

Bredesen Park
About
Bredesen Park is a peaceful neighborhood gem in Edina that offers the perfect blend of nature exploration and classic playground fun. Families love the scenic walking trails that circle a tranquil pond where kids can spot turtles, ducks, and other wildlife, while the well-maintained playground and picnic shelters make it ideal for everything from quick afternoon outings to full-day family gatherings.
Highlights
- ✓Scenic pond with abundant wildlife viewing including ducks, turtles, and various bird species
- ✓Family-friendly walking trails perfect for nature walks and stroller hikes
- ✓Well-equipped playground for active play
- ✓Covered picnic shelters ideal for family gatherings and birthday parties
- ✓Open green spaces perfect for games, kite flying, and outdoor play
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring bread alternatives like oats or frozen peas to feed the ducks - it's healthier for the wildlife and kids love the interaction
- 2.Pack binoculars for a wildlife scavenger hunt around the pond - you'll often spot turtles sunbathing on logs and various waterfowl
- 3.The picnic shelters can fill up on weekends, so arrive early or visit on weekday afternoons for a more peaceful experience
- 4.The walking trails are stroller-friendly and mostly shaded, making it comfortable even on warmer days
- 5.Bring bug spray during summer months, especially near the pond areas
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall mornings (8-10am) are ideal when wildlife is most active and temperatures are comfortable. Weekday afternoons are less crowded than weekends, and the golden hour before sunset offers beautiful lighting for the pond views and a peaceful atmosphere.
What to Know
This is a free neighborhood park with ample parking available. There are no food vendors on-site, so pack snacks and drinks for your visit. The trails are accessible and well-maintained for strollers and wagons.
Seasonal Notes
The park is open year-round with each season offering unique experiences. Spring and fall provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities and comfortable temperatures. Summer can be buggy near the pond but great for picnics. Winter offers sledding opportunities if there are hills and peaceful snowy trail walks, though playground equipment may be snow-covered.
Nearby Eats
Caribou Coffee on France Avenue is just a few minutes away for a quick family-friendly breakfast or snack. For a sit-down meal, try Original Pancake House in Edina, which is a local favorite with kids and offers hearty portions perfect after a morning at the park.
More Activities Near Edina
Centennial Lakes Park
Centennial Lakes Park is Edina's crown jewel for family fun, offering a stunning 24-acre oasis where kids can paddle boat across scenic lakes, putt through mini golf courses, and splash in fountains during summer. With paved walking paths perfect for strollers, winter ice skating, and beautifully landscaped grounds, this versatile park delivers year-round entertainment that keeps families coming back season after season.
Edina Art Center
The Edina Art Center is a welcoming community art hub where families can create together through hands-on workshops, pottery classes, and seasonal programs. With its highly-rated family workshops and dedicated children's summer camps, it's the perfect spot for budding artists to explore painting, ceramics, sculpture, and mixed media in a supportive, creative environment.
Minnehaha Creek Greenway
The Minnehaha Creek Greenway offers families a beautiful, paved multi-use trail that winds alongside the tranquil Minnehaha Creek through Edina. It's an ideal spot for easy family bike rides, nature walks, or letting kids practice their rollerblading skills in a safe, scenic environment away from traffic. The gentle terrain and peaceful creek views make this trail accessible for even young riders with training wheels.
Braemar Arena
Braemar Arena is a top-notch ice skating complex offering families both indoor and outdoor refrigerated rinks perfect for all skill levels. Whether your kids are learning to skate for the first time or are seasoned hockey players, this premier facility provides public skating sessions, learn-to-skate programs, and a cozy warming house to take breaks between ice time.