February 6, 2023 / Featured / By Anne Kingston / 2 Comments / 10 minutes of reading
Don’t discount park birthday parties at your local community center, nature center or park! Should your kid be blessed with a birthday month that begs for some outdoor fun, most options are very reasonable price-wise. Most have reservable, covered spaces to gather for gift openings and goodies, and often kids are perfectly entertained with playground equipment. If a little more direction or theme is desired, nature centers offer naturalist-led programs during birthday parties and options for organized indoor/outdoor activities.
Three Rivers Park District Birthday Parties
Wild Birthday Parties
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, 10360 West River Road, Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
Eastman Nature Center at Elm Creek Park Reserve, 13351 Elm Creek Road, Dayton, MN 55369
Lowry Nature Center at Carver Park Reserve, 7025 Victoria Drive, Victoria, MN 55386
Richardson Nature Center at Hyland Lake Park Reserve, 8737 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN 55438
Recommended ages: 4+
Price: $150 for 15 kids and 6 adults
Details: Two-hour party with the first hour led by a naturalist and the second open forcake and games. Pick from nature program themes include topics like pond exploration, insects or live animals. Book by calling six weeks in advance.
Verified: Feb. 2022
Farm-themed birthday parties
Gale Woods Farm, 7210 County Road 110 West, Minnetrista, MN, USA 55364
Recommended ages: 4+
Price: $90 room rental plus discounted farm admission or up to $175 max for private program for 20 guests.
Details: There are two options for celebrating a birthday party at this wonderful working farm operated by the Three Rivers Parks system: Spend time on the farm and meet some animal friends during a Saturday Morning on the Farm program (April-September only) and reserve a party room for gifts and refreshments. Or book an educator-led private program any time of the year that includes a 1-hour tour and a 1-hour room rental.
Verified: Verified March 2023
Golf birthday parties
Eagle Lake Youth Golf Center, 11000 Bass Lake Road, Plymouth, MN 55442
Recommended ages: 6+
Price: $125 plus tax
Details: Choose between 18-hole mini golf or birdie none-hole pitch-and-putt. Get a two-hour reservation. Bring your own food, tableware, decorations and treats. You do the clean up and set up.
Verified: March 2023
Creative Play
Hyland Play Area, 8737 East Bush Lake Road Bloomington, MN 55438
Recommended ages: All ages, but note that the play structures are giant and the playground very popular in the warmer months. Make this a party for kids who do not need to be highly supervised.
Price: $80 plus tax; 16-guest maximum. Includes two picnic tables.
Details: Host parents are responsible for all setup, cleanup and party decorations and treats.
Availability: Saturday andSundayparty hours May – September.
Verified: March 2023
Outdoor Learning Center Parties
Baker Outdoor Learning Center, 4001 County Rd 24, Maple Plain, MN 55359
Recommended ages: 5+
Price: $225
Details: Outdoor party themes include archery, photography, GPS, insects, Minnesota Animals, Prehistoric skills, rock climbing, snowshoeing and survival. Some parties are not appropriate for younger kids. Price includes a 1.5-hour program of your choice led by a naturalist followed by an hour for refreshments and gifts.
Verified: March 2023
Art Parties
Silverwood Park, 2500 County Rd E St. Anthony, MN 55421
Recommended ages: 5+
Price: $175-$225
Details: Choose from art projects like nature journals, miniature worlds, clay, photography, paper lanterns, vegetable prints and seasonal projects. The parties are scheduled to last 2 hours including time spent on projects and refreshments.
Verified: March 2023
FootGolf Parties
Baker National Golf Course, 2935 Parkview Drive, Medina, MN 55340
Eagle Lake Youth Golf Center, 11000 Bass Lake Road, Plymouth, MN 55442
Recommended ages: All ages
Price: $125 plus tax for up to 20 people.
Details: Footgolf is a cross between golf and soccer and is played on a 9-hole golf course. Fee includes a round of footgolf and party space to gather. Birthday family provides food.
Availability: April-October weather permitting.
Verified: March 2023
Birthday Parties at Regional, City and County Parks
Celebrate yourbirthday child‘sspecial day at a local park with amenities like beaches, playgrounds, basketball, baseball and other outdoor fun.
Anoka County Parks
Bunker Hills Regional Park, 550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
Price: $85-$375/shelter plus activities if desired.
Details: We recommend BUNKER HILLS REGIONAL PARK because there are so many options to choose from when planning your birthday party. Go simple and reserve a picnic pavilion or splurge with a trip to BUNKER BEACH WATER PARK or horseback riding at BUNKER PARK STABLES.
Availability: April-October weather permitting.
Verified: March 2023
Blaine Parks
Lakeside Commons Park, 3020 Lake Drive Northeast, Blaine, MN55449
Price: Rates vary depending on whether you’re a Blaine resident.
Details: Fun park amenities for a party include a beach and splash pad. Rent the pavilion for full or half days.
Availability: Call Blaine Rec for rental details.
Verified: March 2023
Dakota County Parks
Lebanon Hills Regional Park, 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN 55123
Thompson County Park, 360 Butler Avenue East, West St Paul, MN 55118
Whitetail Woods Regional Park, 17100 Station Trail, Farmington, MN 55024
Price: $57-$196 for shelters, $150/themed party for 15 guests (see below).
Details: Picnic shelters are rented by the day. Book online with Dakota County Parks. Additional fees may apply for special permit items such as inflatables or bounce houses. For structured activities, LEBANON HILLS REGIONAL PARK offers themed, year-round birthday parties for kids ages 5-12 staffed by a naturalist.
Availability: Shelters available for reservation April 1st – October 31st.
Verified: March 2023
Eagan Parks
Trapp Farm Park Tubing Hill, 841 Wilderness Run Rd, Eagan, MN 55123
Price: $150; 50-person max plus $5/pp tubing fee.
Details: Snow tubing would make for a rad winter birthday. Parties are not allowed during public hours, but families can reserve the tubing hill for exclusive use during group reservation hours. Call to schedule.
Availability: Fridays,Saturdays&Sundays during tubing season.
Verified: March 2023
Looking for a great place to host a child’s birthday party during the summer in Eagan? Most of the entries on our list of the 10 BEST PARKS IN EAGAN would be perfect! Choose from parks with fun perks like a nature play area, archery course, disc golf, and a splash pad.
Eden Prairie Outdoor Center
Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, 13765 Staring Lake Parkway, Eden Prairie, MN55347
Price: $159 for up to 12 children
Details: Includes a 90-minute naturalist-led program, a short hike, season activities and 30 minutes for cake and party.
Availability: Saturdays 2–4 p.m. and Sundays 1–3 p.m..
Verified: November 2023
Madison’s Place Playground and/or M Health Fairview Sports Center
M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive, Woodbury, MN 5529
Price: Contact the venue for prices 651-714-3740.
Details: Rooms in the Sports Center are available to rent.
Availability: Contact the venue.
Verified: March 2023
MADISON’S PLACE PLAYGROUND is listed on our list of the 19 BEST PARKS IN WOODBURY because of its inclusive playground and splash pad. Sounds like all the ingredients for a sweet summer birthday party!
Minnetonka Parks
Shady Oak Beach, 5200 Shady Oak Rd., Minnetonka, MN 55343
Price: Beach Party Packages from $130 to $160.
Details: Includes up to 10 guests, souvenirs, plates, forks, napkins, ice cream treats and use of two patio tables for 2 hours. Add ons include food for party guests — pizza, hot dog, nachos, pretzel or walking taco + chips & beverages and cake. Additional guests can be added for $6/pp.
Availability: Early June – Mid-August.
DIY: Rent a Shelter for $40-$80; group swim rates $5-$6/pp.
Verified: March 2024
Washington County Parks
Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Price: $158-$308/day
Details: For a large party, rent one of two picnic pavilions, however neither is particularly close to the sand-bottom swim pond and playground (big draws for a birthday party). Note there is a $7 vehicle fee to enter the park. For smaller parties, there is the possibility of showing up early to claim a shady space at the swim pond and bringing along a picnic.
Availability: Rental for 9am – 8pm. Clean up must be completed by 8pm.
Verified: March 2023
and LAKE ELMO PARK RESERVE SWIM POND are bothincluded on our list of the BEST BEACHES IN THE TWIN CITIES. Kids celebrating a birthday will love swimming and digging in the sand.
Nature Centers Birthday Parties
Families can rent space for birthday parties at many nature centers. Some of them even offer naturalist-led themed parties if there’s interest in more structured activities.
Carpenter St Croix Valley Nature Center
12805 St. Croix Trail S., Hastings, MN 55033
Price: $100
Details: Naturalist-led activities and an animal presentation geared toward kids ages 5+. Includes use of a shelter or indoor room for gifts and refreshments.
Availability: Year round offerings.
Verified: March 2023
Dodge Nature Center
365 Marie Ave W., West St. Paul, MN 55118
Price: $150 for up to 15 children
Details: A naturalist leads seasonally-appropriate activities.
Availability: Party times are Saturdays at 10am or 1pm.
Verified: Feb. 2023.
Springbrook Nature Center
100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN, USA55432
Recommended ages: 4-11
Price: $125
Details: 2 hours of private party space and a 45-minute naturalist program. Reserve one month prior for up to 15 guests plus 5 adults. Weekends only, two time slots to choose from.
Budget idea: If you don’t mind skipping the party space, book an Outdoor Adventures program for $50.
Verified: March 2023
Tamarack Nature Center
5287 Otter Lake Rd., White Bear Township, MN 55110
Recommended Ages: 3+
Price: $170-$210
Details: Naturalist-led activities and time in the amazing Discovery Hollow Nature Play Area.
Availability: Reservations are not currently being accepted, stand by for more information. In the meantime, visiting DISCOVERY HOLLOW NATURE PLAY AREA makes for an outstanding way to spend a summer afternoon (birthday party or not).
Verified: March 2023
Wargo Nature Center
7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55038
Parties include a naturalist-led activity and party room time
Recommended ages: 5+
Price: $125 plus tax
Details: Two-hour parties includes a 45 minute naturalist-led program, including outdoor exploration, program animals, and/or games.
Verified: March 2023
Westwood Hills Nature Center
8300 W. Franklin Ave., St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Recommended ages: 4+
Price: $120-$130 depending on residency
Details: Parties include a one-hour naturalist program and one hour of open-ended party room time.
Verified: March 2023
Wood Lake Nature Center
6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield, MN 55423
Recommended ages: 4+
Price: $135 for up to 10 children with add-ons available.
Details: Parties include a naturalist-led activities, use of a party room, and age-appropriate themes for kids ages 4-12.
Verified: March 2024.
Wheel Fun Rentals in the Parks
Lake Harriet, 4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Lake Nokomis, 2401 E Minnehaha Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Lake Como, 1360 Lexington Pkwy N, Saint Paul, MN 55103
Minnehaha Falls, 4801 South Minnehaha Park Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Bde Maka Ska, 3000 Calhoun Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55408
Veterans Memorial Park, 6335 Portland Ave, Richfield, MN 55423
Price: $7.50-$26.50/pp; minimum 15 people.
Details: Renting from Wheel Fun may be an exciting option for a tween or teen’s birthday party. Rent bikes, watercraft or stand-up paddleboards – hourly or half-day recommended with advice to book 2 weeks in advance. The Richfield location offers mini golf birthday parties as well.
Availability: Late May – Labor Day
Verified: March 2023
Community Center Birthday Parties
Give your local community or recreation center a call to see what they offer in the way of party room space and outdoor amenities. This can be a wonderful way to save money; room rentals can start as low as $30 per hour and there’s no charge to take advantage of playground facilities outside.
Find out more about indoor playgrounds on our .
Minneapolis
Minneapolis Parks & Rec encourages families to host birthday parties and other private events in their recreation centers – including Kroening Interpretive Center. Rentable party areas include gyms, multi-purpose rooms, kitchens and meeting rooms. 2023 prices range from $15/hour to $75/hour. Find room rental rates, information and an application on the Minneapolis parks website.
St Paul
Saint Paul community & recreation centers offer a variety of room rentals for private events, including gymnasiums, kitchens and meeting rooms. 2023 rates range from $15/hour to $70/hour for indoor facilities and $15-$75/hour for outdoor facilities. They also offer additional services and equipment for additional fees. Find rates and more information on the St. Paul Parks Website.
Find More Community Centers in our Directory.
Rent Shelters for Park Birthday Parties
Parks around the Twin Cities offer reservations and rental of shelters for picnic-style birthday celebrations. DIY Park party activities could include hiking or a treasure hunt. You can pick a park with a pool and/or a cool playground or you can plan a fun sporting event – like a baseball game or fun races.
There is always plenty of room to spread blankets. These can be some of the most affordable birthday parties. Reserved picnic areas usually come with picnic tables and often have grills available.
Minneapolis & Saint Paul Shelter Rentals:
- Minneapolis Picnic Sites – Available mid-April – mid-October.
- Saint Paul Picnic Shelters, Pavilions or Buildings – Available May – October.
Greater Twin Cities Picnic Shelter Rentals:
- Apple Valley Rentals & Reservations
- Blaine Facility Rentals
- Bloomington Rentals and Reservations
- Brooklyn Park Facility Rentals
- Brooklyn Center Picnic Shelter Reservations
- Burnsville Facility Reservations
- Chanhassen Picnic Shelter Reservations
- Coon Rapids – Rent City Facilities
- Cottage Grove Park Building & Shelter Rentals
- Eagan Park Pavilion & Facilities Reservations
- Eden Prairie – Rent a Park Facility
- Edina – Rent a Park Building or Picnic Shelter
- Inver Grove Heights Park Shelter Rentals
- Lakeville Park Spaces Available for Rent
- Maple Grove Pavilion and Building Reservations
- Maplewood Picnic Shelters
- Minnetonka Picnic Shelters
- Plymouth Park Rentals and Reservations
- Ramsey – Rentals include bikes, canoes & kayaks as well as park amenities.
- Richfield Facility Rentals
- Roseville Park Buildings and Event Space
- Savage – Rent a Facility
- St. Louis Park – Rent a Facility
- Shakopee Park Rentals and Reservations
- Woodbury Rental Opportunities
We’ve listed some of our favorite spaces for Park Birthday Parties, but neighborhood parks can make great birthday party spaces. Check out our extensive Park Directory – Where you can filter by parks with Birthday Party Options. Do you have a favorite park for gatherings? leave us a message.
