Central Park in Maple Grove: One of the Best Playgrounds We’ve Visited

Now that my kids are teens, we’ve been to an abundance of playgrounds over the years—and Central Park in Maple Grove still stands out as one of the best. After even just our first visit here in 2016, it made a lasting impression. This park is well-designed, packed with features, and free to visit, making it a top recommendation for families in the area.

What Makes This Playground Stand Out

Central Park’s playground is large, modern, and thoughtfully built for a wide range of ages and abilities. It’s not just a basic neighborhood setup—this is a destination playground.

Here are a few highlights that make it worth the trip:

Seven distinct play zones, each offering a different type of activity and challenge
A 24-foot climbing tower that adds a real sense of adventure

Four slides of varying heights and speeds
A 120-foot climbing wall that older kids especially will enjoy (though my son loved it when he was a toddler lol – see below)
A variety of unique swings, including adaptive options for inclusive play
An accessible, rubberized surface throughout most of the playground for safety and ease of movement
A sand play area, great for younger kids (bring your own toys!)

It’s one of the few playgrounds we’ve been to that offers enough variety to keep kids busy for hours without feeling repetitive.

Splash Pad

And just steps from the playground, there’s an interactive splash pad (fountain) area that’s perfect for cooling off on hot days. It’s not a full water park, but it’s enough to keep kids entertained with jets of water they can run through and play in. If you’re heading there in warm weather, pack a change of clothes or a towel—your kids will want to jump in.

Amenities That Make Visits Easier

One of the biggest pluses here is how family-friendly the setup is. There’s a large building near the playground with:

Clean restrooms
Indoor and shaded seating
Rooms to rent
Picnic areas

The entire space is walkable, with wide paved paths that are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. Parking is free and close by, which makes quick visits and longer stays equally convenient.

Tips:

The park is near water but there is a walking trail and a gate between the playground and the water, at least for that section of the park. The gate was put in sometime between 2016 and 2023. Still, I recommend closely watching your kids.
The hills in the playground are steep. Though rubberized, the area can be a falling hazard. Be sure your kids have good, supportive shoes and stay close to them.
Dogs are not permitted.

Year-Round Fun

In the winter, Central Park has an ice skating loop.

Quick Info

Location: Central Park, Maple Grove, MN
Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: Free and on-site

We’ve even gone in the spring as the snow melts!

In the Area

Central Park is located near so many great restaurants, stores, and attractions. It’s near the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, where you can find Chalkfest in June (a free event!), Dave & Busters, the Minisota Play Cafe, and many more places worth visiting.

Also be sure to visit one of my favorite stores: Device Pitstop of Maple Grove! Save with my coupon too.

Final Thoughts

We’ve been to Central Park a bunch of times, and it’s easily one of the best playgrounds my kids have experienced. If you’re looking for a high-quality, free outdoor play area with a wide range of features, this one should be on your list.

Location:

Want more playground ideas?

Check out my guide: The Ultimate List of Minnesota Family Fun.