Best Family Photos Locations Around the Minneapolis Area ~ My Top 5!

Where should i take my family photos, you ask?  Let me help you out!

When you’re planning your family photos, one of the most important decisions is where to take them. The right location sets the stage for your family’s story — whether that means blooming gardens, sparkling water, golden meadows, or wooded trails.  As a Minneapolis family photographer, I’ve photographed families at dozens of parks, gardens and lakes around the Twin Cities, and I’ve narrowed down some of my favorite spots that offer beauty, variety, and plenty of space for kids to explore.  Here are five amazing family photo locations around Minneapolis that always deliver stunning backdrops and timeless portraits.

LAKE HARRIET ROSE GARDEN, MINNEAPOLIS

If your family loves flowers and colorful gardens, Lake Harriet Rose Garden is a dream location. It’s one of my all-time favorite spots in Minneapolis because it combines natural beauty with elegant landscaping.

Why It’s Great for Family Photos

The rose garden is filled with vibrant blooms from late spring through early fall, giving your photos a soft, romantic, and timeless feel.

Beyond the flowers, the park also has beautiful walking paths, shady trees, and a peaceful fountain — all of which add variety to your gallery.

Because it’s right next to Lake Harriet, we can easily add a few photos near the lake for a mix of floral and lakeside settings.

Tips for the Best Session

The garden is busiest on weekends, so weekday evenings are ideal for fewer crowds and softer light.  Peak bloom is typically late June through August (sometimes hit or miss in July!), though the gardens are pretty throughout the season.  For little kids, the wide pathways make it easy to walk, run, and play — which always brings out natural smiles.  If you’re looking for a setting that feels elegant yet relaxed, the Lake Harriet Rose Garden is the perfect fit.

ARNESON ACRES PARK, EDINA

Tucked into Edina, Arneson Acres Park is a hidden gem that feels like a private garden. It has a little bit of everything — flowers, greenery, and architectural elements, like a fountain — which makes it a versatile backdrop for families.

Why It’s Great for Family Photos

The formal gardens are picture-perfect, with stone paths and manicured flower beds that has something blooming from spring to fall.  There’s a ton of space to for little kids to run around and dance and play!  The variety of textures — stone sidewalks, greenery arches, lush flowers, and shady trees — gives us multiple looks without having to walk far.

Tips for the Best Session

Early spring through fall is the best time for Arneson Acres, when the gardens are in bloom and the trees are full.  I personally think springtime is the best here!  They have the most beautiful purple, pink and white flowers in the spring and it’s the absolute best!  Arneson Acres is one of those parks that feels almost like a secret garden — cozy, colorful, and always beautiful for family portraits.

WEST MEDICINE LAKE PARK, PLYMOUTH

For families who love water views and wide-open spaces, West Medicine Lake Park is a gorgeous option. Just outside Minneapolis in Plymouth, this lakeside park offers a balance of natural beauty and kid-friendly amenities.

Why It’s Great for Family Photos

The lakefront provides stunning reflections, sandy beaches, and open skies that make photos feel light and airy.  There are trails, docks, and grassy areas, so we can create a gallery with a lot of variety.    Kids love this park because they can run, explore, and even dip their toes in the water for some fun, candid shots.  My favorite here is the way the golden hour sun peeks through the trees and creates that warm glow behind you!

Tips for the Best Session

Golden hour is definitely the best time to shoot here.  Prepare to just relax and hang out and enjoy a calm session – there’s a ton of variety right within steps of each other.    For families in the NW metro who love an relaxed, glowy, beachy vibe, West Medicine Lake Park gives you the perfect mix of nature and playfulness.

LONGFELLOW GARDENS, MINNEAPOLIS

Nestled near Minnehaha Falls, Longfellow Gardens is a smaller but stunning spot that combines flowers, a beautiful pergola area and a dreamy field. It’s often less crowded than the falls themselves (well, unless you go on a Saturday during prom or homecoming months!!), but equally photogenic.

Why It’s Great for Family Photos

The formal gardens are filled with flowers in summer and early fall, creating a colorful, cheerful backdrop.  The terraces and stone pathways bring texture and structure to the images.    And the dreamy field with golden foliage is my absolute favorite!

Tips for the Best Session

There’s something in bloom Spring through Fall.  The gardens are compact, so it’s easy for families with younger children.  Pairing this location with Minnehaha Creek or the surrounding park can give your session two very different looks in one outing.  If you love a mix of flowers, tree, fields, and an intimate setting, Longfellow Gardens is a fantastic choice.

LEBANON  HILLS REGIONAL PARK, EAGAN

For families who love adventure and nature, Lebanon Hills Regional Park is one of the most breathtaking spots near Minneapolis. It’s known for its wooded trails, lakes, and wide-open fields, giving you that authentic “Minnesota outdoors” vibe.

Why It’s Great for Family Photos

The park has an incredible variety: pine forests, meadows, lakes, and rustic trails.  It feels wild and natural — perfect for candid, adventurous families.  Fall is especially magical, when the trees turn golden and the meadows glow in the evening light.

Tips for the Best Session

Because the park is large, we’ll plan ahead to pick specific areas that fit your family’s vision.  Bring comfortable shoes, especially if you want to explore the trails.  Golden hour is amazing here — the soft light filtering through the trees creates dreamy, timeless images.  For families who want a session that feels like an outdoor adventure, Lebanon Hills is the ultimate choice.

Choosing the Right Location for your family

Each of these spots has its own personality, and the right choice depends on your family’s style.  Love flowers and elegance? Go for Lake Harriet Rose Garden, Arneson Acres, or Longfellow Gardens.  Want lakeside, playful vibes? West Medicine Lake Park is perfect.  Looking for adventurous, woodsy backdrops? Lebanon Hills is your match.  As your Minneapolis family photographer, I’ll help you choose the location that best fits your family — and the season we’re photographing in. Together, we’ll find the backdrop that feels just right for you.

Final Thoughts

Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs are full of incredible family photo locations — from blooming rose gardens to adventurous parks. Whether you picture your family surrounded by flowers, splashing by the water, or walking hand in hand through the woods, there’s a spot that will perfectly match your story.  Your family photos should feel relaxed, fun, and authentically you. When you book a session with me, I’ll guide you through choosing the best location, planning outfits, and making the whole experience enjoyable.

If you’re ready to capture your family in one of these stunning settings, I’d love to connect. Let’s plan a session that feels natural, joyful, and full of memories you’ll treasure forever.

📸 Interested in booking? Visit my MINNEAPOLIS FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY page to learn more and reserve your spot!