Hiking with Kids Open
Theodore Wirth Regional Park
4.7(3,099)4.7 out of 5 stars, 3099 reviews Minneapolis, MN
About Theodore Wirth Regional Park
Theodore Wirth Regional Park offers a diverse range of outdoor activities suitable for families, including hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, all within a beautifully maintained natural setting in Minneapolis. Its unique features like the Quaking Bog and Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden provide educational and recreational opportunities for children and parents alike.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families looking for a full day of outdoor activities.Parents wanting to introduce their children to nature and wildlife.Suitable for all ages, with activities ranging from leisurely strolls for toddlers to more challenging hikes for older children.
Why families love it
- Numerous trails that cater to both hiking and biking, including paved and unpaved options.
- Well-maintained facilities with plenty of seating and scenic spots for breaks.
- Diverse recreational activities available, including volleyball, swimming, basketball, and tennis.
- The Quaking Bog and Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden are excellent for educational experiences.
- A variety of seating areas and scenic views enhance the outdoor experience for families.
Insider tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter experience and catch the sunrise.
- Bring a camera to capture the vibrant seasonal colors, especially in the fall.
Good to know before you go
- Weekends during peak seasons when the park may be crowded.
- Some areas may be crowded during peak times, which could affect the experience for families seeking solitude.
- Crowds
- Can get busy on weekends and during events, especially in popular areas like Wirth Beach.
- Value
- Entry to the park is free, providing excellent value for families looking for budget-friendly outdoor activities without hidden costs.
- Food
- No specific food restrictions mentioned, but it's advisable to bring snacks and drinks for children.
- Accessibility
- The park is generally accessible, but specific trails may vary in their suitability for strollers or wheelchairs.
- Safety
- Presence of park staff for assistance and guidance on trails.
What parents say
"A great series of parks and trails. There really is something for everyone, from volleyball and swimming at Wirth Lake to wildlife and native flora viewing at Eloise Butler. You can feel like you're in the wilderness despite being in the middle of Minneapolis, viewing rare habitat types like the quaking bog. Hiking, biking, or just strolling, there's something to do and plenty of helpful park staff to ask for more ideas."
2 weeks ago
"Not sure how I haven't reviewed Theodore Wirth yet, but it is a fantastic park. Numerous trails both paved on unpaved, hiking only and multipurpose. Extremely well maintained and so many different areas to explore from the Trailhead to Wirth Beach area, to Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden to the Quaking Bog and more! I am very fortunate to live so close to one of my favorite parks! Pics from all over the park over the last 2 months."
6 months ago
"Beautiful park for a morning walk. Lots of seating at different spots which are beautiful pit stops along your run. There’s a fairly nice track of about 4 miles around the entire park. I was able to catch the sunrise, and it was calming. The upper part of the park gives an Icelandic vibe, while the southern portion is a trail around a lake. There’s basketball courts, tennis courts, by the lake patios. Amazing bike trail as well. Must visit!"
a year ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More hiking with kids in Minneapolis
Hiking with Kids Minnehaha Regional Park
4.8(10,797)4.8 out of 5 stars, 10797 reviews4801 S Minnehaha Dr, Minneapolis
Hiking with Kids Elm Creek Park Reserve
4.7(4,196)4.7 out of 5 stars, 4196 reviews12400 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove
Hiking with Kids Fort Snelling State Park
4.7(2,594)4.7 out of 5 stars, 2594 reviews101 Snelling Lake Rd, St Paul
Hiking with Kids Wood Lake Nature Center
4.7(1,439)4.7 out of 5 stars, 1439 reviews6710 Lake Shore Dr S, Richfield