Park Series: Oak Hill Park & Splash Pad

OAK HILL PARK
Saint Louis Park, MN

What to expect?

A very large park featuring not only a splash pad, but an older kids area completely separated from a little kids area
Splash pad water is cold and it gets very busy on warm weekends
The “big kids” area is located directly next to the splash pad, while the “little kids” area is an uphill walk away (far enough separated that it could be tough to keep an eye on both if you have a range in kids’ ages)
Wood chip footing under playground equipment, surrounded by concrete paths and grass
Plentiful free street parking along with a decent sized parking lot
A 2,350 square foot splash pad: includes bubbling hoses, sprinkler arches, and your classic water bucket drop
The splash pad is open 7 days a week from 10 am – 8 pm, late May through early September (weather dependent).
The splash pad is staffed with an attendant Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission is free for residents and $1 for non-residents (you can still use the splash pad if there is not attendant which happens to us frequently)
Bathrooms inside small building next to playgrounds
Regular, baby, and accessible swings available
Toddler area with small slides, a small climbing structure, and “bug cars”; Big kid area with slides, monkey bars, a spider web rope climb and plenty of climbing objects
Tons of picnic tables and a few shaded pavilions, and limited shade in the splash pad area
Nearby baseball fields and an adjustable basketball hoop so even little kids can shoot hoops
TIP: The park is fairly close to the Knollwood shopping area, which has decent food options for takeout if you’d like a fun picnic, including personal favorite Blaze Pizza, LeeAnn Chin, SmashBurger, Noodles & Company, Subway, Panera Bread, and a great smoothie stop at Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
BONUS TIP: If you want to keep it local, Park Tavern is only a few blocks away and would make for a fun side excursion. 1/3 restaurant, 1/3, bar, and 1/3 bowling alley, Park Tavern is our local hangout and is really family friendly.
EXTRA BONUS TIP: Our favorite local yogurt shop – Park Yogurt – is under a 5 minute drive from the park. You’ll find our family here often throughout the year, so be sure to say hi if you see us there.

What to bring?

Take advantage of the abundant amount of picnic tables and grass and pack a picnic
Swimsuits and towels if you planning on doing the splash pad
Waterproof beach bag: There’s not much for storage at the splash pad, so a waterproof bag to store your goods is helpful
Sunscreen or sun hats (there’s shade under the pavilions, but not much anywhere else)
A few dollars cash if you’re a not a St. Louis Park resident and plan on using the splash pad
Soccer balls, baseball equipment, basketballs, frisbees…etc
Bikes if you want to bike some of the paths surrounding the park