Photo: Tom Sly
Photo: James Albinson
Photo: Michal Brichacek
Wayzata Beach
★4.6(53 reviews)FreeActivity
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love the shallow swimming areas and playground, while elementary-aged kids enjoy swimming in the lake and exploring the beach. The calm waters and manageable beach size make it ideal for parents with multiple children.
About
Wayzata Beach offers families a perfect slice of Minnesota lake life with its sandy shores on beautiful Lake Minnetonka. Kids can splash in the designated swimming area, play on the playground equipment, and enjoy picnic lunches while parents soak in the scenic waterfront views that make this one of the Twin Cities' most beloved beach destinations.
Highlights
- ✓Sandy beach with designated swimming area perfect for young children
- ✓Well-maintained playground steps from the water
- ✓Picnic tables and grassy areas for family meals and relaxation
- ✓Stunning Lake Minnetonka views and sunset watching opportunities
- ✓Calm, family-friendly swimming conditions
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive before 10am on summer weekends to snag shaded picnic tables and avoid parking challenges,the small lot fills up quickly on hot days
- 2.Bring water shoes as the lake bottom can be rocky in spots, making it more comfortable for kids to wade and play
- 3.Pack your own lunch and snacks since food options right at the beach are limited, and take advantage of the excellent picnic facilities
- 4.Stay for sunset if possible,Lake Minnetonka's western views create spectacular evening skies that even kids will appreciate
- 5.The playground is located near the beach, making it easy to supervise kids who want to alternate between swimming and playing
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings from late June through August offer the best experience with warmer water temperatures, fewer crowds, and easier parking. Aim for 9-11am before the midday heat and afternoon rush. Early September can also be lovely with smaller crowds, though water temperatures start cooling.
What to Know
Beach access is free, but parking can be limited during peak times with mostly street parking available. There are restroom facilities on-site, but no concessions, so pack food, drinks, and beach gear.
Seasonal Notes
Open seasonally from late May through early September, with swimming best from mid-June through August when water temperatures are warmest. The beach is unsupervised with no lifeguards on duty. Spring and fall offer peaceful waterfront walks, but swimming is only comfortable during summer months.
Nearby Eats
Walk to downtown Wayzata (about 5 minutes) for family-friendly options like Blue Point Restaurant & Oyster Bar which has a kids menu and patio, or grab ice cream at Sebastian Joe's to enjoy on your way back to the beach.
More Activities Near Wayzata
Adventure
Wayzata Boulevard
Free
Wayzata Boulevard offers families a beautifully paved, multi-use trail that winds through charming neighborhoods and stunning Lake Minnetonka lakefront areas. This safe, well-maintained route is perfect for teaching little ones to ride bikes, enjoying family walks with strollers, or letting older kids practice their rollerblading skills while taking in gorgeous water views.
Park
Shoreview Commons Park
★4.8Free❤️249
Shoreview Commons Park is a beloved neighborhood gem in Wayzata that delivers everything families need for a perfect outdoor day. With well-maintained playground equipment, spacious green areas for running and playing, and beautiful lake access, it's an ideal spot for families looking to combine active play with scenic relaxation and waterfront fun.
Museum
Wayzata Depot Museum | Lake Minnetonka Historical Society
★4.7$❤️148
Step back in time at this charming historic train depot that brings local railroad history to life for young train enthusiasts. The Wayzata Depot Museum features kid-friendly exhibits about Lake Minnetonka's transportation heritage, vintage artifacts, and engaging displays that make history tangible for curious minds. It's a compact, manageable museum perfect for introducing children to local history without overwhelming them.
Nature
The Big Woods Preserve
★4.5Free❤️56
The Big Woods Preserve offers families an accessible nature escape right in Wayzata, with easy boardwalk paths perfect for strollers and little legs, plus scenic lake views that make even short walks feel like an adventure. Kids love spotting turtles and fish from the fishing pier, while parents appreciate the well-maintained trails that wind through native woodlands without requiring serious hiking gear.