Best Indoor Playgrounds In Minnesota
As all of the locals know, it's not always sunny in Minnesota. However, while many Minnesotans adapt and make it outdoors anyway, it's nice to have the option to keep it inside. Indoor playgrounds are extremely popular throughout the state as places to let the kids run around and pass time on a rainy afternoon. Kids love crawling through tunnels and playing around on indoor structures when the outside playground is not an option. Check out any of these fantastic and fun indoor arenas of play.
credit: CBS
Maple Maze
Maple Grove Community Center
12951 Weaver Lake Road
Maple Grove, MN 55369
(763) 494-6500
www.maplegrovemn.gov
Located inside of the Maple Grove Community Center, the Maple Maze is an indoor play structure and maze designed for kids ages 12 and under. Slides, tunnels, ropes and ball pits line the structure and make hours of fun possible for kids. A ground-level area contains a small play place for babies and toddlers to join in the fun as well. The area has free Wi-Fi to keep parents busy and the building houses a snack bar for hungry kids. Also located in the community center are two indoor pools, available for those wishing to swim. With all of these amenities, it's easy to spend an entire day here. There is a discount for Maple Grove residents but the admission is reasonable for everyone.
The Blast Indoor Playground
Eagan Community Center
1501 Central Parkway
Eagan, MN 55121
(651) 675-5550
www.cityofeagan.com
Also located in a community center, the Blast playground is an indoor structure with a space exploration theme. Kids can climb up a space shuttle tower and enjoy suspension bridges and slides that surround a rocket ship. At the base of the structure, there is an area for little crawlers and toddlers to move around in. The Blast can be reserved for birthday parties, so calling before you go is best. Enjoy a snack area and a cool outdoor walking path available for some fresh air. A fitness center is located in the community center for grownups to play too.
Brown Family Adventure Park
14200 Lincoln St. N.E., Suite 500
Ham Lake, MN 55304
(763) 331-0265
www.adventureparkmn.com
The Brown family opened an indoor playground to help the parents of the community cope with energetic kids in the winter. A structure that resembles a two-story treehouse is available for play. The structure has slides, tubes and suspension bridges throughout. Kids can climb on the structure while parents cruise the internet on the WiFi or relax at one of the tables located throughout. A snack bar serves snacks and lunches and an arcade is on site for added fun.
Related: Best Twin Cities Indoor Family Spots
(credit: City of New Brighton)
Eagles Nest
400 10th St. N.W.
New Brighton, MN 55112
(651) 638-2130
www.ci.new-brighton.mn.us
The Eagles Nest is another large playground in the suburbs that attracts kids from all over the state. Aside from the usual fun play structure with the usual assortment of slides, tubes and bridges, the Eagles Nest contains a climbing wall and ball pit for children to play in and on. A three-and-under area is also available near the structure, as well as a large gymnasium for blowing off steam. Check out the reading center for some downtime and enjoy a day at the Eagles Nest.
Lookout Ridge
8595 Central Park Place
Woodbury, MN 55125
(651) 414-3434
www.ci.woodbury.mn.us
Located in the Central Park complex of Woodbury, Lookout Ridge offers a fun way to keep the kids active when the outdoors isn't an option. The forest-themed playground features a structure that is designed after the St. Croix River Valley. The playground includes caves, a bounce house, a rock wall and a 30-foot slide. There is something to do for all ages of kids at Lookout Ridge. Inside Central Park, you can also visit the library or the community YMCA, which is located in the complex as well. If you get hungry, make your way to Cups N Scoops, an ice cream and coffee shop upstairs from the playground.
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.
