21 Best Indoor Activities in Minnesota

When winter sets in, most people prefer indoor fun. These indoor activities in Minnesota will help you brighten those cold days.

Sometimes, the weather in Minnesota can be pretty unforgiving. Whether it’s the snowy, below-freezing January temperatures, or the rainy autumn months, outdoor fun activities can prove almost impossible.

However, even the harshest weather doesn’t, even for a bit, have to stop you from having fun in Minnesota. There are more than a dozen fun indoor activities in Minnesota to brighten even the coldest day.

If you don’t feel like going snowshoe hiking, skiing, sledding, or ice-fishing, we have the best indoor fun options for you. Right from indoor golfing to cultural attractions and shopping, there are incredible indoor activities in Minnesota that you can try out.

Top Indoor Activities in Minnesota

The Land of 10,000 Lakes, as it’s popularly known, is never short of fun things to do regardless of the season.

Whether you plan to travel to the place for a few days or are there for a long vacation, from mini-golf to the Twin Cities Trapeze Center, these activities will make your stay memorable.

1. Tropics Indoor Water Park

This amazing indoor water park at the Shoreview Community Center offers some of the most fun indoor things to do in Minnesota. Here, the warm water plus numerous games and activities make you forget about the chilly or rainy weather outside.

The best thing about this place is that it’s designed to offer endless fun for all ages. First is the zero-depth Bamboo Bay, comprising a shallow-water pool and interactive play equipment, allowing various water games like volleyball and basketball.

The Shipwreck Beach complements the Bamboo Bay with water volleyball games, a boat slide, a stimulating water walk, and the splashing palm tree. You can also opt for the main pool, which allows you to play water basketball, volleyball, or even slide down the steep Shark Attack slide.

In essence, if you are traveling as a family, this is an excellent place for everyone to have fun.

2. Minneapolis Institute of Arts

The Twin Cities is one place you wouldn’t want to miss while in Minnesota. And, if you are a history or art lover, touring the Minneapolis Institute of Arts is among the best Twin Cities indoor activities.

Here, you have a chance to explore over 80,000 works of art, photography, sculpture, drawings, etc., spanning over 20,000 years of rich world art and history. The place gives you a glance at one of the most elaborate art collections in the US, ranging from contemporary art to textiles and sculptures.

The museum’s numerous exhibitions make every visit new and unique. Even better, entrance to the MIA is free, unlike many other museums in the State.

The Art in Bloom festival is a four-day annual event that you can try out. It offers a mix of fine art and fresh floral arrangements, making it one of the most exciting things to do inside in Minneapolis.

3. Visit the Eagles Nest Indoor Playground

If you want to keep the kids all busy and entertained, even when the Minnesotan weather doesn’t allow it, this is one place that offers a refuge. The Eagles Nest Indoor Playground is designed to offer amazing fun for kids aged 12 years and below.

The place includes triple-level, quadruple wave, and tornado slides, all designed to offer endless fun for the kids. The kids will also enjoy the two ball pits, three-story climbing structure, and other interesting playground features.

As for the toddlers, the lily pad walks, tree slide, ball pit, carousel, and foam play pieces will keep these young ones entertained.

4. Bark and Brew

Just as the name goes, this is a dog-friendly beverage establishment offering craft beer, specialty drinks, wine, coffee, soda, etc. The place allows you to relax, watch your favorite game with friends, or just hang out with your furry friend, no matter the kind of weather outside.

Located in Suamico, WI, this dog-friendly establishment is the best place to be when you wish to tag your dog along. Their indoor and outdoor climate-controlled environment ensures that the freezing temperatures or the heavy downpour outdoors don’t interfere with your fun.

The good thing about the place is that your dog won’t stay hungry or bored. Besides the expansive beverage menu for humans, the establishment also offers a dog menu for your pet.

This way, as you sip that hot coffee, your dog also enjoys its favorite bite. In addition, they have experienced Dog Butlers to ensure that your dog is well-taken care of.

5. Mall of America

Whether you live in Minnesota or are visiting, a visit to the Mall of America should be on top of your to-do list. Established in 1992, this is the largest mall in the western hemisphere and 7^th in the entire world. Therefore, when I say you need to visit the place, it’s because the place is undoubtedly worthy of your visit at any time.

The Mall of America receives around 40 million visitors annually, putting it among the most famous tourist destinations in the US. And with its more than 520 stores (retail and specialty), it’s obvious why people can’t avoid going to the place.

This indoor mall also offers over 50 dining and entertainment spots, some of which you can find nowhere else. Here, you’ll get a chance to spend some time at the Nickelodeon Universe (R) indoor park (the largest in the world), visit the SEA LIFE(R) Aquarium, or have some fun at the ACES. Flight Simulator.

With over 400 events held here annually, a tour of this place guarantees some of the best indoor activities in Minnesota. You might even meet your favorite celebrity while there.  

6. Urban Air Adventure Park

If you thought you’d seen it all with indoor fun, Urban Air Adventure Park takes you to an even higher level. The park offers a one-of-a-kind fun experience for thrill lovers. It is an indoor adventure park, offering various adventure levels to cater to everyone’s needs.

Some of the main attractions here include:

• Sky Rider
• Go-karts
• Climbing Walls
• Laser Tag
• Indoor Skydiving
• Bowling
• Foam pit
• Warrior course

These, plus numerous other fun activities, will make you forget how chilly or rainy the outdoors are. In fact, if you are searching for the best indoor activities while raining in Minnesota, this park offers more than you can take in. Whether you are in Arlington, Duncanville, Eden Prairie, or Fort Worth areas, this park is the best place to be.

7. The Science Museum of Minnesota

Instead of getting too worried about the weather outside, why not enjoy some thrilling science facts and discoveries at the Science Museum of Minnesota? The museum, found in Saint Paul, MN, was established over a century ago, in 1907, and focuses on various topics, including natural history, technology, mathematics, and physical science.

Keeping true to its mission statement, “Turn on the science: Inspire learning, Inform policy, Improve lives,” the museum is the best place to be for science enthusiasts. And, being one of Minnesota’s most visited science museums, its discoveries will certainly be worth your visit.

So, if the outdoor weather is unwelcoming, the museum can form part of your list of the best indoor activities in Minnesota.

See Related: Best Museums in Minnesota

8. Zero Gravity Trampoline Park

This is the ultimate fun destination for kids while in the Twin Cities or even Brooklyn Park region. As they put it on their website, Zero Gravity offers one of the most comprehensive adventure parks, and it’s pretty affordable.

The park includes over 11,000 square feet of bouncing, jumping, leaping, and flipping activities that always leave visitors wowed. Whether you are holding a birthday party for your child or just visiting to have some fun, Zero Gravity park is the real deal.

Besides the extensive field covered with trampoline surfaces, other attractions at this park include:

• Laser tag
• Foam pit
• Indoor climbing wall
• Ninja obstacle course
• Open jump area

The place is designed to cater to all your kids’ fun needs, regardless of their age. 

9. Mill City Museum

A tour of the famous Mill City Museum can prove to be one of the most practical indoor activities in Minnesota for adults. The museum, which sits in downtown Minneapolis MN, is easily accessible via car, bike, light rail, or bus.

The museum, which accepts visitors of all ages, offers an incredibly rich history connecting the flour industry, Minneapolis city, and the Mississippi River. Here, you get to explore the vintage milling equipment, and old-fashioned advertising or join the various tours and events held by the museum.

For anyone looking for exciting things to do in Minneapolis in winter indoors, this one should certainly feature on their list.

The museum is also just 22 minutes and 18 minutes away from Maple Grove and Brooklyn Center consecutively. This means that indoor fun is not meant for Twin Cities residents only.

See related: Best Small Towns in Minnesota to Visit.

10. Winona County History Center

If you are looking for some engaging rainy-day activities in Minnesota, touring this historic center is one of them. The historical center, which is Minnesota’s largest, was established in 1935 and has more to offer than you can start to imagine. Right from historical artifacts to displays and special programs, the place never disappoints.

Various exhibits examine the rich history of Winona County, ranging from early human settlements, immigrant cultures, local businesses, arts, and numerous events that shaped the county’s history. In addition, the new local Art Gallery showcases the county’s talents, offering numerous amazing artworks for visitors to buy.

Some of the annual events include:

• Museum Open House
• Moonlight Revels
• WCHS Annual Meeting
• Christmas House Tour, etc.

Whether you are searching for fun indoor activities for yourself or the whole family, this is one of the best history museums to visit.

11. Can Can Wonderland

One has to see this indoor golf course and amusement park to believe. The mini-golf course was designed with the input of more than 200 golf enthusiasts from around the globe. These people were asked to offer a proposal for the mini-golf hole they have always wanted to play.

From the more than 200 proposals sent, 18 of the best were chosen and implemented. This gave rise to this amazing indoor mini-golf course located in the heart of the Twin Cities.

Besides the artist-tailored mini-golf course, Can Can Wonderland also offers:

• Vintage arcade games
• Delicious bites
• Art
• Boozy Malts
• Live performances
• Private events

12. Como Park Conservatory

Even for nature lovers, you don’t have to wait for favorable weather to have some fun. Como Park Conservancy is a combination of an indoor zoo and a botanical garden that brings nature to you even during the worst weather.

The conservatory is stunningly designed to appeal to your eyes right from the time you set foot inside. It consists of an arched center, with conference rooms and gardens spreading outward. In total, the conservancy consists of 13 gardens and other displays that you’ll certainly love exploring.

Admissions here are free, but the place offers more than most free-admission sites would. Therefore, you don’t need to look for expensive indoor activities in Minnesota to enjoy a cold or rainy day. Even at a free cost, you can still have splendid moments.

13. Attend a show at Chanhassen Dinner Theater

If you look at the number of theaters in Minnesota, you’ll undoubtedly come to the same conclusion – Minnesotans love fun. The Twin Cities, for example, host incredibly many theaters per capita, second only to New York.

However, only a handful of these companies allow you to dine and watch a great movie in the same venue. Chanhassen Theaters is one such place that is open almost every night of the year.

The place has more than 300 people working together to ensure that each night is special for the attendees. Right from the theater directors, actors, musicians, chefs, waiters, and waitresses, they work harmoniously to offer you the best experience.

Generally, it runs multiple productions (two or three) simultaneously during the entire season. So, while you enjoy your favorite play, you can order that delicious meal to make the experience even more breathtaking. When you want some relaxing indoor activities in Minnesota, look no further.

14. Midi Change of Pace Dinner Theater

Unlike the Chanhassen Dinner Theater, which accompanies its theater plays with meals, this one is the other way around. It’s one of the restaurants serving meals accompanied by theater plays.

Located in Duluth, this dinner theater is a partnership between the Change of Pace theater troupe and Midi Restaurant. Together, they make your evenings in Duluth worth every minute.

The menu here comprises incredible dishes like roast beef and champagne chicken. As for the beverages, you can order your favorite wine or cocktail. And if you want a gluten-free or vegetarian menu, you are also sorted.

This means that while the weather might not allow you to enjoy the beauty that North Shore offers, your stay in Duluth doesn’t have to be as dull.

See Related: Best Hotels in Duluth, Minnesota

15. Attend the CDT Concert Series

Besides plays, comedies, and other special events, Chanhassen Dinner Theater also holds some of the best indoor concerts in Minnesota. Whether you are a Jazz, R&B, Country, Rock, or Pop lover, there is always something special to help you counter those cold or rainy evenings.

CDT Concert Series allows you to enjoy great music from some of the finest musicians in Minnesota, as you also relish your favorite dish from the theater’s menu. And, there is a concert almost every other weekend, meaning that you can always end your week in style.

16. Indoor Concert at the Xcel Energy Center

When you think of indoor concerts in Minnesota, Xcel Energy Center should always be on the list of best venues. Located in Saint Paul, MN, this arena is considered one of the world’s finest.

It is an exceptional multi-purpose facility that hosts over 150 sports and other entertainment events each year. More than 1.7 million people visit the arena annually, a clear indication of the fun the place offers.

All you need is to visit their website and find out which day they have a great concert and book. You can also decide to attend one of the many games and tournaments held here. There is always a major event happening at Xcel Energy Center.

17. Paisley Park

Paisley Park, which was established to commemorate Prince’s (a renowned American musician) death, is one of the best places to be during the cold winter weather. It comprises an active museum, a concert venue, and a hi-tech recording studio.

Currently, Paisley Park is open to musicians, fans, and audiophiles for concerts, festivals, tours, and other special events. So whether you are looking for a cool jazz concert, a cinema series, or a DJ dance party, the park has incredible options for you.

Some of the notable events that have taken place in Paisley Park include:

• Under the Cherry Moon cinema series
• Summer of Soul
• Paisley Park After Dark: DJ Lenka Paris
• The Beautiful Dance Party

Also, if you like what you see here, there are numerous items you can buy to remember your visit. These include icon albums, designer collections, and beautiful apparel. Visiting this park is undoubtedly one of the best things to do inside in Minnesota.

See related: Best Breweries in St. Paul

18. Visit the North American Bear Center

For the best rainy or snow day activities in Minnesota, this Bear Center is a perfect choice. It is a one-of-its-kind black bear and other wildlife educational center, helping to eliminate the fear and myths surrounding these beautiful animals.

A visit to this place allows you to learn, firsthand, about bears’ behavior, ecology, and how they relate to humans. With so much false information and myths about these animals, the North American Bear Center comes in to offer scientific facts and accurate information.

Therefore, if you are a big fan of black bears or wish to clarify some issues about them, this is the best place to visit. Here, you’ll get to relate to these animals and decide whether what you’ve known all along is true or just a myth.

19. Roets Jordan Brewery

Are you passionate about a great beer? What better place to enjoy one than at Roets Jordan Brewery? The place brings back the art of beer brewing to the city, allowing you to enjoy freshly brewed beer as you listen to some soothing music. And, as Roets puts it, all you need is one sip of their brewed beer to decide whether it’s all worth it.

Some of the main drinks on the tap include:

• Roets beer: American cream ale
• Smoky: smoked dark wheat ale
• Roets IPA: throwback IPA
• Mocha: milk tout, coffee, and vanilla

These and many other varieties will make that cold, rainy day feel warmer and refreshing.

20. Lego Imagination Center

Lego Imagination Center is an excellent place to visit, for the ultimate fun with your kids, when the outdoors isn’t so friendly. The center is located on the Mall of America‘s 2^nd floor, and it’s here where you realize that building blocks aren’t just for kids.

With Lego models spread throughout the expansive 6,500 square feet area, four stories up, the fun here will make you forget about the chilly weather outside. The best thing is that the center offers fun activities for everyone. Whether you are just taking your kids or you also want to indulge in some fun too, Lego Imagination Center guarantees fun for all ages.  

21. Try out a Casino

In Minnesota, around 18 great casinos call the State their home. And, a rainy or cold winter day offers a perfect excuse to visit one. Besides, “what more options does the weather offer?”

If you’d rather enjoy some time on the Slots machines or play Roulette, picking one of these casinos can help make your winter days in Minnesota more enjoyable.

• Seven Clans Casino
• Black Bear Casino & Hotel
• Palace Casino & Hotel
• Treasure Island Resort & Casino

However, make sure that you feel lucky before heading to the casinos. Some luck always comes in handy here. Visiting one of these casinos might just prove to be among the most exciting indoor things to do in Minnesota in the winter.

Related Resources

• 11 Best Things to do in Alexandria, Minnesota
• 15 Best Things to do in Brainerd, Minnesota
• 19 Best Parks in St. Paul, Minnesota