Explore with Kids: Shadow Wood Splash Pad & Park

Shadow Wood Park is a great spot in West Fargo to spend a hot day!

Kids can get stir crazy during summer break, so we like to get outdoors whenever possible. And one of our favorite places to let the kids burn some energy is Shadow Wood Park.  What makes this park special is the beautiful scenic setting and various amenities available to visitors.

Whether you’re exploring the walking trails, hosting a gathering, or letting the little ones cool off in the splash pad – you’ll find plenty of family fun at Shadow Wood Park!

Shadow Wood Splash Pad & Park

Shadow Wood Playground

Photo Credit: Fargo Mom

The playground at Shadow Wood is one of our favorites in the area.  It has a woodsy nature theme and two separate structures: one designed for toddlers and the other designed for bigger kids.

The toddler structure has a cute treehouse feel with a “Kids Only” sign hanging overhead.  There are slides, ladders, and a hollowed log to climb through (or hide from parents in!).

The larger playground has a swing set, climbing feature, bridge, and fun log slide to let kids’ imaginations go wild.

Shadow Wood Splash Pad

shadow wood splash pad
Photo Credit: Fargo Mom

On hot days, a visit to the splash pad in a must! During the summer months, Shadow Wood Splash Pad is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., weather permitting.

The splash pad equipment also has a cute nature theme featuring various woodland critters spouting gentle sprays of water.

This facility is free to use, and the adjacent restrooms make changing out of wet swimsuits a breeze.

Splash pad opening and closing dates vary based on weather. The opening date is usually around Memorial Day. Closing date usually happens sometime in September. Please check  the West Fargo Park District Facebook page for official open and closing dates each year.

Related Reading: Madison Park, Bike Playground, & Splash Pad

Gazebo & Shelter Details

Planning a gathering? Shadow Wood Park is a fantastic location for family get-togethers and birthday parties!

The Shadow Wood Gazebo hosts up to 60 guests and offers seven 8 foot tables and exclusive indoor restrooms to rental guests. The space has great views of the pond and waterfall and is close to the splash pad.

Shadow Wood Shelter hosts up to 25 guests and offers three 6 foot tables. This location is accessible to both the splash pad and playground, making it perfect for gatherings with kids!

Fitness Equipment

The HealthBeat Outdoor Fitness System is a unique offering that merges the benefits of gym exercise with the beauty of nature.

Suitable for guests 13 and older, this comprehensive workout circuit is designed for strength, cardio, balance, and flexibility training.  No gym membership required!

Other ways visitors can get active at Shadow Wood Park is by shooting hoops at the basketball courts or exploring the recreational trails.

You could easily pack a picnic lunch and spend the whole day at Shadow Wood Park exploring the various amenities. Regardless of how you spend the day, a visit to Shadow Wood is a great way for kids to burn energy and explore nature!

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Anthea Varriano
Anthea is a Fargo native who graduated from NDSU in 2012 with degrees in Anthropology and Psychology. She loves the Fargo community and the opportunities available for her family here (but not so much the snow). Anthea is a self-described “Disney Nerd.” The movies, music, and theme parks – she loves it all! Anthea channels her love for Disney into her blog, Inspiring Magical Memories, where she shares Disney-themed recipes and crafts, Disney dinner parties, and trip planning articles for the Disney Parks. She and her husband have two daughters and a son: Aiden (2008), Gemma (2016), and Ezra (2021). With ages ranging from infant to teenager, Anthea keeps herself busy just trying to keep up with her kiddos! In the past 14 years, Anthea has seen the rules of parenting change and evolve, which just goes to show we are always learning and adapting. No parent is perfect! Which is why Anthea feels it is important for moms to have a network where they can support each other and learn from one another. Besides writing, Anthea enjoys cooking, crafting, working out, and attending community events with her family.

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