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?
- 75 Fun Indoor Games for Kids of All Ages, Categorized
- Indoor Fun at Home: No Energy, No Space, No TV, No Problem
- Rainy Day Activities in the Rainy Day Guide
- Arts and Crafts Throughout the Year
- At Home Science Activities for Kids
INDOOR PLAY OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS IN THE TWIN CITIES
Twin Cities Indoor Playgrounds & Play Areas
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. 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
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 are either very inexpensive or FREE. Treat yourself and your little one to a (near) guaranteed nap time!
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!
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.
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 hiberate during the winter; they’re open and welcome families to explore indoor activities, exhibits and animal residents. Pick from more than two dozen scattered throughout the Twin Cities.
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:
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.
- 28+ Days of Cozy Indoor Play in February
- 10 Free & Air-Conditioned Indoor Family Outings
- Minneapolis Recreation Centers
- St. Paul Recreation Centers
Find hundreds more things to do with kids in Minneapolis & St Paul!