12 Best Indoor Waterparks & Pools in Minnesota for Families
When cold weather hits Minnesota, sunny days at the beach may seem like a distant dream—but that doesn’t mean you have to put away your swimsuits! Minnesota’s best indoor water parks and pools offer the perfect escape for families looking to burn off energy and have some fun, no matter the weather.
From thrilling water slides for teens and splash pads for toddlers to relaxing lazy rivers for all ages, Minnesota is packed with indoor water parks and pools that cater to the whole family. Whether you’re searching for a spot to splash away the winter blues or want to enjoy a fun family weekend getaway, these local gems will keep the whole family entertained.
Please keep reading to discover our top picks for the best indoor waterparks and pools in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota for families with kids.
Grove Cove Aquatic Center, Maple Grove
Address: 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Grove Cove Aquatic Center in Maple Grove is a year-round, family-friendly water park packed with fun for all ages. After splashing around, you can even burn off any leftover energy at the Maple Maze Indoor Playground located in the same building. Talk about a full day of fun with your kids!
Inside the aquatic center, you’ll find a zero-depth entry area with fountains, a 130-foot water slide, a lap pool, a climbing wall, and even a rope swing that drops into 12.5 feet of water! There’s a separate tot area with sprayers and a junior slide for younger kids.
With special hours for the water features, be sure to check the schedule before heading over and experiencing one of the best indoor pools near Minneapolis for yourself.
Great River Water Park, Saint Paul
Address: 270 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104
Great River Water Park is a go-to spot for family fun in Saint Paul. Located inside the Oxford Community Center, this year-round water park has something for everyone.
Littleones can splash around in the children’s activity pool, while older kids will love zooming down the two giant water slides. They even offer sensory-friendly swim hours for self-identified individuals with sensory sensitivities. For extra fun, don’t miss the giant floating turtle and logs!
With affordable rates, locker rooms, life jacket rentals, and plenty of space to play, Great River Water Park is a must-visit for families looking for Minnesota’s best indoor water parks.
Please note: There are no concessions here. Families are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks (glass, peanuts, and alcohol are not allowed).
Eden Prairie Aquatics Center, Eden Prairie
Address: 16700 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346
One of Minnesota’s best indoor water parks and pools, the Eden Prairie Aquatics Center offers endless fun for families with its exciting amenities. With two 8-lane pools, diving boards, a relaxing hot tub, and plenty of space for recreational swimming, the Aquatics Center has something for all ages.
The center features a thrilling waterslide, climbing wall, basketball hoops, and a zero-depth splash pool perfect for toddlers to enjoy bubblers and buckets. They also offer sensory-friendly swim hours and women-only swim hours.
Check their schedule before heading over to ensure open swim times! With so many options, it is no surprise that this is one of the top indoor pools near Minneapolis for families.
Finally, for just a few extra dollars, kids can also explore the Prairie Play Zone, an indoor playground located in the same community center. There is also a cafe on-site. These added amenities mean your family can plan a full day of fun at the Eden Prairie Aquatics Center!
Veterans Memorial Community Center Aquatic Center, Inver Grove Heights
Address: 8055 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
Located in Inver Grove Heights, Veterans Memorial Community Center Aquatic Center offers a fun-filled all-season escape for families with kids of all ages, making it one of the best indoor pools in Minnesota. With a zero-depth entry area featuring new splash ‘n spray zones, toddlers can enjoy safe water play. Meanwhile, older kids and teens love the thrilling water slides and diving boards.
Passing a swim test allows kids aged 6 and up to swim without a parent in the water, giving adults a chance to relax in the nearby hot tub. The center also includes a lap pool, log balancing course, and shallow play area perfect for younger children.
Finally, they offer sensory-friendly swim hours for toddlers and those seeking a sensory-friendly water park experience. As one of the best indoor water parks near Minneapolis, it is the ultimate spot for family fun, so check the schedule and start planning your next family outing!
Keep reading to find more Indoor Waterparks in Minnesota!
Brooklyn Center Community Pool, Brooklyn Center
Address: 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
The Brooklyn Center Community Pool is a hidden gem for families looking for affordable water fun near Minneapolis. One of the best indoor pools in Minnesota, this Olympic-sized, heated indoor pool features exciting swimming opportunities for all ages.
Older kids will love the thrilling 150-foot water slide and diving boards. Alternatively, little ones can enjoy the separate zero-depth entry wading pool (it’s perfect for ages 5 and under). With options for open swim, lap swimming, and aqua fitness classes, there’s something for everyone.
Plus, with low daily admission rates, it’s a great budget-friendly option for a family day out! No wonder it’s one of the best indoor pools with a slide in the Twin Cities.
Shakopee Indoor Aquatic Center, Shakopee
Address: 1255 Fuller St S, Shakopee, MN 55379
The Shakopee Indoor Aquatic Center is located at the Shakopee Community Center. As one of the best indoor water parks in the Twin Cities, this family-friendly spot features a 22,300-square-foot indoor water park that will delight all ages – including parents!
Kids will love the zero-depth-entry leisure pool with fun play features and a water slide. For toddlers, the dedicated “Tot Time” offers a quieter, calmer pool experience with pool toys, perfect for little ones. Then, three waterslides of varying sizes and speeds ensure that the whole family has one that’s just right! There’s also a four-lane lap pool. Parents and teens can also unwind in the sauna and whirlpool hot tub.
Admission is included with the Community Center’s daily pass or membership, making it an affordable, all-ages destination for families seeking the best indoor pools in Minnesota.
Best Indoor Waterparks and Pools in Minnesota
Tropics & Bamboo Bay Indoor Waterpark at the Shoreview Community Center, Shoreview
Address: 4580 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126
Once you step foot into this tropical paradise, you will quickly see why it is applauded as one of the best indoor water parks in Minnesota’s Twin Cities! The Tropics & Bamboo Bay Indoor Waterpark in Shoreview is perfect for families with toddlers and kids under 10.
Bamboo Bay features a zero-depth entry, a large play structure, sprayers, and slides. On weekdays, Bamboo Bay is unguarded, so parents must stay within arm’s reach of their kids. Meanwhile, for older children, teens, and adults, Tropics offers exciting options like a three-story water slide, water basketball, volleyball, and a tropical water walk. There’s also a whirlpool for adults (18+).
With a tropical theme and plenty of family-friendly amenities, this waterpark is a must when planning a fun day out for your kids!
Williston Fitness Center Pool & Splash Pad, Minnetonka
Address: 14509 Minnetonka Dr, Minnetonka, MN 55345
The Williston Fitness Center in Minnetonka is lovely for families with young kids. It offers an indoor splash pad and a 25-yard lap pool. It is undoubtedly one of the best indoor pools for infants and toddlers near Minneapolis.
The splash pad features a zero-depth entry pool and a fun froggie waterslide, making it an excellent spot for littles to splash around safely. There’s also a whirlpool for older kids (12+) and adults to relax in while another adult splashes with the kids.
Non-members can pay for access to the splash pad and the Tree House indoor playground, providing hours of fun for everyone (especially during Minnesota’s colder months!). It’s a warm indoor escape where kids can swim, climb, and play all in one fun visit!
Monticello Community Center, Monticello
Address: 505 Walnut St, Monticello, MN 55362
One of the best indoor pools in greater Minnesota, the Monticello Community Center is home to a family-friendly indoor water park, perfect for all ages. With affordable fees and something fun for everyone, this indoor water park is an excellent spot for family swim days!
The pool features a zero-depth entry with a play structure and a small slide for little ones. Then, bigger kids can enjoy the pool area’s large, looping water slide and basketball hoops. There’s also lap swimming available for adults who want to get in a workout. Riders must be 42 inches or taller to use the towering waterslide.
Finally, make it a full day of indoor fun by adding some play time at the Romp’ n Stomp. Located just steps away in the community center, this fun indoor play structure lets kids climb, slide, and explore before or after their swim!
Safari Island Community Center, Waconia
Address: 1600 Community Dr, Waconia, MN 55387
Safely dive into fun at Safari Island Community Center in Waconia, where pools galore await! The main recreation pool features a zero-depth entry and a whopping 57,000 gallons of water fun, complete with a thrilling giant water slide and an elephant slide just for the little ones.
For those seeking relaxation at one of Minnesota’s best indoor water parks, there’s a hot tub nearby, too. Meanwhile, serious swimmers can use the 8-lane lap pool with diving boards available at select times.
After splashing around, check out the Lion’s Den, a four-level indoor play structure. With something for everyone, Safari Island promises a day of adventure and relaxation that your family won’t want to miss!
Best Indoor Waterparks and Pools in Minnesota
The Rookery Slide and Swim, Lino Lakes a fun Indoor Waterpark in Minnesota
Address: 7690 Village Dr, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
Make a splash at The Rookery Slide and Swim in Lino Lakes! The Rookery is an ideal spot for both active swimmers and families looking to enjoy a day of aquatic adventure.
This family-friendly aquatic center boasts a spacious indoor lap pool with six 25-yard lanes, perfect for all skill levels. During Slide Swim, kids can zoom down the thrilling waterslide. Alternatively, they can enjoy the splash pool, which offers zero-depth entry and warm-water features.
Maplewood YMCA Community Center, Maplewood
Address: 2100 White Bear Ave, Maplewood, MN 55109
Enjoy a day of fun with your kids at the Maplewood YMCA Community Center! While this is one of the best indoor pools with a slide in the Twin Cities, it does require a Y membership. Your membership fee includes year-round access to the fantastic indoor pool and water park.
The leisure pool features a thrilling water slide, whirlpool, and various water features to entertain everyone in your family. There is also a dedicated tot area with a toddler-friendly slide. Before jumping in, check out the swim test policy and pool guidelines for a safe experience. Whether swimming laps or enjoying some recreational time, the Maplewood YMCA is the perfect place to make a splash all year!
Happy Swimming with Your Kids!
When the weather gets chilly (or too hot!), these indoor water parks and pools offer endless opportunities for Minnesota families to have fun together in a comfortable environment. Whether searching for the best indoor water parks and pools with slides near Minneapolis and Saint Paul or venturing into greater Minnesota, you’ll find the perfect spot to keep everyone entertained on this list. From splash pads to thrilling slides, warm whirlpools, and lap pools, these family-friendly aquatic centers ensure family fun and fitness all year round. So, grab your swimsuits and jump into the ultimate indoor adventure with your kids!
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
Header Image: Courtesy of Shoreview Parks and Recreation.
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