Photo: Mario Güzman M.
Photo: Miranda Hedin
Photo: Miranda Hedin
Gray's Bay
★4.7(49 reviews)FreePark
🕑 3-5 hours for a beach day, or 1-2 hours for playground and trail visits👶 Best for all ages. Babies and toddlers love playing in the sand and shallow water areas, preschoolers enjoy the playground equipment, and older kids can swim in the designated beach area or explore the trails. Teens appreciate the volleyball courts and scenic walking paths.🧡 Saved by 60+ families
About
Gray's Bay is a fantastic lakeside destination where families can spend an entire day enjoying Lake Minnetonka's beauty. With a sandy beach for swimming, playground equipment, paved walking trails, and a spacious lawn area perfect for picnics, this waterfront park offers the quintessential Minnesota summer experience that keeps kids entertained for hours.
Highlights
- ✓Sandy swimming beach with lifeguard supervision during summer months
- ✓Well-maintained playground with equipment for multiple age groups
- ✓Paved walking trails perfect for strollers and family bike rides
- ✓Picnic areas with grills and shelters available for reservation
- ✓Stunning sunset views that make evening visits magical
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on summer weekends (before 10am) to snag parking and a prime beach spot, as this popular park fills up quickly on hot days
- 2.Bring water shoes as the lake bottom can be rocky in spots, making it more comfortable for little ones to wade and play
- 3.Pack a cooler with snacks and lunch since there are no concessions on-site, but plenty of picnic tables and shaded areas under trees
- 4.The best sunset views on Lake Minnetonka are from the north end of the park,bring a blanket and make an evening of it
- 5.Restrooms and changing facilities are available near the parking area, making beach gear changes much easier with kids
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings or late afternoons during summer for smaller crowds and comfortable temperatures. The park truly shines during sunset hours (plan for 7-9pm in summer) when families gather to watch the spectacular colors over Lake Minnetonka.
What to Know
Daily parking fees apply during summer season ($7-10 for non-residents). Free parking is available in off-season. Restrooms, picnic shelters, and beach access are all family-friendly with relatively easy accessibility from the parking area.
Seasonal Notes
Peak season is June through August when the beach and swimming area are fully operational with lifeguards. The park remains open year-round for trail walking and winter activities, but beach facilities and restrooms may have limited hours or be closed during colder months. Fall offers beautiful foliage along the trails.
Nearby Eats
Head to Big Bowl Foods (5 minutes away) for fresh, healthy bowls that please picky eaters, or visit Blue Point Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Wayzata (10 minutes) which offers a kids' menu and lakeside dining atmosphere perfect after a beach day.
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