happyly approved

Running Park and Playground

9501 12th Avenue South, Bloomington, MN, USA

Dawn until Dusk

$

seasonal-activities, playground, run, outdoor-adventures

A laid-back place to escape for playtime and a picnic, just a short distance from the bustle of the Mall of America.

Running Park is located in Bloomington, Minnesota, within 2.5 miles of the Mall of America. Set just off Old Shakopee Road, this large Bloomington park offers endless family fun in a beautiful location. This park is ideal for kids of all ages and offers two playground locations to suit different ages. This crowd-free park is the perfect escape after a morning spent at the Mall of America - or for a picnic lunch!

Upon arrival, you will discover a free parking lot immediately before the first playground and along the pond. On the pond, families will delight in watching geese and ducks play in the water. A large willow tree extends into the pond and also offers a great picnic location. Parents and caregivers will also find benches and picnic tables around the park, offering great places to rest while watching kids run around or unpack a family lunch or snack.

Around the park, you will also find baseball fields. Here, families can practice their swing, play tag, or just run about. In the winter, you will also find ice-skating available on the grounds. Seasonally, a bathroom is also available for public use. Given that it is never crowded and offers tons of family-friendly amenities, this is one of the best playgrounds in Bloomington!

 

Big Kids Will Love

The first playground is fantastic for older children. You'll find swings, slides, and a kid-friendly, seated zip line. The seated zip line is sure to offer hours of fun for kids while they run up the ramp and take off again and again! I know my daughter has spent hours just using the zip line. It's easy for her to use on her own (at age 6) or with me pulling her up the ramp and pushing her to provide additional speed.

 

Little Kids Will Love

Take a short walk to the second playground, ideal for toddlers and younger children. Here, small kiddos have the run of a playground built just for them! Featuring smaller slides and swings, as well as a small play structure, you can rest easy knowing it is meant for toddlers to use independently. 

Features

Restrooms Good for All Ages Playground Baby Swings Picnic Benches Big Kid Swings Pond Zipline
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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