Twin Cities Indoor Activities Every Parent Should Know About
When temperatures drop in Minnesota, it’s time to find more indoor fun for the whole family. Whether you’re looking to burn off energy, spark creativity, or escape the chill, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained across the Twin Cities. From roller skating rinks and indoor mini golf to hands-on museums and art spaces, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active and engaged without bundling up. Ready to dodge cabin fever and have some fun with your kids?
We’ve rounded up 20 outstanding indoor spots across Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and the greater metro area where your kids can jump, explore, and learn—rain, snow, or shine!
Check Out a Local Library with Play Areas, Multiple Locations
Local libraries aren’t just for reading—they’re a top pick for kid-friendly indoor activities in the Twin Cities! Many libraries across the state now feature dedicated play areas where little ones can explore, build, and get creative. It’s a perfect way to spend a rainy day (or snow day) in the Twin Cities, with plenty of space for kids to engage in hands-on fun. Meanwhile, you can spend a few minutes relaxing with a good book or browsing for your next family read. From Hennepin County Library’s play zones to Saint Paul Public Library’s interactive areas, options throughout the metro bring learning and play together. Plus, it’s all free, making it a win for parents!
Looking for a few ideas? Here are some Twin Cities’ libraries with great play areas for kids:
- Sun Ray Library, Saint Paul
- George Latimer Central Library, Saint Paul
- Maplewood Library, Maplewood
- Brooklyn Park Library, Brooklyn Park
- Minneapolis Central Library, Minneapolis
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Go to a Kid-Friendly Museum, Multiple Locations
Kid-friendly museums are an excellent option for things to do on a rainy day in the Twin Cities! Firstly, the Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul offers endless fun with its creative play zones and climbing structures, sparking your child’s imagination.
Just a few blocks away, the Science Museum of Minnesota invites curious kids to explore dinosaurs, experiment with hands-on science exhibits, and even catch a show in the Omnitheater.
The Bell Museum showcases Minnesota’s wildlife for nature-loving families, with fascinating dioramas and a state-of-the-art planetarium that transports kids to the stars. Each museum offers plenty of exciting indoor activities for the whole family!
If you are looking for more museum ideas for all ages, read about these 13 Best Museums in the Twin Cities for Kids (Babies to Teens)
Grab a Coffee + Play, Multiple Locations
Grabbing a coffee while the kids play is a win-win on chilly days! Luckily for parents, there are several fantastic coffee shops across the Twin Cities. For families with older kids or teens, head to Annabelle House in Osseo, Smith Coffee & Cafe in Eden Prairie, or The Get Down Coffee Company in Minneapolis. You can enjoy a latte while the kids relax with a good book or a small game.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for indoor activities for toddlers in the Twin Cities, Rebe’s Play Cafe in Saint Paul, Sovereign Grounds in Minneapolis, and MiniSota Play Cafe in Maple Grove all offer cozy spaces with excellent play areas for little ones.
Our community picked these three coffee shops as family favorites for the best coffee shops with kids! These spots let you sip while kids enjoy a cozy moment, making them excellent options for kid-friendly indoor activities in the Twin Cities!
Como Zoo and Conservatory, Saint Paul
1225 Estabrook Dr, St. Paul, MN 55103
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in Saint Paul provides a tropical escape for families, making it one of the best indoor things to do with kids! Perfect for rainy or chilly days, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory provides several lush gardens for you and your kids to explore. The conservatory will feel like a mini vacation, even on the coldest days. Kids will love searching for koi fish in the indoor pond! Or, learning the names of new plants while you stroll. Plus, as Minnesota’s oldest zoo, you can add the indoor animal exhibits to your family outing. Inside, find tropical frogs, a sloth, snakes, and more.
The best part? Como Zoo is free, making it a budget-friendly family favorite (donations are welcome)!
Crayola Experience at the Mall of America, Bloomington
300 South Avenue, Level 3, Bloomington, MN 55425
For creative indoor activities for toddlers and young kids in the Twin Cities, the Crayola Experience at the Mall of America is a must-visit! Bursting with over 20 hands-on attractions, this colorful wonderland lets kids color, explore, and play to their heart’s content. Young artists can melt crayons into fun shapes, create spiral drip art, and even name and wrap their very own crayons! With giant coloring stations and interactive experiences like bringing your drawings to life in 4-D, there’s no shortage of fun for the whole family.
Perfect for a rainy day or just when you need a playful outing, the Crayola Experience is a guaranteed hit for young creatives!
We found 12 indoor activities in the Twin Cities that are perfect for kids! Keep reading!
Can Can Wonderland, Saint Paul
755 Prior Ave N, Suite #004, St Paul, MN 55104
For a truly unique indoor adventure in Saint Paul, head to Can Can Wonderland. This whimsical destination features 18 artist-designed mini golf holes that are as fun to look at as they are to play. Can Can Wonderland also offers vintage arcade games and pinball machines. Endless opportunities for fun await kids and adults alike. When tummies get hungry, grab a bite from the on-site restaurant. Or, indulge in sweets and drinks from the soda fountain.
The admission fee includes unlimited play on over 125 arcade and pinball games, making it one of the most entertaining places for indoor things to do in Saint Paul with kids! Mini golf is an extra fee; however, kids five and under are FREE.
Kidcreate Studio, Eden Prairie & Woodbury
Kidcreate Studios in Eden Prairie and Woodbury are the perfect spots for kids to unleash their creativity! Specializing in children’s art classes, camps, and art-themed birthday parties, this kid-only art studio offers age-specific programs tailored to each child’s unique developmental needs. Whether you’re looking for weekly classes, homeschool programs, or a fun camp, Kidcreate provides a welcoming space for kids to create fridge-worthy masterpieces.
It’s a fun place for kids to learn, play, and explore their artistic side. No wonder it is a top pick amongst the best kid-friendly indoor activities in the Twin Cities!
Find their current class offerings here.
LARK Toys, Kellogg
63604 170th Ave, Kellogg, MN 55945
Looking for a fun family day trip to escape the doldrums of being at home? Head to LARK Toys in Kellogg, Minnesota. It’s just under two hours from the Twin Cities! As one of the largest independent specialty toy stores in the country, LARK Toys offers over 20,000 square feet of wonder and amazement for all ages. From beautifully crafted toys and puzzles to books and art supplies, it’s a dream destination for kids (and the kids at heart!). Little ones can also enjoy play areas.
Meanwhile, parents treat themselves to delicious fudge or ice cream. Finally, don’t miss the hand-carved Minnesota basswood carousel—kids can ride for just $2. LARK Toys is undoubtedly a toy lover’s paradise!
Mess Hall Art Experiences, Hopkins
One of the best kid-friendly indoor activities in the Twin Cities, Mess Hall Art Experiences in Hopkins, is all about embracing the mess! Specializing in the kind of art you might not want to tackle at home, Mess Hall offers a fun, no-rules approach to creativity. Kids can splatter, pour, smear, and finger paint their way to vibrant masterpieces. Each experience focuses on abstract art that encourages unique expression—no prior experience is needed!
With options like birthday parties, neon paint nights, and monthly classes, there’s something for everyone. It’s the perfect place for kids to get creative, get messy, and have a blast!
Finally, you can see their current class offerings here.
Keep reading to find more Indoor Activities in the Twin Cities!
Color Me Mine, Eagan, Maple Grove, & Woodbury
Color Me Mine, with locations in Eagan, Maple Grove, and Woodbury, is an excellent spot for creative family fun. Kids can unleash their inner artist by painting a variety of ceramic items, from mugs to figurines. And, parents can join in the fun, too! After painting, the studio glazes and fires your child’s masterpiece (ready for pick-up in about a week). It’s an easy, no-mess way to enjoy an art project with the whole family.
For little ones, Toddler Tuesdays are a great deal, offering a special day just for littles to explore their creative side. Color Me Mine offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with all the tools you need for a fun family outing. The best part? You don’t have to worry about the clean-up!
Creating a beautiful work of art together is the perfect family activity for a rainy day or a weekend adventure.
Skyzone Trampoline Park, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Burnsville, & Blaine
If your kids love to jump and need to burn off some energy, Sky Zone Trampoline Park is the perfect spot for some high-flying fun! With multiple Twin Cities locations, Sky Zone offers wall-to-wall trampolines where kids can bounce, flip, and soar. The park offers something for every age, whether you’re coming for an open jump or toddler time.
Feeling competitive? Try Ultimate Dodgeball, where players jump and dive while dodging balls in midair! Or, head to the Foam Zone to practice flips and land softly in a pool of foam squares. Each location also has its unique features, such as arcades and food concessions.
Check ahead to see what’s available at the location nearest you. When you’re searching for kid-friendly indoor activities in the Twin Cities, it’s a top-notch choice for active fun, rain or shine!
Skateville Family Rollerskating Center, Burnsville
201 River Ridge Cir S, Burnsville, MN 55337
Life indoors is more fun on wheels at Skateville Family Rollerskating Center in Burnsville! This family-friendly spot offers fun and fitness with public skating sessions throughout the week. Skate on Minnesota’s only wooden rotunda floor, rent quad or inline skates, and enjoy a snack from the snack bar. Kids can also burn off extra energy in the arcade. They can even redeem tickets for prizes at the Stuff Shop!
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, Skateville has something for everyone—rain or shine. If you’re looking for unique things to do on a rainy day in the Twin Cities, add this to your list!
Visit their website for schedules and special events.
Play Together at an Indoor Playground, Multiple Locations
When the weather turns chilly, these kid-friendly indoor playgrounds in the Twin Cities offer endless activities, promising hours of fun and adventure! There are several options throughout the metro, but if you’re wondering where to start, here are the top three picks as voted on by our community of real Minnesota parents!
Edinborough Park in Edina is a massive indoor playground and community space featuring Adventure Peak. This three-story climbing structure lets all ages (including parents!) join in on the fun. Little ones will love the toddler-friendly “Little Peak” and the wide-open gym for scooters, balls, and more.
In Eagan and Woodbury, Good Times Park lives up to its name with an epic lineup of play zones. Kids can spend countless hours on the jumping pillow, the ninja course, the indoor soccer field, and the basketball court. There’s even a picnic area for snack breaks!
For year-round energy burning, InnerActive Playground in Mounds View and Plymouth brings the outdoor playground experience inside. Kids can race down giant slides, bounce, and climb to their hearts’ content.
Smash Park, Roseville
1721 County Rd C West, Roseville, MN 55113
Smash Park in Roseville is a must for indoor family activities near Saint Paul. This lively spot keeps everyone in your crew entertained (even across multiple age groups!). And all-in-one entertainment hub, Smash Park combines arcade classics like Skeeball and Hoops Heroes with active family games, including pickleball and duckpin bowling. When it’s time to eat, Smash Park has a full menu of family favorites (like nachos and poutine!). Plus, they provide a dedicated kids’ menu.
With plenty of indoor play areas, it’s the perfect spot for a family night out. Whether you’re racking up points or sharing a meal, Smash Park delivers nonstop fun for all ages, no matter the weather!
Check Out an Arcade or Pinball Spot, Multiple Locations
We’ve already covered Can Can Wonderland and Smash Park. But, did you know there are several incredible arcades and pinball spots across the Twin Cities? These thrilling indoor activities are a blast for kids of all ages in the Twin Cities. If you’re looking for a few more ideas, here are some additional recommendations from our community.
At Dave & Buster’s in Edina and Maple Grove, families can play everything from Skee-Ball to Connect 4 Hoops. Then, refuel with a full menu of crowd-pleasers (including a kids’ menu). Over at The Burrow, with locations in Oakdale and Victoria, you’ll find arcades, pinball, and extras like sports simulators, laser tag, and a ropes course. When hunger strikes, enjoy pizza, burgers, and more while catching live music.
For something different, head to WhirlyBall Twin Cities in Maple Grove and Bloomington. Here, bumper cars, an arcade, and bowling meet in an epic mashup game.
Vertical Endeavors, Multiple Locations
Ready to take your family fun to new heights? Vertical Endeavors is undoubtedly one of the most adventurous indoor activities for kids in the Twin Cities. They have four locations across Bloomington, Minneapolis, and Saint Paul.
This dynamic climbing gym welcomes climbers of all ages and experience levels. No prior climbing skills are required! Families can explore towering walls, colorful routes, and bouldering zones. The Bloomington gym alone boasts over 200 routes and walls that reach 60 feet. Meanwhile, Minneapolis and Saint Paul offer hundreds more climbs and dedicated bouldering areas.
Kids under 14 need an adult to join the fun.
Play & Ride the Train at the Jackson Street Roundhouse, Saint Paul
193 Pennsylvania Ave E, St Paul, MN 55130
All aboard for indoor family fun! The Jackson Street Roundhouse at the Minnesota Transportation Museum is perfect for train-loving families. Just north of downtown, this hidden gem invites visitors to climb aboard real train cars, from dining and sleeping cars to historic engines. If you have toddlers or young children, this is, without a doubt, one of the best indoor activities in Saint Paul!
Inside, kids can build their own tracks at train tables, explore interactive exhibits, and watch model trains chug through intricate displays. The working roundhouse turntable is a must-see—it’s one of the few still operating today. On Saturdays, your ticket even includes a short ride on a 100-year-old passenger car.
It’s the perfect “first train ride” experience for toddlers and preschoolers. Or, stop by on Wednesday mornings for Tot Time, a special program designed for little conductors.
Sustainable Safari, Maplewood
3001 White Bear Ave #2001, Maplewood, MN 55109
Sustainable Safari in Maplewood Mall delivers one of Minnesota’s most unexpected adventures. Located on the mall’s second floor, this family-owned attraction features over 200 animals. Your kids can encounter all types of animals, from kangaroos and capybaras to parrots, porcupines, and reptiles. Kids can pet, feed, and learn about creatures from around the world. Sustainable Safari is a safe, climate-controlled space.
Throughout the experience, friendly guides share inspiring stories about conservation and animal care. Perfect for a day of exploration, families can visit the animals, enjoy lunch, or even take a carousel ride in Maplewood Mall without ever stepping outside. With affordable all-day admission and free educational shows, it’s easy to see why Sustainable Safari is a favorite for animal-loving families looking for fun things to do on a rainy day in the Twin Cities.
Attend Story Time & Browse a Local Book Story, Multiple Locations
Looking for cozy, kid-friendly indoor activities in the Twin Cities that spark imagination and creativity? Spend a morning exploring one of the metro’s beloved children’s bookstores. While many local bookstores offer story times and other unique features for families, here are two standouts!
In Saint Paul, Red Balloon Bookshop has been inspiring young readers for nearly 40 years. This bright, welcoming, woman-owned shop specializes in children’s books and hosts several book clubs (there’s even one for teens!). Plus, they have weekly storytimes on Wednesdays and Thursday mornings. Across the river in Minneapolis, Wild Rumpus Books is pure magic. Step through its purple door (complete with a tiny kid-sized door!) into a world of books, animals, and whimsy. Kids will love the resident cats and chickens, cozy reading corners, and Tuesday morning storytimes.
Take a Self-Guided Food Tour at Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis
For families craving culture, flavor, and fun, Midtown Global Market is one of the best indoor things to do in Minneapolis with kids. This vibrant marketplace is home to more than 30 restaurants and shops. On a chilly day, families can take a self-guided food tour around the world—all under one roof.
Grab tacos from Manny’s Tortas, pho from Pham’s Rice Bowl, or wood-fired pizza from Andy’s Garage. You can also try Indigenous cuisine from the Indigenous Food Lab. With online ordering and plenty of communal seating, it’s easy for everyone to enjoy their favorites together. Beyond the food, families can browse colorful market stalls for handmade gifts, clothing, and international snacks.
The Market also hosts free family events through its 52 Weeks of Culture series. With convenient parking and a welcoming community vibe, Midtown Global Market offers a flavorful adventure for all ages.
Have Fun Exploring These Kid-Friendly Indoor Activities In The Twin Cities!
When the weather outside is less than ideal, don’t fret—there are plenty of kid-friendly indoor activities in the Twin Cities to keep your family entertained! From creative art studios like Kidcreate and Mess Hall to fun-filled destinations like Sky Zone and Skateville, you’ll find exciting indoor things to do across Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and the greater metro area with your kids. Whether you’re looking for a place to enhance your child’s creativity or a way to burn off excess energy, these venues offer engaging experiences perfect for rainy-day activities in the Twin Cities. So grab your family and explore all the fun waiting for you indoors!
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.
