Photo: Dara Becker
Photo: Will Matthews
Photo: Dara Becker
Wirth Beach House
★4.4(77 reviews)FreeActivity
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love playing in the sand and shallow water areas, while elementary-aged kids enjoy swimming and exploring the nearby trails on foot or bike.🧡 Saved by 50+ families
About
Wirth Beach House offers families a perfect urban beach escape in Theodore Wirth Park with sandy shores ideal for castle-building, supervised swimming areas for safe splashing, and plenty of shaded picnic spots for lunch breaks. The adjacent trails make it easy to combine beach time with a nature walk or bike ride, giving you a full day of outdoor adventure without leaving the metro area.
Highlights
- ✓Sandy beach perfect for building sandcastles and digging
- ✓Designated swimming area with lifeguard supervision during operating hours
- ✓Shaded picnic areas and tables for family meals
- ✓Adjacent paved and unpaved trails for hiking or biking
- ✓Part of the larger Theodore Wirth Park system with additional amenities nearby
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekdays (right when it opens) to snag the best picnic tables with shade,weekends fill up quickly by late morning
- 2.Bring water shoes as the sandy bottom can have occasional rocks or sticks near the shoreline
- 3.Pack a wagon or cart to haul your beach gear from the parking area,it's a short walk but easier with all the kid essentials
- 4.Check water quality reports before visiting, especially after heavy rains, as swimming may occasionally be restricted
- 5.Explore the paved trails with strollers or bikes before or after beach time,the park connects to an extensive trail system
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (8:00-11:00 AM) for the quietest experience with plenty of space to spread out. Mid-June through August offers the warmest water temperatures, though early summer can be less crowded.
What to Know
Note the limited weekday-only hours (8 AM-4:30 PM, closed weekends), which is unusual for a beach facility. Free parking is available, and while there are basic facilities, plan to bring your own food, drinks, and beach supplies.
Seasonal Notes
Open seasonally during summer months only, typically late May through early September. The facility is closed weekends, which is important to note when planning. Water temperatures are warmest July through August.
Nearby Eats
Head to Red Cow in nearby St. Louis Park (about 5 minutes away) for elevated burgers and a great kids menu, or try Parkway Pizza for casual family-friendly dining with options everyone will enjoy.
More Activities Near Golden Valley
Park
Valley Square Commons
★5.0Free❤️5
Valley Square Commons is a welcoming neighborhood park in Golden Valley that's perfect for families with young children looking for a relaxed outdoor play experience. With its well-maintained playground structures and generous open spaces for running around, it's an ideal spot for burning energy on a sunny afternoon while parents can enjoy the community atmosphere.
Park
Brookview Park
★4.7Free❤️15
Brookview Park is a Golden Valley gem that truly delivers year-round family fun. With multiple playgrounds for different age groups, expansive open spaces for running around, and popular sledding hills that draw families from across the metro area in winter, this park has something for every season and every energy level.
Community Center
Brookview Golden Valley
★4.7$❤️191
Brookview Golden Valley is a year-round family recreation hub that truly delivers on variety. With an indoor pool, ice skating rink, snow tubing hills in winter, and a golf course plus outdoor activities in summer, this facility ensures families have engaging options no matter the season or weather.
Nature
General Mills Nature Preserve
★4.7Free❤️55
General Mills Nature Preserve offers families an easy escape into nature right in Golden Valley. This 27-acre gem features well-maintained walking trails and boardwalks that wind through beautiful wetlands, making it perfect for introducing kids to local wildlife and ecosystems without venturing far from the city.