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Family Fun Guide To Prior Lake

About 20 miles south of Minneapolis is the city of Prior Lake. Home to 23,000 people, Prior Lake has a quaint downtown with inviting shops, lovely parks for all kinds of activities, a beautiful, sparkling lake and a family-oriented attitude. Even though we don't live there, my family has enjoyed spending time at the beach, on the lake and at the parks, as well as taking advantage of some of the family-friendly programming offered at Lakefront Park. Looking at the City's activities and events for the year, it's clear to see that families are the heart of this community. Here's a guide to visiting Prior Lake:

Lakefront Park in Prior Lake
(credit: City of Prior Lake)

Lakefront Park

5000 Kop Parkway
Free Admission
952-447-5747
Directory Listing

This park is chock full of things to do for every member of the family: simply play on the playground; go for a swim at the beach; practice moves at the skateboard park (supervised by an attendant); play a game of soccer, baseball, basketball or tennis; run or walk on the surrounding trails; or relax in the gazebo. Many of the city's family events take place at this park, which is walking distance to downtown Prior Lake. There's also a pavilion with indoor bathrooms available for events and activities.

Edelweiss Bakery in Prior Lake
(credit: http://www.edelweissbakery.net/)

Edelweiss Bakery

16186 Main Ave SE #102
Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sat.: 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Sun.: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
952-440-2773
Directory Listing

This cute bakery with a display case full of beautiful, creative and scrumptious goodies is in the middle of downtown Prior Lake. Serving up breakfast and lunch on fresh baked breads, this bakery is a must for hungry visitors. There's even a small play area with Legos and toys for the little ones who are patiently waiting for their orders.

Prior Lake Farmers Market
(credit: http://priorlakefarmersmarket.com/)

Prior Lake Farmers' Market

Main Avenue
Hours: Saturdays, May to November, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Website

On Saturday mornings, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., you'll find the Prior Lake Farmers' Market set up on Main Ave. in downtown Prior Lake. There are vendors peddling meat, plants, jewelry, art, pastries and breads, veggies and more. There is live music and a visiting artist booth each week, as well. A great start to a day in Prior Lake.

Downtown

Main Avenue and Surrounding Area
Website

There are several cute antique and vintage shops, florists, a hardware store, restaurants and more in the downtown area. The nearby Scott County Library offers young and old a respite for reading and cooling off on a hot day. There is a green space with picnic tables next to the library, as well as the Rotary's Gateway Park with covered benches and picnic tables, green space and a fountain.

Sand Point Beach

14349 Crest Avenue
$5 parking fee per car
Website

This family friendly beach is ideal for a day spent at the lakeshore. There's ample space on the sandy beach for swimming, splashing and playing, but also shade trees and picnic tables a few steps away. There's also a playground, indoor bathrooms, a fishing pier, concessions, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and boat slips.

Concerts in the Park at Lakefront Park

5000 Kop Parkway
Hours: Thursdays, June through August, 7 p.m.
Free Admission
Website

From June through August attend free concerts on Thursday evenings at Lakefront Park at 7:00 p.m. Come early and enjoy the Chamber Market with food vendors each week from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The performances are designed with the whole family in mind.

Triple Play Sports In Prior Lake
(credit: http://www.tripleplaysports.biz)

Triple Play Sports

5832 Industrial Lane SE
Summer Hours: Tues.–Fri. and Sunday open at 12 p.m.; Saturdays open at 10 a.m.
$2 to $30 depending on activities
Directory Listing

At Triple Play Sports, families can play laser tag, mini golf and arcade games. You'll also find batting cages, an open gym and inflatable bouncers. Packages are available for families, parties and groups, but walk-ins are welcome too. And it's all indoors, which means the family can play together even when the weather outside is frightful.

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Anna Berend is an attorney and the author of Motherly Law Blog. On Motherly Law, Anna writes about legal issues that affect families and offers tips and resources that pertain to those legal topics. On occasion, inspiration strikes and Anna writes about something totally unrelated to the law.You can find Anna at www.motherlylaw.com, on Facebook at Motherly Law and on Twitter @MotherlyLaw.

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