Best times and season for Arneson Acres family photos

Best times and season for Arneson Acres family photos

Arneson Acres is a popular Minneapolis location for photo sessions. There is lots of green space to play, and free parking right off the highway in Edina, MN. But because it’s both beautiful and accessible, it’s not uncommon to see 2-5 other photography sessions happening at the same time. It’s this factor that makes it one of my least favorite spots in the area. That said, it’s still understandable to want this as your family photo location! 

 Four siblings smile at the camera wearing warm winter clothes at a snowy Arneson Acres during a family photoshoot

In order to avoid the busiest times and make the most of the smaller space, here are my tips:

The best season for Arneson Acres family photos

I’ll admit Arneson Acres is beautiful year round. The gardens are always carefully manicured, and spring brings lots of blooming plants. Summer is lush and green, and fall is predictably colorful. 

So it may surprise you to learn my favorite season for family photos at Arneson Acres is actually winter. With the evergreens blanketed in snow, it’s a festive space for family Christmas photos. The snow and ice creates a fun playground for your kids, and it’s a nice way to get outside together and play on those short winter days. 

The winter months also attract far fewer people to the park, so it’s quieter than other seasons. You’ll likely have it to yourselves in the winter months – it’s a very different place than summer!

a young couple carry their laughing kids on their shoulders during a family photo session at Arneson Acres A family of 6 and their dog walk hand in hand toward the camera smiling during their Arneson Acres family shoota mother with long dark hair kisses her infant’s head during a family photo session at Arneson Acres A couple and their adult sons pose sitting and smiling at the camera for outdoor family photos in Minneapolis
a young couple with two kids walk holding hands during their family photo session at Arneson Acres

The best time of day for Arneson Acres family photos

I recommend early mornings, especially in summer. While it might be hard to get your kids up and ready for early morning light, it’s worth it. If your family are morning people, take advantage of it! You’ll avoid the usual crowds Arneson Acres has.

Golden hour is also a beautiful time of day, about 2 hours before sunset. While you can expect more people around, it may fit better with your schedule while also giving you great light.

Avoid midday unless the weather is overcast. It will just be hot, busy and bright.

Why Arneson Acres isn’t my top recommendation for family photos in the Minneapolis area

As I mentioned before, Arneson Acres is just too busy in my opinion. It’s not just other people in the park – it’s also multiple other photo sessions happening simultaneously. It can be very distracting. It also limits where you can go, as you have to move around to make sure no one is in your spot, or wait as others leave the spots you want to be in. That is a recipe for fussy children and impatient parents. 

I prefer families to have a more relaxed and private experience. You’ll not only notice the difference in the photos, but you won’t have to fight your kids and partner on the next one. They’ll have a better experience, and maybe even look forward to it!

Here are Minneapolis family photo locations that won’t stress you all out:

  1. Minnehaha Falls Area
  2. Richardson Nature Center
  3. Westwood Hills Nature Center
  4. Peace Gardens
  5. Woodlake Nature Center
  6. Your own home!

 

READ MORE: 5 Easy Outdoor Photo Locations in Minneapolis

 

Looking for a Minneapolis family photographer? 

Hi, I’m Megan! I’m a family photographer with a family, focused on lighthearted and fun-focused sessions where you all can be yourselves. I do both outdoor photo sessions and in-home sessions. If you think it’s time to update your family photos, reach out to me using the form below.

 

VIEW FAMILY SESSION PRICING

 

MORE FAMILY, NEWBORN AND SENIOR PHOTO GUIDES FOR THE MINNEAPOLIS AREA:

comments +

Leave a Reply

to make it stress-free

TIPS + TRICKS

03

magic in the mess

FAMILIES

02

they grow up too fast

NEWBORNS

01

Preserve your story

The lovie they insist on taking everywhere, the princess dress they wont take off, & even stepping on legos hidden in the rug... let's preserve this chapter of your family story.

You're going to miss this!

@megannormanphotography

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE

Come as you are for a family photography experience everyone will enjoy! Because I believe that as long as you’re all laughing together, nothing could be more beautiful.

Redefining Picture-Perfect. Together. 

MINNEAPOLIS. EDINA. BEYOND.

© 2025 MEGAN NORMAN PHOTOGRAPHY I ALL RIGHTS RESERVED I TERMS & CONDITIONS I PRIVACY POLICY
MINNEAPOLIS FAMILY AND NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER