French Regional Park

FRENCH REGIONAL PARK PLAY AREA  |  PLYMOUTH, MN  |  VISIT WEBSITE

This teetering cusp of fall in the air is really throwing a wrench in my summer mindset. Thank goodness there’s still playgrounds to lean on when pools, splash pads and carnivals have closed. And, this playground is super fall-worthy, since you’re bound to work up a sweat climbing over nets and up ropes and through tunnels. I took the kids to the recently-updated-in-2018 French Regional Park play area to check out the changes that were made – hoping it still held on to the legendary feeling of adventure it has always had.

My fearless 10- and 7-year olds aren’t afraid of heights and are coordinated enough to not get their feet snarled in the netting, so this park was a perfect fit for them. My 3-year old thought he would be able to keep up with them, but parts of it were a little tricky for him, but with the updated park, there was plenty of other options for him when he fell behind (like the water sprayer, small play house, swings and smaller playground area). This playground is a classic for the ages, and is actually one of the few playgrounds that my oldest still LOVES – I consider that a huge win. 

What is it?
French Regional Park’s play area was once an old-school wooden playground with a robust net-climbing section, metal tubed and winding slides, bridges and monkey bars. Now it is an updated version of that – the nets and ropes and slides still there, but with brighter color, sturdier sides and more options for all ages. Next to the biggest climbing structure (with all the nets for tiny feet to get stuck), there is a separate section for smaller bodies with smaller, less intrusive netting, a tiny slide and easy to climb options for toddlers. Go a little deeper into the park and you’ll find a water sprayer, raft swing, play house and a small sand pit. The ground is mostly woodchips and rubber. The park has some great shaded seating and places to dine on a picnic lunch, plus all the parents there were super helpful with my easy-to-get-stuck-and-freak-out children and were sincerely very kind. Not sure if I just got lucky or if there’s something in the Plymouth water, but either way, no complaints. The park is part of the Three Rivers Park District, located on the northern shores of Medicine Lake, so of course per this Park Districts’ standards, everything in its surrounding nature is beautiful and super well-maintained.

Fit for what ages?
As I mentioned earlier, this is a fun park for the brave and adventurous. While there is a small sand area and a younger playground that is fun for little ones, I would definitely qualify this park as “older kid friendly!” There are a couple smaller slides and some of the steps make it easy for toddlers to get around the equipment, which is nice. But, the majority of the upward access areas are difficult for short legs. Plus, there isn’t a lot of give in the wood, so when a tipsy toddler crash lands, it’s surely going to end in tears and a goose egg. All ages can manage to make it work here, but a parent will breathe much easier if their carload contains everyone 3+. 

How much are we talkin?
This is another wonderful play area brought to you by the Three Rivers Park District, so it is completely free of charge.  The only way you might spend money on this adventure is if you purchase something from the indoor visitor center (cafe and gift shop) or rent a canoe/kayak. Bring cash for the snack bar if you need a refreshment (yes, they even serve coffee, moms and dads). Even the beach area is complimentary, so if you have time and your kids are sweaty from rope climbing, head over to the beach for some more free, wet entertainment. It’s not near the play area, per se, but the hike can be worth it on those scorching summer days.

Want some tips?
Do. Not. Wear. Flip-flops. I repeat: Do. Not. Wear. Flip-flops. Close-toed shoes are a necessity here if you plan on doing the nets or any other sort of robust equipment climbing. The area is well shaded by trees, so it can get buggy in the summertime, so I suggest bug spray and sunscreen for sure.

Need bathrooms and/or changing tables? There is a Visitor Center directly across from the play area which has bathrooms, a snack bar, and air conditioning. Bring cash for snacks or drinks. As we do at almost every park, picnicking here is a breeze thanks to the shaded picnic tables. 

If your kids are under three, I’d suggest going up into the ropes with them since some of those transitions from one section to another are tough for little legs to hurdle plus tinier feet can easily get lodged in the nets and they can get stuck real good. This play area can get very crowded on the weekends, but weekdays tend to be a little bit quieter, especially during the schoolyear. If you do go on the weekends, mornings tend to be much calmer than evenings.  It is set back in nature, and actually lies directly along the paved trail system, so if you’re up for an added adventure, a family bike ride or stroller walk with the baby could be conveniently enjoyable.

The 2018 renovation added in a water sprayer feature. I don’t know that I love this because I feel like this park is perfect for running and going wild, but the water tended to make the surrounding areas slippery and unsafe. I caught myself gasping more in that area than even around the wood and nets. So if you can avoid the water area, you’ll probably gasp less. 

It’s not a gigantic play area like Elm Creek or Chutes and Ladders – it’s basically just one huge climbing structure and then open space with a few other features, so losing a child here is pretty hard to do. Just do keep an ear open if you send up littler ones because they really CAN get stuck up there – I had to dislodge a number of younger kids’ feet from the nets. 

Hours and Location
12605 Rockford Road  |  Plymouth, MN 55441
French Regional Park is open 5am to 10pm, but the play area is only open from 9am to sunset. The Visitor Center is open from 9-5 (Fall) and 9-8 (Summer).  There is a huge, free parking lot and it’s really simple to locate, along the north shores of Medicine Lake. Follow the signs for the Play Area once you enter the park. Easy peasy.