and other seasonal programs.