21 Twin Cities Indoor Playgrounds to Explore this Winter (+5 Fun STEM activities to do while you’re there!)
Searching for the perfect spot to let your kids burn off energy, get creative, and connect with other Twin Cities families while learning? We’ve gathered 21 of our favorite indoor play spaces in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and the surrounding suburbs. These venues are ideal for social playdates, rainy days, or just getting a change of scenery during the long Minnesota winter. And because GlueStick knows every play space can spark curiosity, we’re sharing five fun, easy STEM experiments you can try at any playground—check them out and get even more creative ideas in the GlueStick app!
Why GlueStick Loves our Local Indoor Playgrounds
Minnesota winters can be brutal and our summers aren’t always much better. We are blessed to have so many climate-controlled play spaces around the Twin Cities metro. These spaces
Inspire creativity and movement
Allow us to meet other families and build friendships
Meet kids’ needs for gross-motor play
Provide unique sensory experiences we can’t provide at home
Turn everyday fun into hands-on learning opportunities
5 Easy STEM Experiments to Try at Any Playground
At GlueStick, we see every playground as a mini science lab—no fancy supplies required! Here are five simple experiments to turn your next playdate into a hands-on learning adventure (find full instructions and more in the GlueStick app):
What rolls fastest? Exploring Gravity and Friction on the Playground - Discover which objects roll fastest as your child experiments with gravity and friction by sending different balls down a straight playground slide. This hands-on activity sparks curiosity and encourages scientific thinking through playful exploration.
Slide Speed Fun: Exploring Friction with Little Scientists - Try sliding in different ways—sitting up, laying down, in your jacket or t-shirt—and see which feels fastest! With a grown-up’s help, discover how your clothes and position change your speed on the slide..
Swing Science: How Height and Weight Change Your Ride - How high you start and what you carry can change your swing adventure! Test different heights and add objects to a backpack to discover what really makes you swing faster, higher, or just feel different.
Balance Beam Challenge: Exploring Center of Gravity - Walk across a balance beam or low ledge. Can you balance longer with arms out or in? What happens if you hold something above your head?
Sound Explorers Sound Science on the Playground: Make some noise and see what happens! Clap, stomp, or shout inside a playground tube and discover how sound waves bounce, echo, and change—turning your playground into a sound science lab!
Want more? The GlueStick app is packed with STEM activities you can try at home or on your next playground adventure.
21 Must-Visit Indoor Play Spaces in the Twin Cities
Whether you’re at a sprawling community center or a cozy neighborhood play café, GlueStick projects will help your kids see the playground in a whole new way.
In the Loop
We get it. City parents don’t always relish the idea of traveling to the suburbs just to get the wiggles out. Luckily, there are some great options within the 494/694 Loop - close enough you won’t lose your sanity on the car ride there.
The MIA’s Family Center is a welcome and cozy place to play, make art, and connect as a family.
Minneapolis Institute of Art Family Center (website, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis)
Thousands of artworks spanning 5000 years of human history in sprawling, free galleries plus a beautiful family center to play, unwind, and make art in. Check out their Family Days for extra fun. The MIA Family Center is free, though rotating exhibits, if you choose to view them, are typically $10-20 a person.
Rebes Play Cafe (website, 2054 St Clair Ave, St Paul)
A play cafe with delicious coffee, snacks and treats with a large playroom, perfect for kids birth to 8 years old plus language classes and events. Play cafe is free, but tips are welcome to keep the space affordable for all.
Ninth Street Soccer and Coffee (website, 801 SE 9th St, Minneapolis)
Soccer. Coffee. Community. Kids can drop in for open play days during Kids Open Play times. Sign up required. Space is limited and on a “Pay what you can” model.
Eagles Nest Indoor Playground (website, 400 10th St NW, New Brighton)
Multi-level play structure, 36-foot long slides, ball pits, and toddler zone located inside the New Brighton Community Center. Ideal for kids up to 12. $9 per child (Adults are Free)
Brookview Backyard (website, 316 Brookview Parkway, Golden Valley)
Three-thousand square feet of creative play spaces. Go on a safari, or to outer space, or on a pirate-themed cruise! $6 for kids ages 2-13 ($5 for Golden Valley, New Hope, and Crystal residents). $2 for socks (if needed). Kids under age 2 and adults are free.
East Suburbs
Families in the suburbs of Saint Paul have a great selection of all-season fun. Eagan and Wodbury are especially blessed with some awesome activity centers the whole family will enjoy.
One of the playground structures at Good Times Park. Image from Good Times Park website.
Good Times Park (website, 3265 Northwood Cir #100, Eagan or 7805 Hudson Rd Ste 188, Woodbury)
Huge indoor play fields, climbing, and creative activities. $13 per child. Adults and infants under one year are free. Memberships available.
Lookout Ridge (website, 8595 Central Park Pl, Woodbury)
Giant treehouse-themed playground, slides, and climbing adventures inside Woodbury Central Park. $8 per child. Adults are free.
We Rock the Spectrum Play Space (website, 1020 Discovery Rd #170, Eagan or 2101 Wooddale Dr Suite E, Woodbury)
Inclusive sensory gym for all abilities and kids. Two locations in Eagan and Woodbury! $16 first child. $14 for siblings. Military discounts and membership rates available.
The Blast Indoor Playground (website, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan)
Big fun. Bright colors. Endless play on climbing structures and slides. Located inside the Eagan Community Center. Under 2 are free. Kids 2-12 are $8. Punch passes and 6-month memberships available.
North / Northwest Suburbs
The North and Northwest suburbs are full of awesome opportunities to play inside for your kids. These family-friendly communities have a great mix of both private and publicly-funded indoor play spaces where kids can run, play, and imagine.
The Minisota play cafe’s mini town is an awesome spot for imaginative play.
Minisota Play Cafe (website, 12055 Elm Creek Blvd N, Maple Grove)
Cozy play café with imaginative play zones for littles, plus coffee, and ice cream for all ages. $19.99 for the first adult + child (1-9 years old). $13.99 for additional children. $4.99 for additional adults and infants. Punch cards and memberships available.
Tropical Adventures (website, 4580 Victoria St N, Shoreview)
Kids 10 and younger can crawl through the caves, swing through the jungle, slip down the waterfall slide, and scream down the five-level spiral slide! Make sure to spend some time at the library next door, too! Just the playground is $6.75 for a day pass. For access to the pool and fitness center, adults are $14 and kids 1-17 are $12.50. Discounts for Shoreview residents and military families are available. Coupon books and seasonal memberships are also offered.
InnerActive Playground (website, 14600 28th Ave N, Plymouth or 2240 Woodale Dr, Mounds View)
Bouncy pillow, huge play structures, soccer, basketball, giant building blocks and dedicated spaces for big kids and toddlers in a large, self-serve facility.
The Plymouth facility is $15.25 for a day pass. Mounds View is a bit more affordable at $13.25 per child. Adults are free at both locations. Memberships available. Memberships are not transferable between locations.
Maple Maze (website, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove)
Multi-story maze, with a rock wall, pogo sticks, slides, and soft play for all ages. Located inside the Maple Grove Community Center. Kids 1-12 years old are $6.25 for a day pass. Coupon books and military discounts available. Socks must be worn and are available for $3.
The K.U.B.E (website, 14800 34th Ave N, Plymouth)
Versatile indoor playground with creative play options, including a 28-foot climbing structure and spiral slide. Located inside the Plymouth community center. $8 for non-residents. $6 for Plymouth residents.
Playground Plaza (website, 11701 95th Ave N, Maple Grove)
Playground Plaza makes playing everyday a reality in a climate controlled, nearly 20,000 sq ft facility with multiple playgrounds, a Kangaroo Jumper, Big Blue Blocks soft play area, and turf for free play. Daily passes are $15 per child. Adults are free. Monthly memberships available with discounts for multiple children.
Avery's Adventures (website, 19138 Freeport Ave, Elk River)
Cozy, one-of-a-kind indoor playground that inspires creativity and imagination in children of all ages. Day passes are $13.99 for the first child. Two or more children are $12.99 each. Adults and infants under 12 months are free.
Peekaboo Play Café (website, 5985 Large Ave NE, Albertville)
Slides, tunnels, and climbing structures plus an ocean-themed sensory room in the old bank vault make this a relaxing spot for parents and prime play location for the kids. Children’s day passes are $13.50, which includes admission for one adult. Additional adults are $6. Membership discounts available.
Southwest suburbs
The Southwest suburbs won’t be left behind! They’ve got awesome spots for families to get run, play, and experiment!
Edinborough Park’s Little Peak Toddler Area features oversized building blocks, climbing structures, and slides perfect for littles.
Adventure Peak at Edinborough Park (website, 7700 York Ave S, Edina)
Massive indoor adventure playground with 30-foot-tall oak tree to climb, 4 giant tube slides, a “Little Peak” toddler area, and a full-service cafe for hot meals, snacks, and coffee. Daily passes are $10 for kids ages 1-17. Bulk discounts and annual memberships are also available. Socks required and available for purchase for $3.
Prairie Play Zone (website, 16700 Valley View Rd, Eden Prairie)
Bright, open play structure perfect for running and climbing. Rock wall and separate toddler area make this a great, affordable stop for all ages. Daily passes are $7 for kids 2-17. Kids under 2 are free. Eden Prairie community center members get in free with their monthly or annual gym memberships.
Kid Empire (website, 10590 France Ave S, Bloomington)
Brightly colored play structures, ride-ons, and imaginative play areas, plus an adorable dragon mascot that’s been spotted dancing in a blacklight room. Day passes for children 1-17 are $19.90, which includes unlimited reentry. Two adults and infants under 1-year are included with each paid child. Socks required and available for purchase. Punchards available for discounted admission.
Treehouse (website, 14509 Minnetonka Dr, Minnetonka)
Treehouse-themed play structure that’s great for younger kids with climbing, bars, slides, and activity stations. Admission is $7 for non-members, or included in a Williston Fitness Center membership.
After the Wiggles: Keep Creating with GlueStick
After your kids have gotten all the wiggles out at these awesome indoor play spaces, come home and explore more great STEM and art projects with GlueStick! Download the app to access hundreds of hands-on projects, including the STEM activities featured here.
Tried one of these STEM activities? Tag us on Instagram or Facebook @gluestickapp. We’d love to see your little scientists in action!
Building Community Through Play
These play spaces are more than just fun—they’re where friendships grow, creativity blossoms, and communities connect. Many of these venues partner with local organizations, schools, and nonprofits to serve Twin Cities families just like yours. If you run a local business or group serving families, let’s connect and make the Twin Cities even more welcoming for kids!
Did we miss your favorite spot? Send a message so we can keep this list updated and support even more local play spaces.
