Minneapolis Indoor Playgrounds: A Local Parent’s Honest Guide

Updated: March 2025

Indoor playgrounds are a lifesaver on cold, rainy, or just plain busy days in Minnesota. But here’s the thing—no single play place is perfect for everyone. Some are better for toddlers, some work for high-energy big kids, and some are just plain overwhelming (looking at you, weekend birthday parties). I’ve been to a lot of these spots with my kids, and here’s what I’ve learned: each one has its own vibe, and sometimes, what’s “best” really depends on your kiddo, your mood, and the day.

🚨 Why Google Maps Ratings Can Be Misleading

Note on pricing: While I don’t include exact prices (which change frequently), community centers are generally more affordable than commercial indoor playgrounds. Places like Kids Empire cost more but often offer more amenities and comfort for parents.

If you’re looking at Google reviews to decide where to take your children, you might be missing crucial information that matters to parents.

Why You Can’t Trust a Star Rating Alone

• Ratings don’t tell the full story (e.g., Kids Empire has a 3.9, but it’s a 5-star for my needs!)
• Your criteria matters (Space, noise level, security, exits)
• Timing is everything (Weekdays = better experience)

For example, I’m a frequent flier at Kids Empire, and it checks all my boxes:

• Spacious, without being overwhelming
• Not overly loud
• Secure, with good sightlines
• No odd exits or hidden nooks where kids could slip away
• You can pay for a full day—come in the morning, leave for nap time, and return later! This flexibility is a game-changer for families with nappers
• Dedicated play area for littles
• Tons of seating for parents
• Great for working parents—you can have your laptop out without worrying about a rogue ball hitting it
• Free lockers available—lock them up and relax

Yes, it’s more expensive than other places, but for my personal criteria, it’s worth every penny.

Another factor to consider? Timing. If you can go during the weekdays, these places are often calmer, cleaner, and just… nicer. But weekends? Chaos. I usually evaluate playgrounds based on their peak-hour experience, because that’s when most parents will be there.

💡 Why I Love Community Centers for Indoor Play

Community centers are some of my favorite places to take my kids. They are affordable, low-key, and offer more than just a playground—many have pools, skating rinks, or even great outdoor parks. They’re also designed for families, meaning you’ll usually find seating for parents, a reasonable noise level, and fewer chaotic surprises. If I want a more relaxed playtime without the overwhelming energy of a commercial indoor playground, community centers are my go-to.

🌟 Community Center Indoor Playgrounds

Shoreview Community Center

📍 Great for: A full day of fun

✔ Large, newer play place with plenty of climbing structures
✔ Bleacher seating for parents (rare win!)
✔ Attached to Bamboo Bay Waterpark—but fair warning, the second your kiddo sees it, they’ll beg to swim
✔ Amazing outdoor playground as well
➖ Super busy because it’s awesome

💡 Pro Tip: This place is a full experience. If you want to make a day of it, this is the one!

Shakopee Community Center

📍 Great for: A quieter, easy-to-manage playtime

✔ Small play area, making it easier to keep track of kids
✔ Less busy than other big-name playgrounds
✔ Super friendly staff
✔ Pool available, but not visible from the play area—so no surprise “I want to swim!” tantrums
✔ Vending machine with candy and snacks (but no big concession stand)

💡 Pro Tip: I love this one when I just want a calm, predictable outing where I don’t have to stress about losing my kids in a sea of climbers.

Eden Prairie Community Center

📍 Great for: A smaller, lesser-known option

✔ Tiny but mighty play area—great for younger kids
✔ Often overlooked, meaning it’s usually quiet
✔ Pool on-site but not visible from the play area
✔ Great staff

💡 Pro Tip: Like Shakopee, this one is a lower-energy, less crowded choice. A great pick for a weekday escape.

Williston Center (Minnetonka)

📍 Great for: A hidden gem with surprising fun

✔ Medium-sized play area—but super engaging
✔ Party room directly connected to the play area—ideal for birthdays
✔ Fast slides—my toddler basically launched into space the first time
✔ Easy parking
✔ Vending machines for snacks

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a community center with a little more personality, this is it. Those slides are no joke!

Adventure Peak at Edinborough Park – Edina

📍 Great for: Adventure seekers and families with mixed ages

✔ Expansive Northwoods-themed adventure area suitable for children aged 1-12
✔ “Little Peak” dedicated area designed specifically for younger children
✔ Large inflatable air bounce and open play spaces with scooters, hula-hoops, and more
➖ Can become crowded during peak times due to its popularity

💡 Pro Tip: Come early on weekends to avoid the biggest crowds.

The Blast Indoor Playground at Eagan Community Center

📍 Great for: Space enthusiasts and kids with big imaginations

✔ Interstellar-themed indoor playground filled with slides, tunnels, and climbing structures
✔ Designed for children aged 18 months to 12 years, with areas for different age groups
✔ Community center also houses a gym and offers various classes
➖ Some areas of the play structure aren’t easily visible from seating areas

💡 Pro Tip: Position yourself strategically if you have multiple children to watch.

Brookview Backyard at Brookview Community Center – Golden Valley

📍 Great for: Creative play and themed adventures

✔ Safari, outer space, and pirate-themed indoor playground to spark imagination
✔ Separate play zones tailored to different age groups for safety
✔ Additional amenities including a golf course and dining options
➖ May have capacity limits during busy times

💡 Pro Tip: Consider having lunch at the Three One Six Bar and Grill after playing.

Eagles Nest Indoor Playground at New Brighton Community Center

📍 Great for: Active climbers and families with multiple children

✔ Impressive 23-foot-high web tower and 36-foot-long quadruple wave slide
✔ Dedicated, large area for little kids with wall-to-wall windows for a nice sun-drenched afternoon experience, even when you’re indoors
✔ Tightrope walk and other unique features
✔ Ample seating and visibility for parents
➖ Can be extremely busy, especially on weekends
➖ Multiple exits to watch for active kids

💡 Pro Tip: This place is amazing but monitor your kids closely as there are several ways they can exit. Parking has never been an issue!

K.U.B.E. Indoor Playground at Plymouth Community Center

📍 Great for: Kids who love variety and interactive play

✔ Kids Ultimate Backyard Experience brings outdoor play indoors
✔ 28-foot-tall tower with netting and a spiral slide
✔ Activity spinners, basket swing, rock climbing wall, and interactive gaming areas
✔ Accessible design for children of all abilities
➖ High demand leads to busy periods, especially during weekends and school holidays

💡 Pro Tip: Call ahead to check crowd levels if you’re concerned about busy times.

Maple Maze at Maple Grove Community Center

⚠️ Mixed Experience – Proceed with Caution!

✔ Huge play structure with lots to do
✔ Ideal for older kids who want to explore
➖ Extremely busy—hard to keep track of your kids
➖ Parking is a nightmare
➖ Low visibility—hard to supervise your child from one spot

💡 Pro Tip: If you have a runner or a child who needs constant supervision, this might be overwhelming.

🎮 Entertainment Centers & Adventure Parks

Good Times Park – Eagan

📍 Great for: A giant indoor play space that feels like an outdoor park

✔ Massive play area with climbing, slides, trampolines, and a mini sports field
✔ Self-service entry system—no staff, just a keypad to enter
✔ Designed for all ages—toddlers to bigger kids
✔ Picnic tables for snack breaks
➖ No staff supervision—you’re in charge
➖ Can get crowded during peak hours

💡 Pro Tip: This one is unique because it’s like a giant indoor park. It’s a great option when you want a big play space, but just know you’re on your own for keeping an eye on your kiddo.

Chuck E. Cheese – Maple Grove

📍 Great for: A classic experience with modern amenities

✔ Surprisingly quiet atmosphere compared to other locations
✔ Good food options beyond typical fast-food fare
✔ Modern, clean facilities (it’s a newer location)
✔ Ample parking available

💡 Pro Tip: While some Chuck E. Cheese locations might feel dated, the Maple Grove venue offers a refreshed experience that combines classic fun with modern amenities.

🗺 Address: 12945 Elm Creek Blvd N, Maple Grove, MN 55369

InnerActive Playground – Mounds View

📍 Great for: Self-directed play with lots of variety

✔ Operates on a self-service model for flexible play time
✔ Large playground structure with multiple play areas
✔ Dedicated toddler area for the little ones
✔ Additional features include jumping pillow, basketball court, and turf field
✔ Regularly maintained for cleanliness and safety

🗺 Address: 2240 Woodale Drive, Mounds View, MN 55112

Zero Gravity Trampoline Park – Mounds View

📍 Great for: High-energy kids who need to bounce!

✔ Multiple trampoline zones for different ages and abilities
✔ Additional attractions include laser tag, arcade games, and ninja obstacle course
✔ Climbing wall for adventurous kids
✔ Birthday party packages available

🗺 Address: 2292 Woodale Dr, Mounds View, MN 55112

Playground Plaza – Maple Grove

📍 Great for: All-day, all-weather play

✔ Climate-controlled environment comfortable for year-round play
✔ Extensive hours – open 365 days a year from 7 AM to 9 PM
✔ Family-friendly atmosphere encouraging parent-child play
✔ Safe environment for children to explore

🗺 Address: 11701 95th Avenue North, Maple Grove, MN 55369

Grand Slam – Burnsville

📍 Great for: Families with kids of varying ages

✔ Diverse activities including laser tag, mini-golf, batting cages, and bumper cars
✔ Three-story play area for climbing and exploration
✔ Video arcade for older children and teens
✔ Activities suitable for toddlers through teenagers

🗺 Address: 12425 River Ridge Blvd, Burnsville, MN 55337

🧩 Specialty Play Spaces

Hopkins Pavilion – Turf Tots

📍 Great for: Toddlers who need open space to run

✔ Indoor turf provides a soft surface for active play
✔ Dedicated sessions specifically for toddlers
✔ Open environment allows parents to easily supervise

💡 Pro Tip: Check the current schedule before heading out, as Turf Tots runs during specific time slots.

⏰ Working Mom Note: As a working mom, I haven’t personally experienced this one since their sessions are typically scheduled during weekday mornings. My stay-at-home mom friends and those with more flexible work schedules rave about this place though!

🗺 Address: 11000 Excelsior Blvd, Hopkins, MN 55343

Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store – St. Paul

📍 Great for: Train enthusiasts of all ages

✔ Multiple train play tables for hands-on exploration
✔ Variety of train-related toys and books available
✔ Cozy environment for imaginative play

💡 Pro Tip: A paradise for train enthusiasts, this store provides a warm environment where children can immerse themselves in imaginative play.

🗺 Address: 2050 Marshall Ave, St Paul, MN 55104

Libraries with Play Areas

📍 Great for: Combining literacy with play

✔ Many local libraries have incorporated play spaces into their children’s sections
✔ Often include puzzles, building blocks, and interactive exhibits
✔ Free option for indoor play
✔ Educational environment encourages both play and reading

⏰ Working Mom Note: Since I work full-time, I haven’t been able to take advantage of most library story times and play sessions that happen during weekday hours. However, my SAHM friends and those with part-time schedules consistently praise these as excellent free options for indoor play!

💡 Pro Tip: Call your local library to ask about their children’s area before making a special trip, and check if they offer any weekend or evening programs for working parents.

Gymnastics Centers Offering Open Play

📍 Great for: Developing gross motor skills in a safe environment

✔ Several gymnastics facilities in the Twin Cities offer open play sessions
✔ Professional equipment in a supervised setting
✔ Opportunity to try gymnastics without committing to classes

💡 Pro Tip: Check individual gym policies and schedules, as open gym times vary widely.

🚗 Worth The Drive

Note: I’ve not personally been to all these places yet, but the photos on their sites look great, and I’m adding them to my list for my next research outing with my twin girls!

Hudson GNG – Hudson, Wisconsin

📍 Great for: A day trip adventure with multiple activities

✔ Jungle Gym Indoor Playground designed for children up to age 12
✔ Dedicated toddler zone for the little ones
✔ 3D Blacklight pirate-themed mini golf
✔ Arcade games at the entrance
✔ Typically less crowded than Twin Cities options
✔ Birthday party and group booking options
➖ Considerable drive from Minneapolis or West Metro areas

💡 Pro Tip: Make a day of it by enjoying the scenic St. Croix River along the way. This is a perfect “destination playground” when you want to combine an outing with play time.

Avery’s Adventures – Elk River

📍 Great for: A climate-controlled, colorful play space

✔ Indoor playground designed for kids 0-12
✔ Bright, inviting space with climbing structures and play zones
✔ Perfect for colder months or rainy days
✔ A good stop if you’re out in the northwest suburbs

💡 Pro Tip: This is a fun little spot if you’re looking for a new indoor play option outside the metro. Simple, clean, and designed for younger kids to roam and explore.

🗺 Address: 19138 Freeport Ave Suite, Elk River, MN 55330

Little North Playland – Isanti

📍 Great for: A cozy, small-town indoor play space

✔ Geared toward infants to age 10
✔ Colorful, engaging environment for imaginative play
✔ Perfect for a low-key, quiet play session
✔ A nice change of pace from busy city play places

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re in the Isanti area or just want to take a little drive, this is a cute, small indoor playground with a friendly vibe. Great for toddlers and younger kids!

🗺 Address: 291 5th Ave NE, Isanti, MN 55040

Duluth Children’s Museum

📍 Great for: Educational play experiences worth a weekend trip

✔ Interactive, hands-on exhibits that encourage learning through play
✔ Educational workshops and special events for families
✔ Worth combining with other Duluth attractions for a weekend trip

🗺 Address: 2125 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55806

Rochester, MN

📍 Great for: A day trip with educational play

✔ Minnesota Children’s Museum Rochester offers interactive exhibits and play areas
✔ Activities for children of various ages
✔ Can be combined with other Rochester attractions for a full day out

💡 Pro Tip: Check their website for current exhibits before making the drive.

Mankato Play Areas

📍 Great for: Exploring new play spaces outside the metro

✔ Several indoor play options including children’s museums and community centers
✔ Dedicated play spaces for different age groups
✔ Less crowded than Twin Cities options

💡 Pro Tip: Check local Mankato listings for current offerings before making the trip.

🛍️ Mall Play Areas & Hidden Gems

Southdale Mall Play Area

📍 Great for: Quick outings with toddlers and younger children

✔ Cute area perfect for littles up to 4-year-olds
✔ Interactive features including a slide and jump-on piano that makes noise
✔ Lots of seating for tired parents with outlets to charge your phone
➖ Kids might beg for rides on the mall carousel (bring coins!)

💡 Pro Tip: A perfect spot to kill time while shopping or to let little ones burn energy on a rainy day.

St. Louis Park Marcus Theater Train Play Area

📍 Great for: A quick, quiet play break

✔ Cute train setup on the first floor
✔ Free and often overlooked (blink and you’ll miss it!)
✔ Usually not too busy since it’s a hidden gem
➖ Very small space

💡 Pro Tip: A nice option if you’re in the area and need a brief entertainment stop.

Burnsville Mall (outside of JC Penney)

📍 Great for: Toddlers in a quiet mall environment

✔ Good climbing area for toddlers
✔ Located in a less busy mall, perfect for winter months
✔ Space for kids to get their wiggles out
➖ Mall is somewhat of a ghost town (though it’s on the rise again after someone bought it and is trying to build it up again)

💡 Pro Tip: Check if this still exists before making a special trip. The quieter mall environment can be a plus for parents who get overwhelmed.

Mall of America

📍 Great for: A special outing (with proper preparation)

✔ Paw Patrol area great for little ones (requires wristband purchase)
✔ Free Lego play area outside the Lego store
✔ Toddler Tuesdays offer more kid-friendly activities
➖ Overwhelming environment, especially with multiple children
➖ Time limits and lines for play areas
➖ Can be difficult to keep track of children in busy areas ➖ Some structures require parent intervention (I once had to climb up the Paw Patrol tower when my little one didn’t come back down!)

💡 Pro Tip: Go at off-peak times and mentally prepare yourself. With more than one child, have a plan for keeping everyone together. I get really nervous at MoA with more than one kid (I have twins, so I almost always have multiple kids with me).

Ridgedale Mall Playseum

📍 Great for: Imaginative play and dress-up

✔ Unique combination of dress-up, museum, and play space
✔ Firefighter and astronaut costumes for creative play
✔ Camping setup with faux fire pit
✔ Dedicated crafting area
➖ Not exactly an indoor playground, but a unique alternative

💡 Pro Tip: Perfect for children who love imaginative play and dress-up activities.

Fast Food Play Places (For When You’re in a Pinch)

• McDonald’s play place in Bloomington: Surprisingly clean and entertaining
• Burger King indoor play place in Richfield: Older but functional option

💡 Pro Tip: These are good options when you’re already out and need somewhere for the kids to play.

🧳 Exploring Beyond the Metro

Carver County

Carver County encompasses several cities, each offering unique indoor play opportunities. Checking local community centers and libraries can reveal hidden gems suitable for children.

💭 Why Trust My Recommendations?

Growing up in a small town in North Dakota, indoor playgrounds weren’t part of my childhood experience. As a parent in the Twin Cities, I’ve sought out these venues to provide my children with indoor options during our long Minnesota winters. I’ve visited many of these places personally with my twins, experiencing firsthand what works and what doesn’t for families with multiple children.

My recommendations come from:

• Actual visits with my own children
• Considering what matters to parents (sightlines, seating, cleanliness)
• Noting the practical details that make or break an outing
• Understanding the needs of different age groups

For places I haven’t visited personally, I’ve noted this and included them as potential options worth exploring based on recommendations from other Twin Cities parents.

🎤 Final Thoughts: Every Playground Has Its Place

The thing about indoor playgrounds is that no one place is the best for everyone. Some are perfect for high-energy kids, some are great for toddlers, and some are best when you just want to sit and relax while your kids go wild.

Personally, my top choices depend on my mood, the time of day, and how much energy my kids have left in the tank. The perfect playground is the one that works for YOUR family on THAT day.

If you’ve been to any of these, I’d love to hear what you think. Which ones do you love (or avoid)? Drop a comment below!

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Have a playground to add or update? Let me know in the comments!