Lake Ann Park
About
Lake Ann Park is a Chanhassen gem that offers something for every family member throughout the year. The sandy swimming beach and fishing pier make it a summer favorite, while the scenic walking trails and playground provide year-round entertainment. With picnic areas overlooking the beautiful lake, it's perfect for everything from quick afternoon outings to full-day family adventures.
Highlights
- ✓Sandy swimming beach with designated swim area
- ✓Accessible fishing pier perfect for teaching kids to fish
- ✓Well-maintained playground equipment for various ages
- ✓Scenic walking trails around the lake ideal for strollers and bikes
- ✓Spacious picnic areas with grills and tables
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive before 10 AM on summer weekends to snag prime parking and beach spots,it gets crowded by late morning
- 2.Bring water shoes for the kids as the lake bottom can be rocky in some areas near the beach
- 3.Pack a wagon to haul your beach gear from the parking lot to the beach area,it's a bit of a walk
- 4.The fishing pier is a great spot for beginners; stop by a local bait shop for simple tackle and worms
- 5.In fall, the walking trails offer stunning foliage views and are perfect for collecting colorful leaves with little ones
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (8-11 AM) are ideal to avoid crowds, especially during summer. Early September offers perfect weather with smaller crowds after school starts. For swimming, visit June through August when the beach is staffed and water temperatures are warmest.
What to Know
The park is free to visit with ample parking available. There are restroom facilities on-site, but no food concessions, so pack snacks and drinks. The beach area is typically supervised by lifeguards during summer months.
Seasonal Notes
The swimming beach is supervised and most popular from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Fall offers beautiful leaf-peeping opportunities on the trails. Winter activities include snow shoeing and sledding on nearby hills. Spring can be muddy on trails but offers great bird-watching opportunities.
Nearby Eats
Head to Loco Coco Tacos (about 2 miles away) for fresh, kid-friendly tacos and generous portions, or try Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' casual dining area for family-friendly American fare before or after your park visit.
More Activities Near Chanhassen
Lake Susan Park
Lake Susan Park is a family-friendly gem in Chanhassen offering the perfect blend of active play and nature exploration. With its accessible fishing dock where kids can try catching their first fish, a well-equipped playground, and scenic walking trails that circle the lake, families can easily spend hours enjoying both structured play and natural discovery.
Bluff Creek Elementary School
Bluff Creek Elementary School opens its well-maintained playground to the public during non-school hours, offering families in Chanhassen a safe, modern play space without the cost of admission. The combination of updated play equipment and open fields makes it an ideal spot for burning energy after school or on weekends.
University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers families an expansive outdoor adventure across 1,200 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, woodlands, and prairies. With miles of kid-friendly hiking trails, interactive nature discovery areas, and year-round seasonal activities from summer concerts to winter snowshoeing, it's an ideal destination for families wanting to explore nature without traveling far from the Twin Cities.
Carver Park Reserve
Carver Park Reserve is a sprawling 3,700-acre natural playground that offers families year-round outdoor adventures just minutes from Chanhassen. The Lowry Nature Center serves as the perfect home base for exploring miles of trails, spotting wildlife, and participating in hands-on environmental programs that turn curious kids into junior naturalists.