Mueller Park

Mueller Park is the Uptown neighborhood's go-to playground — a well-kept, community-feeling park that families return to because it delivers a simple, comfortable visit without requiring a car trip to some far-flung destination. The address puts it on a residential side street in the heart of Uptown, which means you get the neighborhood feel without the crowds of larger parks.

The playground equipment is solid for the target age range (toddlers through 8-9 year olds) — structures, swings, and climbing elements that get regular use and maintenance. But the real draw in summer is the wading pool. Minneapolis Parks operates seasonal wading pools at select parks, and Mueller is one of them.

A shallow wading pool that kids can splash in without any preparation or fees is a massive quality-of-life upgrade for summer park visits — kids who might have melted down after 30 minutes in the heat instead stay happy for two hours.

The Uptown location is genuinely useful for parents. After the playground, you have excellent options within walking distance or a short drive: Sebastian Joe's ice cream (a Minneapolis institution), a dozen casual lunch spots along Hennepin Ave, and the walkable Lake Street corridor. Mueller Park + lunch in Uptown is a solid and easy half-morning.

A few honest caveats: shade at the playground is limited, so pack sunscreen and hats for summer visits. The park is genuinely popular on summer evenings after work — if you want space to breathe, morning visits are better. And like most city parks, there are no formal restrooms — the nearest are at the community center or nearby businesses.