Indoor Play – Indoor Activities for Kids

We all know the realities of raising kids in the Minnesota: there’s got to be a place to go were we can escape the elements while still allowing those kids to keep playing hard. Our guides are packed full of indoor activities for kids, including playgrounds, waterparks, open gyms, playful coffee shops, storytimes, nature centers and other fun indoor outings to keep you entertained no matter the weather.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AT HOME

Want some ideas for indoor activities for kids that don’t involve packing up the kids and the travel gear that comes with?

INDOOR PLAY OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS IN THE TWIN CITIES

Twin Cities Indoor Playgrounds, Play Areas and Bounce Houses

Our kids still need a place to burn off that extra energy when the weather isn’t cooperating. Enter our Twin Cities Indoor Playgrounds and Play Areas list. We hope you can use it to find a new space to wear those littles out — and perhaps catch yourself a break. Some parks, like Adventure Peak in Edinborough Park, even have tree-lined indoor trails and weekly concerts. The list has been divided into regions of the metro for ease of searching. 


Twin Cities Indoor Waterparks & Pools

We’ve gathered up a list of indoor pool and water parks around the Twin Cities where you can splash, slide and swim away the cold weather blues. Most of them offer swimming lessons as well.


Open Gym for Kids

Sometimes you need a space big enough to hula hoop, play basketball, or ride around on a scooter toy. For options beyond indoor playgrounds for keeping the little ones moving throughout the chilly months, check out our Open Play, Gym & Swim Spots for Tots in the Twin Cities. Most of these are hosted by community and recreation centers and offer either very inexpensive admission or FREE. Treat yourself and your little one to a (near) guaranteed nap time!

Indoor Toddler Activities

 

Kid-Friendly Coffee Shops & Cafes

This sounds like the coziest of cozy indoor activities to do with your kids! Spend a chilly day in visiting one of these Twin Cities coffee shops with your little one(s) for both an indoor play space and a decent cup of joe. Kids can spread out in an area dedicated just to them!

Indoor Activities for Kids - Inside Play In the Twin Cities, Minnesota


Top Twin Cities Storytimes for Kids

Our list of toddler and preschool story times are hosted at highly kid-friendly venues around the Twin Cities. Most of these programs are completely free entertainment for your young ones and make a great indoor activity.

Top Kids Storytimes in the Twin Cities


Libraries with Play & Learn Spaces

Play is critical in supporting storytelling, boosting vocabulary and encouraging kids to use their imaginations to work out real world experiences. “Play and Learn” spaces installed at several Twin Cities-area libraries make for a fun indoor activity.


Indoor Fun at Twin Cities Nature Centers

Nature centers don’t hibernate during the winter; they’re open and welcome visitors to explore indoor activities, interactive exhibits and animal residents. Pick from more than two dozen scattered throughout the Twin Cities.

Indoor Activities for Kids - Inside Play In the Twin Cities, Minnesota


Museums & Historic Sites

Many Twin Cities museums and historic sites are wonderful places to spend a day indoors and many offers specific indoor activities for kids. We have a collection of highly kid-friendly ones all put together in one spot:

Indoor Play - Indoor Activities for Kids

Family Fun at the Mall of America

The MOA in Bloomington offers plenty of indoor family fun, including an amusement park, attractions,  retail shopping and dining opportunities without ever stepping outdoors.

Family fun Twin Cities' Guide to the Mall of America - floor by floor - Title backdrop Pineapple Poppers ride at Nickelodeon Universe in the Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota
Family fun Twin Cities’ Guide to the Mall of America

Indoor Mini Golf Options

We offer plenty of indoor golfing and arcade games in our Guide to Mini Golf Courses in the Twin Cities:

  1. Can Can Wonderland
  2. Grand Slam Sports
  3. Grand Slam Family Fun Center
  4. Moose Mountain Adventure Golf
  5. Rock of Ages Black Light Mini Golf
  6. Urban Air Adventure Park
  7. Victoria Burrow

Indoor Fun at Zoos

  • Minnesota Zoo. The first time I visited the Minnesota Zoo, I didn’t even know there were outdoor trails. The indoor trails can fill a day.  There is also an indoor play area – the Bee Hive.
  • Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.  Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is always a beautiful experience regardless of the weather. The zoo has several indoor exhibits. However, you will need to walk outdoors to travel between them.

Movie Theaters

What better way to spend an afternoon inside than watching a family film.  We rounded up the best movie deals in the metro area: Twin Cities Cheap Flicks: Cheap Movies at Riverview Theater + More Discounts.

Two girls with popcorn and snacks at the theater: "Twin Cities Cheap Flicks: Movie Deals for Families"

Extreme Weather Options

When the temperature extremes have got you down in the dead of winter and the most sweltering of the summer, where do you go? We offer these ideas for extreme weather indoor activities for kids.


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

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