Our winters are long and the coveted days of spring, summer and fall are still sprinkled with rainy days. In order to survive the ups and downs of our weather with the kids, we’ve compiled a list of the best Twin Cities indoor play areas. From mall play areas to indoor playgrounds, indoor waterparks to museums, you’re sure to find something to keep you busy on rainy days and throughout the winter.
COVID-19 Update: We understand each family has a different comfort level in regards to public spaces, even those that are allowed to be open. We support each family’s individual choices and will continue to be sure you are aware of all indoor play area offerings in the metro area, especially those that allow for limited contact and digital offerings.
Open Gyms
Gleason’s Gym | 9775 85th Ave N. Suite 500, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Indoor Playgrounds
InnerActive Playground | 2240 Woodale Drive, Mounds View, MN 55112
The Eagles’s Nest | 400 10th St. N.W., New Brighton, MN 55112
Maple Maze | 12951 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Playground Plaza | 11701 95th Avenue North, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Indoor Waterparks
Grove Cove Aquatic Center | 12951 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN
Museums & More
Urban Air Adventure Park | Urban Air is the nation’s premier full-service family entertainment center offering a variety of attractions perfect for all ages. Urban Air Adventure Park is the perfect venue for kids’ birthday parties, church events, corporate gatherings or a day out for some family fun. No matter if you are looking for a kids birthday party venue or to have some family fun, Urban Air Trampoline Park is the place to go.
Mall Play Areas
Maplewood Mall Play Area | Located near Kohl’s, 3001 White Bear Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55109
Indoor Playgrounds
Lookout Ridge Indoor Playground | 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury, MN 55125
Tropical Adventure | 4580 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, MN 55126
Indoor Waterparks
Tropics Indoor Waterpark | 4580 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, MN 55126
Mall Play Areas
Burnsville Mall Playland Arcade | 1178 Burnsville Center, Burnsville, MN 55306
Southdale Mall Play Area | 10 Southdale Center, Edina, MN 55435
Open Gyms
Dynamic Gymnastics | 8712 Eagle Creek Pkwy, Savage, MN 55378
Gleason’s Gym | 2015 Silver Bell Road, Eagan, MN 55122
IGM Gymnastics | 14305 Southcross Dr. W, Suite 120, Burnsville, MN 55306
Indoor Playgrounds
The Blast | 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN 55121
Adventure Peak at Edinborough Park | 7700 York Avenue S., Edina, MN 55435
Good Times Park | 3265 Northwood Circle, Suite 100, Eagan, MN 55121
Millz House | 14645 Felton Court, Suite #104, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Playworks | 2200 Trail of Dreams, Prior Lake, MN 55372
Rainbow Play Systems | 900 West 80th Street, Bloomington, MN 55420
Rockin’ Jump | 2015 Silver Bell Road, Suite 195, Eagan, MN 55122
Indoor Waterparks
The Grove | 8055 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, MN 5507
Museums & More
Minnesota Zoo | A great spot to hit year round, the Tropics trail feels a bit like a vacation, the Minnesota trails gives a glimpse of our natural wildlife and the fish and sharks in Discovery Bay offer touch pools and more. The grizzly bears on the Russian Coast are worth the short walk outside on our mild winter days. If you plan to go more than once during the year, the membership is well worth the price.
Kids Club Bowling @ Pinstripes | Kids bowl for $3 and parents bowl for free! Cozy couches, wait staff is available if you need some coffee or a snack, and bumpers and ball ramps abound. Limit 4 children per adult.
Crayola Experience l Mall of America
Toddler Tuesdays l Mall of America -This is a weekly program that provides free entertainment + discounts for toddlers and their caretakers! Events include special character appearances, arts + crafts, story time and much more! Events are every Tuesday from 11 a.m. until Noon and are completely free and open to the public.
Mall Play Areas
Eden Prairie Center Play Area | 8251 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Indoor Playgrounds
The Backyard at Brookview | 316 Brookview Parkway S, Golden Valley, MN 55426
InnerActive Playground | 131 Cheshire Lane, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Plymouth Field House | 14800 34th Avenue, Plymouth, MN 55447
Prairie Play Zone | 16700 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55346
Williston Tree House | 14509 Minnetonka Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Museums & More
Pump It Up Eden Prairie | Open Jumps are open play time where your child can have the time of their life. The massive inflatables spark their imaginations to run wild. It’s not only fun for the kids but provides a healthy workout that burns off excess energy and helps keep them fit. It’s fun for kids of all ages.
Indoor Waterparks
Great River Waterpark | 270 Lexington Parkway North, Saint Paul, MN 55104
Museums & More
Minneapolis Institute of Arts | A great spot to hit up with your kids for an out of the box activity. Don’t assume they’re too young to explore art – there’s plenty to look at for kids of all ages!
Minnesota Children’s Museum | We are fortunate to have such a fun children’s museum – with the recent renovation and great rotating exhibits, this is the place for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Minnesota History Center | This is a great spot to hit with your kids. One of our favorite spots there is the “Grainland” indoor play area! See our post detailing highlights of this museum here.
Science Museum of Minnesota | Plenty of hands-on exhibits, the Omnitheater and more, your kids will have plenty to keep busy, and don’t forget to walk up and down (and up and down…) the musical stairs before you leave!
Sovereign Grounds Coffee Shop and Playroom | It’s a place to relax, meet other parents, talk, have a great cup of coffee or tea and maybe pick up some fresh beans to take home. There are comfortable spots for adults and a large playroom for the kids. Sovereign Grounds is proud to be the first kid-friendly coffeehouse in town, implementing the unique concept of combining an indoor playground with a traditional, community-oriented neighborhood café. Kids of all ages are not just tolerated here. They are welcome!
Vertical Endeavors | Children and adults of all ages can find something to enjoy here! With multiple rock walls that are for all different ability levels, you can have a fun day here with your entire family. They offer indoor climbing classes, guided climbing adventures, birthday parties, and more! Equipment is available for rental.