Oak Hill Park Splash Pad

Imagine the perfect spot for a family getaway where the coolness of water meets innovative design. The Oak Hill Park Splash Pad is a modern outdoor recreation complex spanning over 2,100 square feet. Located in a scenic suburb of Minneapolis, this destination has become a true oasis for residents and visitors of the USA during the hot summer months.

The highlight of this park is its interactivity. Unlike traditional pools, there is no deep water, making it perfectly safe even for the youngest visitors. Children can activate various water cannons, fountains, and sprayers themselves just by waving their hands over special magnetic sensors. This turns simple play into an engaging interaction with technology.

The park is divided into zones catering to different age groups. While toddlers explore the gentle mists and safe slides, older kids can brave the powerful splashes from giant buckets that suddenly tip over from above. The surrounding park area is complemented by green spaces and sports fields, creating a complete infrastructure for quality outdoor leisure.

To ensure your trip is as comfortable as possible, we recommend checking the contact information in advance. The Oak Hill Park administration is always ready to answer visitor questions regarding attraction availability and current events. Below is the up-to-date contact information for planning your route.

The main attraction here is, of course, the Splash Pad. Visitors should definitely wait for the giant water buckets to fill up to experience a powerful, refreshing splash. You can also interact with the FloraSwirl, which creates a gentle water mist, or hide under the CanopyDuo dome to watch the water flow through transparent acrylic.

When it's time for a break from the water, head to one of the two playground areas. Younger children can enjoy low climbing walls and gentle slides, while older kids can tackle challenging rope mazes and high climbing structures. If you enjoy team sports, bring a ball—the park features an excellent basketball court with adjustable rims and baseball fields.

Don't forget to pack a picnic basket. Comfortable tables and pavilions are located along the pad, providing pleasant shade. It’s a great place to grab a snack while the kids continue riding their bikes along the well-maintained paths of Oak Hill Park.

The splash pad is located at 3201 Rhode Island Avenue South in the cozy suburb of St. Louis Park. The most convenient way to get here from downtown Minneapolis is by car—the trip takes about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Ample free street parking is available for visitors, along with a dedicated parking lot right at the park entrance.

If you prefer public transportation, you can take bus routes heading to the Knollwood shopping center, which is within walking distance of the park. From the shopping center, you can reach the pad on foot in a few minutes or call a taxi via popular apps like Uber or Lyft. A taxi ride from the city center is reasonably priced and offers maximum comfort, especially if you are traveling with children and beach gear.

The park's location is extremely convenient: its proximity to Knollwood Mall not only makes it easy to find but also solves the problem of dining. There, you'll find many popular establishments where you can order takeout for a full outdoor picnic right in Oak Hill Park.

The history of Oak Hill Park began back in 1951. In June of that year, heavy machinery arrived to level the landscape, and by August 12, a grand opening ceremony was held, turning into a major city celebration. The program was spectacular: a doll carriage parade, pony rides, bingo games, and even a Broadway-style puppet theater.

Over the decades, the park’s appearance has constantly changed to meet the needs of new generations. In 1963, the first full-scale playground appeared, and two years later, the futuristic "Space platform" slide was installed, becoming a local landmark. In the mid-70s, the focus shifted to eco-friendly materials, and wooden play equipment was installed, which was later completely reconstructed during a massive renovation in 1979.

The splash pad itself is a relatively modern addition to the park's history. It was first installed in 2004 and underwent a deep modernization in 2017. As a result, the "wet zone" area increased to an impressive 2,356 square feet, transforming into a high-tech water complex with sensor controls.

Today, the park spans over 30 acres and serves as a multi-functional space. Besides the famous water area, traditions of active recreation live on: lighted softball fields, tennis courts, and cozy pavilions serve as a reminder of how, over seventy years, Oak Hill evolved from a simple vacant lot into the heart of the city's community life.

To fully enjoy everything the splash pad and Oak Hill Park have to offer, experienced travelers suggest setting aside about 2–3 hours for your visit. This is plenty of time for kids to try out all the water effects and switch over to the classic playgrounds.

If you plan to have a family lunch outdoors in one of the picnic areas, your visit could easily last half a day. Given the abundance of sports fields and shady walking paths, it’s easy to spend time here productively and enjoyably without feeling rushed.

The splash pad welcomes guests daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM during the summer season, which typically runs from late May to early September. Keep in mind that the operation of the attractions depends directly on weather conditions: the pad may be closed on cold or stormy days for safety reasons.

Although maintenance staff are only on-site during weekdays in the daytime, the automatic water activation system allows the facility to be used throughout the day. Before your trip, we highly recommend checking the official City of St. Louis Park website to confirm the current operating status and any potential maintenance breaks.

After some active fun in the water, it's worth checking out other interesting spots in the area. The region offers many options for family leisure, from massive shopping malls with amusement parks to professional sports complexes.

Exploring nearby attractions will help you put together a full day's itinerary and discover new ways to relax in the state of Minnesota.