I am looking for a beach near St. Paul or White Bear Lake that has a good little kid beach, It should have shaded areas, and maybe a shallow entry to the lake? I want to go, but don't really know where they are located, or which ones are accommodating to toddlers! Thanks!
Thanks so much for your advice! We went to the Lake Elmo Park Reserve today and it was awesome!! I'm pretty sure we'll go AT LEAST once a week while it's still nice! And that park is cool too!
Check out bald eagle lake. I haven't been there but I've driven by it. I think it is sandier and doesn't have a retaining wall like White Bear Lake has. I know they have a play ground and stuff too.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve has a swimming area that is perfect for moms with young kids. It's bascally a small, man-made lake that's filtered and treated. There's even a roped off area for toddlers. Plenty of shade available, a large swing set, and grills for picnics. $5-6/day/car. Check it out.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve is GREAT!! Man made lake - so no icky stuff (only place I will swim, beside a pool). Big playground and plenty of picnic areas.
Cost is $5 a day or $25 for a yearly permit to get into the Park Reserve.
http://www.co.washington.mn.us/info_for_residents/parks_d...
My husband just took our 2 year old to Lake Phalen beach yesterday. He said it was very nice and sandy. The lifeguard doesn't go on duty until noon but they were still able to swim earlier in the morning. You can get more info about it on the St Paul parks & rec website.
Bellaire Beach is quiet, has a lifeguard most of the time in summer, has plenty of shade and a small playground. The lake is low now so it's great for little kids. Take Co Rd E to Bellaire (between Century Ave. and Mc Knight), turn north (away from 694) and go to the very end of the road. It's across the street from South Shore Trinity Church. Be sure to shower thoroughly after any visit, even if you just get your feet wet, as "the itch" is always a possibility.
SAHM of seven in WBL
I've heard that Lake Josephine is very nice--I think it's either in Roseville or Shoreview.
You could try Lake Elmo. It's a man-made, filtered lake with sand all around it and shade umbrellas in the sand. It's perfect for little ones. There is also a building that houses bathrooms, showers, changing rooms and concessions.
