Looking for a great park to take the kids to have them get rid of some of that excess energy? Hyland Play Area in Bloomington is awesome!
If you’ve lived in the Twin Cities for a while, you’ve probably heard people rave about “Chutes and Ladders.” While its official name is the Hyland Play Area, this Bloomington favorite has earned its nickname for being one of the most unique and exciting playgrounds in the whole state.
We love that, despite the crowds we sometimes run into there, this park is BIG so tons of kids can play all at once and there is plenty of playspace for everyone. It’s also a great park for a wide range of ages. We most often have visited with littles, but everyone from toddlers to tweens can be seeing having fun there. To be honest I myself enjoy exploring and going down those awesome slides!
If you haven’t made it out there yet, don’t worry—it’s waiting for you and as of April 11 is open for the 2026 season! Whether you have a toddler just starting to explore or a grade-schooler with energy to burn, here is everything you need to know for a fun, budget-friendly visit.
The Best Price: $0
One of the reasons we love this spot is the price tag: It is totally free. There is no admission fee, and unlike many other regional parks, you do not need a vehicle permit to park at Hyland Lake Park Reserve. It’s an awesome way to spend a morning without spending a dime.
Upgrades You’ll Love
Three Rivers Park District has done a great job keeping this area fresh. While those iconic towering slides are still the main event, some thoughtful ongoing and new additions make the day easier for parents.
- Newer Toddler Area: In 2023 the Tot Spot received all new equipment in a dedicated, fenced-off area specifically for the littlest explorers (under age 5) so they can play safely away from the “big kid” chaos.
- Better Footing: Several woodchip sections with rubberized safety surfacing. It’s much easier on the knees (and the shoes!).
- Inclusive Play: Adaptive quipment ensures that kids of all abilities can join the fun.
Pro-Tips for a Stress-Free Visit
- The “Slide Burn” Factor: Those big plastic slides can get a little “grippy” on bare skin. A good option is to wear leggings or longer shorts to keep things moving smoothly.
- Upgrade Your Restroom Break: The restrooms right by the parking lot can get busy. If you need a cleaner, quieter spot with a water bottle-filling station, take the short stroll over to the Hyland Visitor Center.
- Beat the Crowds: To avoid the busiest times, try visiting on a weekday early morning. The playground also gets much quieter after 4:30 PM, and on hot days in the evening the equipment is cooler once the sun starts to dip.
- Bring a Picnic: There are plenty of tables to eat. If you forget a lunch or need something extra the visitor center also has limited concessions.
Make a Day of It
If the kids still have energy left, the Richardson Nature Center is just a minute down the road. It’s a wonderful (and free!) place to see live raptors and turtles, providing a nice change of pace from the high-energy playground.
Quick Info:
- Location: 10145 Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington
- Cost: FREE
- Hours: Daylight hours
- Good to Know: The playground is seasonal and typically open from mid-April through October.
- About the Author
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Kristi is married with twin daughters. She grew up on a small dairy farm, but now lives in the south metro area. She enjoys finding free or thrifty things to do whether they are outings close to home or last minute adventures to far-away places.
Kristi can also be found enjoying estate sales, attempting to garden, volunteering in the wetlands or a favorite thrift store, or maybe just enjoying a good play in one of the many theatre venues in the area.
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