Best Indoor Play Gyms For Kids In Minnesota
By Cortney Mohnk
Let's face it, Minnesota weather isn't conducive for toddlers or bigger kids to burn energy outdoors year-round. And being pent-up for too many consecutive winter days can quickly turn into a full-on meltdown – for both children and adults. Thankfully, there are some great indoor play parks around the state, and the Twin Cities metro area especially. Read on for the top spots to play indoors in Minnesota.
Edinborough Park
7700 York Ave. S.
Edina, MN 55435
(952) 833-9541
www.edinamn.gov
Edinborough Park, the largest indoor play gym in Minnesota, packs plenty of fun for little ones needing to burn some energy. Adventure Peak is the signature, Northwoods-themed play structure surrounding a 30-foot high tree in a comfortably sunlit space. Kids will have a blast with the tube slides, climbing walls, triple wave slides and other features. There are also special structures for toddlers in Little Peak that are padded and enclosed. Edinborough Park hosts children's entertainment in the amphitheater, scooter and bounce areas, and a special section for birthday parties as well.
Lookout Ridge
8301 Valley Creek Road
Woodbury, MN 55125
www.woodburymn.gov
Lookout Ridge emulates the nearby St. Croix River Valley with cliffs, ponds, caves and forests among the indoor play structure. Highlights include the 30-foot slide, bounce area and a special spot for the little tykes. Make a day of it by visiting Lookout Ridge's neighbors in Woodbury's warm and sunny indoor-space called Central Park. Visit the beautiful gardens, stop by for story time at the Washington County Library, swim at the YMCA and top it off with ice cream at Angelina's in the Park.
Pinwheel Play
1256 Park Road
Chanhassen, MN 55317
(952) 300-8070
www.pinwheelplay.com
This super clean and modern play space has a wide variety to entertain kids and keep them busy for hours. There is a cedar playset to climb, crawl through and slide down. You'll also find a large art space with a new project available each week. A sport court section, dress-up stage and grocery store are on-hand as well. Before heading to Pinwheel Play, it is good to note that this play gym is unstaffed and you must purchase your ticket online to gain all-day access to the facility.
Related: Best Waterparks In Minnesota
Good Times Park
3265 Northwood Circle, Suite 100
Eagan, MN 55121
(651) 454-5736
www.goodtimespark.com
Similar to Pinwheel Play, the Good Times Park requires online purchase before you visit. Cool structures to play on include a climbing web, group jump pad, ball court, and artificial turf for soccer or catch. Or use your imagination to build with foam blocks and noodles. A safe space for the tiniest tots to play, a picnic area, diaper changing station and nursing corner are also on-site.
Eagles Nest
400 10th St. N.W.
New Brighton, MN 55112
(651) 638-2127
www.newbrightonmn.gov
Eagles Nest is getting a revamp and reopens in late November 2017. Reconstruction promises lots of nooks and crannies to crawl through, an 8-foot climbing wall, ball pits and slides. There is also an area for ages 3 and under to explore at their own speed. Special times to note include Adventure Days when school is out, pre-school open gym sessions and nearly half-off admission after 6 p.m. Monday – Friday.
Related: Best After-School Activities For Families In Minnesota
