Get Moving: Tot Times, Open Play, Gym & Swim Spots for Tots in the Twin Cities

Indoor Toddler Activities

Tot Times and Open Gym were my savior when my firstborn was a squirrelly toddler who needed a space to run off his pent-up wintertime energy. A few years later, I had four littles under the age of 7 who were climbing the walls and testing the limits of my sanity. Perhaps you find yourself in the same boat? Browse through our listings of indoor toddler activities to find an open gym, open playtime or open swim near you and treat yourself to a (near) guaranteed nap time.

Disclaimer: While we do our best to keep up with changes, Tot Times, Open Play and Open Gym times are subject to change without notice for reasons including weather, health and safety and staffing. We recommend calling or clicking on the accompanying links to double check our information before heading out. Updated and verified 9/04/2023.

Kids participating in summer camp at Lundstrum Performing Arts. Text: "Minnesota's premier training program for dance, voice and drama. 'Lundstrum is an amazing place with heart and soul that nurtures the creative part of every child who comes through the door.' - Lundstrum Parent. Lundstrum Performing Arts. Dance. Voice. Drama.

Meet FFTC's Partner in Play

Lundstrum Performing Arts is Minnesota's premier training program for dance, voice and drama. Our teachers are Broadway veterans and industry professionals with the expertise to guide students to launch professional careers. We are passionate about helping students of all ages discover their gifts in mind, body and spirit. Lundstrum Performing Arts works with students of all skill levels in a supportive community that welcomes all and recognizes each student's unique talents. Our classes start at $190 for a 10 week session.
We're located at 1617 North Second Street, Minneapolis, MN 55411

If you are looking for ways to get the whole family moving, check out our
 Family Sports & Fitness Calendar.

MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL TODDLER ACTIVITIES
OPEN GYM & TOT TIMES

Minneapolis Parks: Family Indoor Playground

When: Times & parks vary, open gyms continue into the fall of 2023
Ages/Cost: 5 & under with caregiver | FREE
Details: Finding tot times in the Minneapolis parks can be tricky. Click the above link and type “indoor playground” into the activity search box to get a list of parks that offer drop-in Indoor toddler activities and play with scooters, balls, tumbling mats and more. You’ll need to sign up for an active pass, but it is free and you can do that the first time you go in.

Super Saturdays at InnerCity Tennis

When: Select Saturdays, September through mid-April. Pre-Registration Required.
Ages/Cost: Families with kids ages 3+ | FREE
Details: Bring kids for fun, fast-paced tennis & life skills. Learn teamwork, perseverance & more led by staff & volunteers on 12 courts. Healthy snacks included.

Saint Paul Recreation Centers: Tot Time

When: Times & parks vary. 
Ages/Cost: 6 & under with caregiver, FREE
Details: St. Paul Tot time and open gym hours continue into the fall of 2023. Advanced reservations are available for a few locations, but most have moved back to drop-in style. 


TWIN CITIES NORTH METRO
OPEN GYM & INDOOR TODDLER ACTIVITIES

ANDOVER 

Andover Community Center Tot Time Open Gym

Address: 15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
When: Most Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30am – 11:30am, October 9-April 29, 2023.
Ages/Cost: Ages 6 & under w/ caregiver, $5/child
Details: Drop in for unstructured play time and special activities like crafts, book swaps and storytimes. Be sure to check the calendar for the latest schedule.

FRIDLEY

Family Tot Time Open Gym

Address: Hayes Elementary Gym, 615 Mississippi St NE, Fridley, MN 55432
When: Saturdays 10am-noon, November 4, 2023 thru February 24, 2024.
Ages/Cost: Drop in fee: $2 per child / $4 per family, punch card available.
Details: Enjoy free play with balls, hoops, scooters, jump ropes, music and more. Capacity is limited. (Thank you to our reader, Ally, for this information).

LINO LAKES

Tot Time at The Rookery

Address: 7690 Village Drive, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
When: Find weekly gym schedules here. Tot Times run Tuesday, 9am-noon.
Ages/Cost: Ages 1-10 with parent; Drop in fee: $4 per child / members free
Details: Gymnasium activities and bounce house.

MAPLE GROVE 

Maple Grove Community Center Parent/Tot Time

Address: 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
When: Mondays & Fridays year-round, 9-11am.
Ages/Cost: Cost is $3/child, parents free during tot time only
Details: Stop at the front desk to pay or scan your membership card upon arrival.

NEW BRIGHTON

New Brighton Community Center Preschool Playtime

Address: Eagles Nest Indoor Playground, 400 10th St. NW, New Brighton, MN 55112
When: Mondays & Wednesdays 12pm-3pm (when school is in session)
Ages/Cost:  $8 per child; adult companion is free.
Details: Includes admission to the Eagles Nest and use of the gymnasium, including gym equipment and inflatables.

PLYMOUTH

Open Play at Plymouth Field House

Address: Plymouth Field House, 14800 34th Ave, Plymouth, MN 55447-1482
When: Mon, Wed, Fri – winter months typically beginning Nov. 1, 10:30am-1:30pm
Ages/Cost: Best for toddlers and kids ages 12 and under; $5-$6/child, caregivers free.
Details: During the chilly months, heat in the field house is turned on to 55 degrees for fun with inflatables, slides, nets and lots of space to run the kids ragged. Call 763-509-5280 for more details or cancellation information.

VADNAIS HEIGHTS

TCO Sports Garden Toddler Thursdays

Address: 1490 County Road E East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110
When: Ongoing Thursdays November 1-April 2023, 9:30-11:30am.
Ages/Cost: FREE!
Details: Come to Field 2 for indoor activities such as a bouncy house, kicking around soccer balls and open field time with room to run.  The fieldhouse is kept at 55 degrees so dress with this in mind.


TWIN CITIES SOUTH METRO
INDOOR PLAY PLACES & TOT TIMES

APPLE VALLEY 

Apple Valley Community Center Pre-K Gym

Address: 14603 Hayes Rd, Apple Valley, MN 55124
When: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 9-11am.
Ages/Cost: $15 membership or $5 drop-in. Registration required.

Family Open Gym

Admission is FREE for families to drop in. Sundays, 12-2:30pm.

MILLZ HOUSE – APPLE VALLEY

Millz House Open Play

Address: 14645 Felton Court, Suite #104, Apple Valley, MN 55124
When: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9am-4pm; Wed: 9am-12pm.
Ages/Cost: Cost is  $8/child; parents and babies under 18 months free
Details: Work out the wiggles with indoor playsets, trampolines and basketball courts. Indoor toddler activities

BURNSVILLE

IGM Gymnastics Open Gym

Address: 12117 Riverwood Drive, Burnsville, MN 55337
When: Fri 9:30-11:30am
Ages/Cost: 18 months – 12 Years; $10/child or $15/family
Details: Free-play style with certified coaches ensuring safety (parents are still required to stay).

EAGAN 

Eagan Community Center Blast & Play

Address: 1501 Central Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121
When: Fall 2023 hours: Tues & Thurs, 9am-12pm. (The Blast is open daily from 8am-8pm.)
Ages/Cost: Open to children 0-6 years old and their caregiver adult; Cost is $5/child, or a 10 visit punch pass for $45
Details: A kids gym time and access to The Blast facility are both included in admission.

The Blast Indoor Playground at Eagan Central Park, Eagan Minnesota
The Blast Indoor Playground

Gleason’s Gymnastics Preschool Open Gymnastics

Address: 2015 Silver Bell Road, Eagan, MN 55122
When: Wed & Fri 9:30-11:30am
Ages/Cost: Ages 0 to Kindergarten. Pre-register: $10/child or $15/family; Drop-in: $13/child or $20/family
Details: Have the run of the equipment! Kids can jump on the trampolines, launch themselves into the foam pit, walk the balance beam, follow obstacle courses, swing from the trapeze and more. Read more here.

ROSEMOUNT 

Rosemount Community Center Parent/Tot Open Gym

Address: 13885 S Robert Trail, Rosemount, MN 55068
When: Mon/Wed/Fri, 9:30-11am. Starts September 6, 2023.
Ages/Cost: 5 & under with caregiver. FREE!
Details: Free play in the gym with balls and other equipment.

SAVAGE 

Savage Sports Center Tot Time

Address: 13450 Dakota Ave., Savage, MN 55378
When: November-April, Tues & Thurs, 9-11:30am.
Ages/Cost: Ages 5 & under, $3/child
Details: Toddlers can play on inflatables, throw balls, hit with bats, and more, all equipment provided.

SHAKOPEE

Shakopee Community Center Kids Playtime 

Address: Shakopee Community Center, 1255 Fuller St S, Shakopee, MN 55379.
When: Mon & Wed, 9:30-11am
Ages: 1-5 with caregiver
Cost: $3/child
Details: Kids and their parents are invited to run around the gymnasium. Bring your clean trikes, riding toys, balls or use theirs.


TWIN CITIES WEST METRO OPEN GYM,
TOT TIMES & INDOOR TODDLER ACTIVITIES

CRYSTAL

Preschool Playtime Open Gym

Address: Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, MN 55429
When: Tot Times have not been listed for 2023-2024, but have historically been Wednesdays, early January – late March.
Ages/Cost: 1-5, $3/child
Details: Jump, crawl, build and play the winter away in 3 gyms. 1 adult to every 3 kids required. Punch cards available for discounted visits.

EDINA

Braemar Field – Tot Time

Address: Braemar Field, 7509 Ikola Way, Edina, MN 55439
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays, historically early November thru late April.
Ages/Cost: 1-6 years w/ adult; $5/person
Details: Room to run, age appropriate toys and some organized games. Keep in mind when dressing – temp is set at 55 degrees. Also, Family Night, $5/pp.

HOPKINS 

Hopkins Pavillion Turf Tots

Address: 11000 Excelsior Boulevard, Hopkins, MN 55343
WhenMarch 4-May 4, 2024, Mon-Fri, 8am-1pm.
Ages/Cost: Ages 1 to 5 years old; $5 per session per child

Details: Playtime moves to the indoor turf where there’s more room to run! Kids 5 & under can play with bounce houses, climbing wall, sport balls, crawl tunnels, blocks, trikes and more.

Twin Cities Tot Times and other activities to do with my preschool child.

ST LOUIS PARK

Little Tot Playtime

Address: Rec Center Banquet Room, 3700 Monterey Drive, St Louis Park.
When: Tues-Fri with holiday exceptions typically starting mid-November 15. 9:30-11:30am.
Ages: 1-5 with caregiver
Cost: $3 per child door or $55 for 30 sessions.
Details: Preschoolers can ride on big wheelers, play with cars, trucks, blocks and more free play activities.


TWIN CITIES EAST METRO
OPEN GYM & TOT TIMES

If you know of any east metro open gyms or tot times, please leave us a comment and we will share the information with the community.


Spend Tot Times at Indoor Playgrounds around the Twin Cities

OPEN TWIN CITIES INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS & PLAY CENTERS

INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS WITH INDOOR TODDLER ACTIVITIES

This is a short synopsis of indoor play spaces for kids of all ages, including playgrounds with climbing structures, slides and trampolines. For more details, check our Twin Cities Indoor Playgrounds and Play Areas Guide.

INDOOR PLAY SPACES

MiniSota Play Cafe

12055 Elm Creek Blvd N, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Ages/Cost
: Kids ages 1-9/$12.5o, Babies ages 6-12 months/$6, adults $4 

Details: MiniSota is currently the only location in the Twin Cities that combines an open play center with a café. Between themed days, storytimes and music classes there’s always special Indoor toddler activities going on (so check the calendar).

Minnesota Playseum

Ridgedale Center, 12705 W Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55305
When
: Drop-In Play. Mon-Tues 11am-6pm; Wed: 11am-4pm; Fri & Sat 11am-7pm; Sun 1pm-6pm (Closed Thurs)

Ages/Cost: Ages 1-99. $12/pp.
Details: A bit like the Children’s Museum, but in the mall. Explore a bakery, art studio, science bar, play shops and restaurants, as well as places to read together. Staff on hand to help with projects at various stations.


Twin Cities Indoor Waterparks and Pools

OPEN SWIM AT TWIN CITIES
WATER PARKS & POOLS

Swimming can be a wonderful way to squeeze in a workout during the frigid winter months in Minnesota. Use this list of Twin Cities Indoor Waterparks and Pools to find tot times, open swims and special ways to save on splashing your way through the winter. Or, here’s a quick list:

Indoor Pools:

Seasonal Outdoor Pools:

Where are you taking your stir-crazy toddler or preschooler this fall? Leave us a comment and we’ll share your ideas with the community!


Find hundreds more things to do in Minneapolis & St Paul with kids!

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OPEN GYMS WE HOPE TO SEE RETURN IN 2023

BLOOMINGTON

Program: Kids Open Rec | Creekside Community Center, 9801 Penn Ave. S
When: Last Sunday of each month; 10am-Noon
Ages/Cost: 8 & under, $2/child, caregivers free
Details: Children age 8 and under with a parent or guardian can enjoy open rec. For additional details, call 952-563-4944

EDEN PRAIRIE

Program: Tot Time Open Gym, Eden Prairie Community Center
When: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9-11:15 am – Sept–May
Ages/Cost: Best for ages 1-4; $5/pp ages 1-4, $6/pp ages 5+, under 1 and caregivers free.
Details: Participate in indoor toddler activities and free play with balls, hoops, scooters, jump ropes, tumbling mats, parachutes, and more. For $6/pp, admission to the Prairie Play Zone indoor playground is included.

20 thoughts on “Get Moving: Tot Times, Open Play, Gym & Swim Spots for Tots in the Twin Cities”

  1. Family Indoor Playground
    Fridays at Creekview Recreation Center (5001 Humboldt Ave N) 10am-12pm

    Does your child have energy to burn? Explore a new world at our highly-interactive social playtime! Playtime is a convenient way for young ones to burn off energy and develop motor skills. We think you’ll enjoy the social interaction too! It’s fun, unstructured play and a total sanity-saver. This is an unsupervised activity; parents or a guardian must accompany their child(ren).

  2. Brooklyn Park Lil’ Tykes and Tiny Tot sports begin in February through the end of February. Both programs are designed to provide a positive introduction to a variety of sports.

  3. We love Shakopee community centers “the lookout”. We can choose to swim in the pool or play on the playground, which has a single entrance/exit so parents don’t need to be constantly re-directing little explorers. A tot area for ages under 3 was perfect for my 1 and 3-year-olds and the price was right.

    1. Thanks for sharing your experience, Brian. They also allow parents to bring clean ride-on toys or walkers, which is great for letting the littlest kids get some practice walking!

  4. Do you recommend Chaska Community Center for tot time swims? I’ve read a few poor Google reviews and would appreciate community opinions.

    1. Hi Herbert. Thanks for this great question. While we don’t have any personal experience with Chaska Community Center, we’ve been assured that the pool is warm and age-appropriate for tots. The facility also has a play area. I hope this helps, and I hope some of our Chaska area readers can share personal experiences with this pool.

    1. The tot times tend to be during school hours, but there are family open gym times on weekends and evenings at many parks. I don’t know where you are located, but most Minneapolis rec centers and many St. Paul rec centers offer Family Open Gym times weekly. Another option is Indoor Playgrounds, which usually have daily hours that accommodate all types of schedules.

  5. Thank you for taking the time to put together these resources. I cannot express how grateful I am to have found your site. Blessings to you!!! Thank you 100x!

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  7. This list is so marvelous and true. Lovely post! I enjoyed reading it. The baby gear is so nice and adorable and looks interesting. It’s such a great way to be able to get things done and your baby enjoys the ride. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Thanks Nicola. These are some marvelous options. However, I wouldn’t expect to get anything done. Most of these places expect parents to watch their own kids closely, so you can’t really bring along work. Still, in my experience, there is no better way to get work done later than to wear out your tot early! Hope you get to try some of these places for yourself some time.

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