Nicollet Commons Park
About
Nicollet Commons Park is a beloved Burnsville destination that checks all the boxes for active families. With its excellent playground equipment, wide open spaces perfect for running around, and well-maintained sports fields, this community park offers something for every energy level,whether your kids want to climb, swing, kick a ball, or enjoy a leisurely family picnic under the trees.
Highlights
- ✓Well-designed playground equipment suitable for multiple age groups
- ✓Spacious sports fields for soccer, baseball, and free play
- ✓Scenic walking and biking paths throughout the park
- ✓Convenient picnic areas with tables for family meals
- ✓Large open green spaces perfect for kite flying and outdoor games
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekend mornings (around 8-9 AM) to enjoy the playground before it gets busy and claim the best picnic tables in shaded areas
- 2.Pack a soccer ball or frisbee,the open green spaces are ideal for active play and the fields rarely feel crowded
- 3.The park opens at 5 AM, making it perfect for early-rising families or morning exercise before the day heats up
- 4.Bring bikes or scooters to enjoy the walking paths, which are smooth and well-maintained for young riders
- 5.Pack extra snacks and water as there are no concessions on-site, but the picnic areas make for perfect lunch stops
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall mornings (8-10 AM) or early evenings (5-7 PM) offer the most comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Weekday afternoons are typically quieter than weekends, giving younger children more space to explore the playground freely.
What to Know
This is a free public park with ample parking available. No food vendors on-site, so pack your own snacks and drinks. The park is open nearly 19 hours daily, offering flexibility for families with varying schedules.
Seasonal Notes
Best enjoyed spring through fall (April-October) when weather permits outdoor play. The park is open year-round, but playground equipment and fields may be snow-covered in winter months. Summer can get hot midday, so plan morning or evening visits during July and August.
Nearby Eats
Head to Burnsville Center area just minutes away for family-friendly chains like Chick-fil-A or Panera Bread, or try local favorite Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que for kid-pleasing ribs and mac and cheese.
More Activities Near Burnsville
Alimagnet Park
Alimagnet Park is a family paradise offering something for everyone across all four seasons. With its sandy beach for summer swimming, fishing dock for budding anglers, sprawling playground, and scenic walking trails circling the lake, families can easily spend an entire day exploring. The addition of picnic areas and a dog park means you can bring the whole family,even your four-legged members!
Burnsville Center
Burnsville Center is a family-friendly indoor mall that offers much more than shopping, making it an ideal destination for Minnesota families year-round. With a dedicated kids' play area, movie theater, and numerous dining options all under one roof, it's the perfect spot for entertaining children on cold winter days or rainy afternoons when outdoor play isn't an option.
Southside Athletic
Southside Athletic is a family paradise where kids can swim, slide, climb, and skate all under one roof. This premier recreation center offers something for every age and energy level, from splashing in the indoor pools to conquering the climbing wall or gliding around the ice rink. With 24/7 access and consistently stellar reviews from families, it's a go-to destination for both active play and structured classes year-round.
Cliff Fen Park
Cliff Fen Park offers families a rare opportunity to explore a genuine fen ecosystem right in Burnsville. Kids can safely adventure along elevated boardwalk trails while spotting wildlife, learning about wetland habitats through interactive signage, and experiencing a unique natural environment that feels worlds away from the city.