Discover Why Families Are Flocking to Hyland Lake Park Reserve All Year Long!
Address: 10145 Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438
About Hyland Lake Park Reserve
If you’re looking for one of the best outdoor activities in Bloomington with kids, head straight to Hyland Lake Park Reserve. This sprawling, family-friendly gem in the Three Rivers Park District is packed with kid-approved adventure, scenic trails, and endless opportunities to burn energy and explore.
Need a breather or a snack break while playing at Hyland Lake Park Preserve with kids? Stop by the small visitor center near the play area. Here, you’ll find indoor restrooms and seasonal concessions. Parking is a breeze with a large lot nearby. However, we recommend arriving early on hot summer days, as the parking lot can fill up quickly.
Whether your family wants a high-energy morning on the playground, a peaceful prairie walk, or a full day of exploration, Hyland Lake Park Preserve is a one-stop destination for outdoor fun in Bloomington with kids.
The Hyland Play Area
The crown jewel of this preserve for families? The Hyland Play Area! Often referred to as the “Chutes and Ladders Park” by locals, this playground is a dream come true for children. It features multi-story slides, sky tunnels, and hexagon-shaped climbing towers that feel like an epic jungle gym from a storybook. With surfaces ranging from sand to rubber and wood chips, kids of all ages will find a place to climb, slide, dig, and let their imaginations run wild. There’s even a designated tot lot for kids five and under.
Bonus for grown-ups: Shaded benches are available throughout the playground, making it easy to supervise while sipping your coffee or catching up with friends.
Bush Lake Park & Beach
Just minutes (by car) from the playground, Bush Lake Park is another must-visit area with kids in the Hyland Lake Park Preserve. Bush Lake Beach is a favorite summer destination for many Minnesota families. The beach features soft sand, calm waters, and ample space for splashing and swimming. Whether you’re packing a picnic, launching a SUP, canoe, or kayak, or just soaking up the sun, Bush Lake has something for everyone.
Beyond the beach, you’ll find a boat launch, canoeing access, shaded picnic shelters, and a small play area, making it easy to spend the whole day outdoors. And because it’s connected to the broader park reserve, you’re never far from scenic trails, wildlife viewing, and year-round recreation.
Richardson Nature Center
Also worth checking out is the Richardson Nature Center. This is a local gem for curious kids. Located within Hyland Lake Park Reserve, the center features interactive indoor exhibits, live animals (including turtles and raptors), and kid-friendly displays that focus on Minnesota’s diverse ecosystems.
Outside, little explorers will love the nature play area with logs, boulders, and water features designed for creative play. They even have a mud kitchen! Families can also participate in seasonal programs, such as bug safaris, nature walks, and birding events, or borrow exploration kits for self-guided adventures.
The nature center offers its own network of scenic trails that weave through prairie, forest, and wetland habitats. Keep your eyes out for deer, turkeys, and other native birds. It’s an ideal spot in the park to slow down, learn something new together, and spark a love for the natural world.
More Fun in the Park for Families
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Hyland Lake Park Preserve is part of the Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve system, and it’s bursting with family-friendly things to do year-round.
Families can hike or bike along the scenic, paved trails in the warmer months, spot wildlife near the prairie and lakes, or bring sleds and skis in the winter. The Hyland Hills Ski Area and cross-country trails provide winter excitement. Meanwhile, the 18-hole disc golf course adds a new twist to family fun in every season.
Related Article: Kid-Tested, Parent-Approved: Bloomington’s Best Family Attractions
Park Highlights
- Year-round trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing
- Dog-friendly trails available
- Massive destination playground and other smaller playgrounds throughout the reserve
- On-site nature center (Richardson Nature Center)
- Swimming beach at Bush Lake
- 18-hole disc golf course
- Geocaching
- Boat launch + paddling options
- Picnic areas
- Hyland Hills Ski Area for winter skiing and snowboarding
Know Before You Go to Hyland Lake Park Reserve
- Website
- Hours: Daily, 5 AM–10 PM
- Parking is widely available in on-site parking lots (free of charge).
- Upcoming Events for the Three Rivers Park District
- Accessibility Resources
- Summer Camps
*Header Image Provided by Three Rivers Park District
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
