Personally, by mid-February I’m sick to death of outdoor activities and would prefer to pretend I’ve flown south. All winter long we’ve touted the sledding hills, skating rinks, tubing spots, and winter samplers that keep you out among the snow and ice. Regardless, there’s not a speck of snow in sight in any of these 28 ideas for cozied-up indoor play and family time in February. They’re simply not allowed to involve the cold, snow, ice, or even slush!
Sunday, February 1, 2026
First Free Sunday at Minnesota Children’s Museum
10 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102
You’ll want to act fast to score FREE admission to this amazing space designed floor-to-ceiling for kids up to about age 12. Every exhibit is hands-on, durable and aims to spark creativity and curiosity. Our very own FFTC Team Kids literally cut their teeth at the Minnesota Children’s Museum. Check out the exhibit Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails. Tickets available for Free First Sunday while supplies last.
Monday, February 2, 2026
Indoor Tot Time Open Gyms
Start the week by getting active at a Tot Time and Open Gym. Warm up indoors with unstructured free play at gyms and community centers across the Twin Cities. When it’s too cold and sloppy to visit the local playground, this is a wonderful option for kids to work out wiggles and stay active. Many spaces furnish extras like balls, scooters, inflatables and other gross motor equipment.
Can’t find one to fit your schedule today? Tot Times and open gyms are available all month. Pick a date and add it to your February Fun calendar. We stay diligent about listing these open gyms on our FAMILY FUN CALENDAR and have individual details about each program in our round-up of OPEN PLAY, GYM & SWIM SPOTS FOR TOTS in the Twin Cities.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Coolest mini golf course in town
CAN CAN WONDERLAND offers mini golfing at the coolest indoor course in town. Each artist-designed hole is an attraction in itself, entertaining all ages while you’re waiting in line to putt. Plus, there are dozens of vintage arcade games to play and a malt shop for treats. My kids request this outing frequently (and since I find it a splurge, I often wait until the grandparents are in town wanting to treat!) Open Tues-Thurs 4-10pm ($10 cover admission Tues, $14 Wed & Thurs), Fri-Sun starting at 11am ($16 cover). Mini golf extra – $13-$15/pp.
MORE MINI GOLF: My kids love miniature golf no matter the season, indoors or out. Find our big list of the BEST TWIN CITIES MINI GOLF COURSES for more options (younger putters, tweens & teens, date night…).
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
World Read-Aloud Day
World Read Aloud Day is February 4, 2026. Curl up together and read aloud at home with a fluffy blanket and cocoa. Or, if you prefer an outing, make a point to visit a new library branch or an independent bookstore. Why is reading aloud important? A 2015 study found that children are exposed to a larger vocabulary from picture books read aloud than from conversations with adults. See Joy’s article for read-aloud ideas today (or any day).
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Learning is anything but dull at the Minnesota History Center
There’s never a dull moment for kids here; the museum takes special care to install exhibits that are hands-on and kid-friendly while managing to remain highly educational. Read about our all-ages favorites when we bring our own families here. Open Wed-Sun, $8-$12/pp. Thursday evenings are FREE admission from 4-8pm.
Friday, February 6, 2026
Create a February Museum Bucket List and Start Today
Discover the rich history and culture of Minnesota by visiting new or favorite museums and historical sites. From the Native American Culture and pioneer settlements to art from cultures around the world, there is something for everyone to explore in our metro area museums and historic sites. Admission varies from free to under $30/pp.
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Cozy up with homemade art
Art Play! is your chance to experiment at the Minneapolis Institute of Art – this month’s project theme is “Share Some Love Collage”. Homemade valentine cards in your future? Then take a scavenger hunt through Mia’s collection of world-class art exhibits to find works in that medium. Free and cozied-up indoor fun. 10am-2pm.
Sunday, February 8, 2026
It’s Super Bowl Sunday!
Are you making it a family-and-or-friends party for the big game? We’ve got some easy, kid-friendly snack recipes and halftime game ideas on our Super Bowl: Snacks & Fun at Home page.
Monday, February 9, 2026
Have a family bowling night
Want a great way to get out of the house on these long cold days? One of our top choices as a family is visiting Bowling Alleys. Check out our list of the best family-friendly bowling alleys, perfect for an evening of fun and friendly competition! Bonus, Mondays are a great day to find deals and discounts.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Toddler Tuesdays LIVE Valentine’s Day Pajama Party
One Tuesday a month, Mall of America hosts activities for toddlers and preschoolers. This month grab your more festive PJs for a dance party in the Rotunda. Families will also enjoy discounts, a special wristband offer for Nickelodeon Universe and Kids Eat Free deals. Learn more here. 10am-12pm. FREE.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Cozy up by the “fire” at Shoreview Library (plus more area fun)
This branch of the Ramsey County Library system features an expanded kids space and playthings and a super cool fireplace. Cozy up, read and play indoors if the snow is piling up outside.
To make a day of it, head over to the adjacent SHOREVIEW COMMUNITY CENTER for a run around TROPICAL ADVENTURE INDOOR PLAYGROUND and a swim in TROPICS INDOOR WATERPARK. Day passes run $9.75-$14.50 per person. and include admission to both the indoor playground and indoor waterpark.
Thursday, February 12, 2026
It’s always balmy at Como Zoo & Conservatory
Keep as warm as the tropics as you wander the indoor gardens and exhibits. The animal enclosures are heated, too. One of our favorite ways to make a mini-escape in the winter months. We pick Thursday for a visit because LITTLE EXPLORER THURSDAYS at Como offers hands-on activities, art projects, games and stories perfect for the 4 & under set. Runs 10am-noon each Thursday. FREE, donations appreciated.
Friday, February 13, 2026
Candyland Trail at Edinborough Park
Play a park-sized game of Candyland to collect at treat bag at the end during this annual event. $11/pp will get the young ones into the giant ADVENTURE PEAK play structure where they’ll be busy climbing for hours. EDINBOROUGH PARK in Edina stays balmy and green, even through the winter! Included with Adventure Peak Play Park admission: $10/child.
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Last minute ideas for snuggling up with your sweeties on VALENTINE’S DAY IN THE TWIN CITIES.
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Splish splash away at Great River Indoor Waterpark
Oxford Community Center, 270 N. Lexington Parkway, Saint Paul, MN 55104
A special FREE open swim is hosted Sundays from 12-5pm, with free water safety training provided from 2:30-3pm. If you prefer a more subdued time, add this activity to a Monday when your littles can spend time splishing and splashing in the zero-depth entry play structure. From 9-10am this is the only pool open and therefore draws a quieter, younger crowd. Regular admission $8/pp or $30/family.
Check our big list of indoor pools and waterparks for more indoor swimming opportunities.
Monday, February 16, 2026
President’s Day Weekend in the Twin Cities
Need some suggestions for the long weekend? Look no further than our Weekend Family Guide – stocked up with ideas indoors and out. We publish a fresh new guide each weekend as a companion to our longtime Family Fun Calendar – this weekend will include some ideas for the Monday of President’s Day weekend.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
You really can’t go wrong with a family trip to MILL CITY MUSEUM in Minneapolis. It’s the kind of place where both adults and kids will be truly entertained (most exhibits are hands-on) and you don’t have to spend the bulk of your precious time shushing children or worrying they’ll destroy something. If you haven’t brought them out yet, here are 10 Things for Kids at Mill City Museum that will leave an indelible impression. Open Thurs-Sun, $8-$12/pp – consider snagging a family membership to the Minnesota Historical Society for free admission!
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Preschool Open Gymnastics
2015 Silver Bell Road, Eagan, MN 55122
A trip to Gleason’s for open gym (particularly in the middle of winter) is an instant mood-lifter. The kids will love the opportunity to bounce on trampolines, scoot through obstacle courses, and play on the gym equipment to their hearts’ content. Wednesdays & Fridays 9:30 – 11:30am Pre-registered: $10/kid, $15/family or at the door: $13/kid or $20/family. (Got bigger kids – Open Gym for ages 7-18 is on Fridays from 6-8pm $15/pp or $20/door).
Not near Eagan? Find More Twin Cities Gymnastic Studios
Thursday, February 19, 2026
So much more than shopping at SCHEELS!
8301 Flying Cloud Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Who knew you could spend the day being so entertained at the sporting goods store? This generation’s variety features plenty of indoor fun: a 65-foot Ferris wheel, mini-bowling, a candy shop, shooting gallery, archery range and arcade. No trouble getting my teens and tweens to join me on this outing!
Friday, February 20, 2026
Kids at the Castle – Love Monster
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Your little ones will be awed by exploring a museum within a castle! This month’s theme is “Hearts & Hugs”. Plus, you’ll get the chance to check out the latest Family Gallery exhibit and all the attention put into making it super family-friendly. Read more about top family favorites at American Swedish Institute. $15/family for the program – must register in advance as space is limited and slots sell out. 9-10am. (Also offered Saturday)
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Last chances to see the Night Trains
All aboard! This is your last chance to see the special Night Trains at TWIN CITY MODEL RAILROAD MUSEUM before they chug out of the station for another season. Saturday only, 3-7pm, $15/pp, advance tickets available.
Minneapolis-St Paul has historically been an important hub for the railroads. If you’ve got little (or big!) train lovers in your family, there are plenty of indoor places to get up close to them around town including the JACKSON STREET ROUNDHOUSE (take real coach train rides and tinker with exhibits) and UNION DEPOT (picnic next to the trains in nicer weather). You can read more about train-spotting opportunities in Minneapolis-St Paul, a Train Lovers Destination.
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Travel the globe without leaving the state
We know it’s not exactly like flying around the world, but the URBAN EXPEDITION program is easily the next best thing – and certainly more budget-friendly. This month “visit” the nations of Trinidad & Tobago through music, dance, and crafts; free and very family-friendly. While you’re at the beautiful LANDMARK CENTER, pop in to the free SCHUBERT CLUB MUSEUM, a hidden gem that allows kids to experiment with a cacophony of musical instruments. 1-3pm, FREE.
Monday, February 23, 2026
Fly high at SkyZone Indoor Trampoline Park
Unique locations in Blaine, Edina, Maple Grove & Oakdale
Work up a serious sweat indoors at locations in Oakdale, Edina and Blaine. Teens and tweens can jump (and climb and crawl and play) until 10pm on a Friday night (prices start at $27/90 min jump time); littles 6 & under get their own Little Leapers jump time Mon-Fri, 9am-12pm. Cost is $18 per child. Bounce off somebody else’s walls!
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Make it a discount movie day
Tuesday is the day of the ticket deal in the Twin Cities. Our favorite local movie house, the Riverview Theater, often screens family-friendly flicks for the reasonable ticket price of $5 every Tuesday. Check the Riverview website to see what’s scheduled this month. Walk-up sales of its delicious freshly-popped popcorn are also available if you want to bring a taste of the theater home and cozy up there. We also like St. Anthony Main Theatre for $5 Tuesday deals.
For more Twin Cities movie deals, check our Cheap Flicks: Twin Cities Movie Discount Days page.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Explore a new nature center
I know, I know, we swore there wouldn’t be snow involved in this list. And we promise, there doesn’t have to be when exploring many of the nature and interpretive centers around the Twin Cities. Take RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER in Bloomington, for instance. You can spend an afternoon’s worth of free, cozy fun putting on a puppet show, taking a scavenger hunt through the huge wall murals and visiting the resident critters in their indoor tanks. Get the details for visiting in our list of 10 Things For Kids at Richardson Nature Center.
Jump over for more Twin Cities-area nature centers – ideas for indoor play and learning.
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Love cats? Visit the Cafe Meow!
3524 Winnetka Ave N, New Hope, MN 55427
1718A Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113
Here’s a cozy indoor activity idea for you: My daughter absolutely loves cats but mean old mom isn’t up for having a pet. Our solution? We book an hour at this sweet rescue coffee shop and she gets a fix without the extra responsibility. Kids over 7 (with a parent) can show some love to the kitties and sip a warm beverage. $11.50/pp. Tuesday hours are 11am-7pm, but you can book a time any day but Monday!
Friday, February 27, 2026
Open Play at Plymouth FieldhouseÂ
Here is a compromise for when you are really, really tired of being cooped up indoors, but don’t really want to go outside. The Fieldhouse dome in Plymouth is kept at 55 degrees and provides an indoor space for outdoor activities plus inflatables for bouncy fun. Balls and soccer nets are provided during open play or bring your own gear. MWF 9am-12pm. $6 Plymouth residents/$8 non-residents.
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Outdoors brought in at Good Times Park
3265 Northwood Circle #100, Eagan MN 55121
7805 Hudson Rd Suite 188, Woodbury MN 55125
We love GOOD TIMES PARK in Eagan (and now in Woodbury, too!) for its indoors-but-outdoor feel: soccer turf, multi-level basketball hoops, huge jumping pillow, play equipment and ability to entertain a wide range of ages. Open daily, 7am-9:30pm, $12/pp ages 1-17. Admission is bought online in advance, space may be limited.
And there you have it! Stay warm and have fun with these cozy indoor activities and before you know it March will arrive and spring will be just around the corner. Got some indoor fun to share? Leave us a comment with your ideas!