A Twin Cities Family Photos Location to Love: Arneson Acres Park, Edina

Some photo sessions feel like a little pocket of magic—where the location is just right, the kids are full of personality, and the in-between moments are as meaningful as the posed ones. As a Minneapolis family photographer I love working with young families! This family was particularly special because the mom of the family is a photographer friend of mine! Mom and Dad are two loving parents with a set of twins, and and their responsible and caring big brother. Sessions with young children are always full of spontaneity, movement, and surprises, and this one had the perfect balance of energy and sweetness. I get to enjoy a lot of beautiful family photography spots around Minneapolis and the Twin Cities area, and I still keep coming back to Arneson Acres Park in Edina as one of my all-time faves! From playtime on the grass to a cozy family picnic, we created a gallery full of connection and fun with a park with the ultimate variety!

Under the Greenery Arch

We began the session at one of Arneson Acres Park’s most iconic spots: the greenery arch. Covered in lush, climbing vines, it created a beautiful, natural frame for our first portraits. The light was just right, showing the glowing sunlight lighting up the garden behind them. The parents held the twins close in their arms, still getting used to the rhythm of the session, while their older brother smiled proudly in front. I always love starting with a few posed, holiday card-type photos while everyone is fresh and getting to know me! This arch is the perfect spot for this.

Candid Play on the Open Lawn

Next, we moved over to the open lawn where we could have some fun and loosen everyone up a bit! The lawn offers plenty of space to play, toss kids upside down(!), and just enjoy family time! There’s something about giving kids a chance to just be kids—to move, laugh, and play—that brings out the most authentic moments. The twin girl wasn’t quite so sure about the photoshoot, so Mom comforted her a bit! I just sat back here and let the family be their own authentic family – and I captured the real moments that make them special. You can just feel the genuine love they have for one another!

Magic in the Gardens

After all that playtime, we took a calmer pace and explored the park’s gorgeous gardens. Arneson Acres is known for its beautiful landscaping, and at this time of year, the flowerbeds were bursting with soft colors of greens and purples.  The twins were curious and full of wonder, leaning in to smell the flowers. Their big brother took the lead again, taking his siblings hands and guiding them toward the camera. These slower, more intentional moments made for lovely photos—especially the ones where Mom watched her daughter admire the flowers, then throwing her up in the air for the ultimate, joyful photo!  The gardens gave us a perfect backdrop of texture and color, helping tell the story of this family in a setting that felt peaceful and natural.

A Sweet Picnic in the Grass

Next came one of my favorite parts of the session: a relaxed family picnic on a soft blanket in the grass. The family had thoughtfully brought fresh fruit, muffins, and a few well-loved children’s books, which added a personal touch and created a cozy, storybook-like moment. The twins sat close to their parents, enjoying the freshly baked muffins. The little brother snuggled on Mom for a little storytime before being held upside down in the air! These moments were quiet and slow—full of connection, comfort, and the simple routines that shape their family.

As a photographer, it’s always meaningful to me to step back a little during these times and let the family simply exist. Watching them laugh together, share snacks, and be fully present reminded me that some of the most powerful photographs don’t come from big gestures and strict poses—they come from the ordinary moments we often overlook.

Ending with Movement and Play

To wrap up the session, we took one last stroll through the park, with the large evergreens in the backdrop. I love ending sessions this way—holding hands, walking together, and just having fun! The kids were now warmed up to me and a game of Simon Says was the perfect way to end the session! Games are a great way to “trick” the kids into some REAL, genuine smiles and laughter! The brothers joined in, trying to keep up with whether or not I said “Simon Says” and laughing when they got it wrong. These final moments were filled with laughter, movement, and pure joy—exactly the kind of energy I hope every family leaves a session with.

Why I Love Arneson Acres Park for Family Photos

As a Minneapolis family photographer, I’m always scouting for beautiful, versatile locations that allow families to move, relax, and feel completely themselves. Arneson Acres Park checks every box. With its quiet walking paths, lush gardens, open lawns, and iconic landmarks like the greenery arch, it offers so many options in one convenient location. Whether your session includes toddlers who need room to run, or older kids who love a mix of structured and candid shots, this park creates a perfect canvas for telling your family’s story.

Let’s Capture Your Family Just as You Are

If you’re a parent who wants more than just posed smiles—I’d love to help you do that. My sessions are built around movement, laughter, and genuine connection. Whether we’re eating snacks on a blanket, reading books, or ending with a silly game, I’m there to freeze the fleeting moments that make your family yours!

As your Minneapolis family photographer, I’m honored to document the chaos, the calm, and all the little stories in between.

Want to create something beautiful together? Check out my Family Photography Website for more information! And I have a mini session coming up in this exact park! Click below for more info and to grab your spot!