The Best Indoor Activities in Minneapolis on a Rainy Day

16 Best Indoor Activities in Minneapolis in 2024

Minnesota is a state known for its long, cold winters and unpredictable weather patterns, which can sometimes put a damper on outdoor activities. 

However, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, there are still plenty of fun things to do in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. 

A rainy day doesn’t have to mean staying indoors all day. In fact, some of the best indoor activities in Minneapolis can be found right in the heart of the Twin Cities or in other parts of the state. 

From museums to aquariums to shopping malls, there’s something for everyone on a rainy day in Minnesota. Here are some of the best indoor activities to check out.

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The Best Indoor Activities in Minneapolis

The Science Museum of Minnesota

The Science Museum of Minnesota is a great indoor activity to enjoy on a rainy day because it offers a variety of educational and engaging exhibits that are suitable for all ages. 

Visitors can explore exhibits that cover a wide range of scientific topics, from dinosaurs to space exploration and learn about the world around them in a fun and interactive way. 

Keep an eye out for the special events and programs throughout the year, such as Omnitheater movies and hands-on workshops, which make it an even more exciting destination for a rainy day.

The Science Museum of MN

The Minnesota Children’s Museum

The Minnesota Children’s Museum is a great indoor activity to enjoy on a rainy day because it offers a variety of hands-on exhibits and activities that are specifically designed for children. 

The museum encourages creativity, imagination, and exploration, allowing children to learn and play at the same time. 

With interactive exhibits that encourage children to climb, crawl, and explore, the Minnesota Children’s Museum is a perfect way to spend a rainy day indoors.

Rainy Day in the Twin Cities. Your kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum. It just reopened with all new activities! Check out some of the great new things to do.

The Minneapolis Institute of Art

The Minneapolis Institute of Art is a great indoor activity to enjoy on a rainy day because it offers a wide collection of art exhibits from different periods and regions. 

The museum offers a variety of special events and programs throughout the year, which make it an even more exciting destination for a rainy day. 

Some of the most popular exhibits at the Minneapolis Institute of Art include paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from ancient to contemporary times.

Visitors can find works by famous artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Leonardo da Vinci. 

The museum also has a large collection of Asian art, which includes Chinese ceramics, Japanese prints, and Indian sculptures.

On a rainy day, the Minneapolis Institute of Art is a perfect destination for individuals, families, and groups who are looking for an indoor activity. 

MIA Minneapolis Institute of Art

The Guthrie Theater

The Guthrie Theater is one of the best theaters to visit in Minnesota on a rainy day. It is an iconic theater that has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years. 

The Guthrie Theater offers a variety of performances, from classical plays to contemporary works, that are sure to captivate and engage audiences of all ages. 

The theater has multiple stages, including the Wurtele Thrust Stage, the McGuire Proscenium Stage, and the Dowling Studio, which allows for a diverse range of performances to be showcased. 

The Guthrie Theater also offers backstage tours, which is a great way to learn more about the theater’s history and its productions. 

The Guthrie Theater is a must-visit destination.

The Minnesota Orchestra

The Minnesota Orchestra is a world-renowned musical ensemble based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was founded in 1903 as the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra and has since established itself as a leading cultural institution in the United States. 

Over the years, the Minnesota Orchestra has attracted some of the most talented musicians. Today, it is composed of more than 90 musicians. 

The orchestra performs regularly at Orchestra Hall, a state-of-the-art concert venue located in downtown Minneapolis.

The Minnesota Orchestra is a beloved institution in the Twin Cities and beyond. Its commitment to excellence in music performance and education has made it one of the finest orchestras in the world.

Indoor golf

Indoor mini golf is one of the best indoor activities in Minneapolis to enjoy on a rainy day. It offers a fun time for everyone.

Many indoor mini golf courses have creative and challenging holes that are perfect for all ages. 

The courses are often themed, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game. Indoor mini golf is a great way to spend a rainy day with friends and family.

My favorite is Can Can Wonderland in St Paul!

Make sure to check out all the great Mini Golf Courses around Minnesota.

Can Can Wonderland

Bowling

Minnesota has many unique bowling locations that are perfect for a rainy day activity. From Lucky Strike in Minneapolis to Bowlero in Eden Prairie, there are plenty of options for individuals, families, and groups. 

These bowling alleys offer more than just bowling, with arcade games, laser tag, and food and drink options available. 

They also often have unique themes and decor, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience. Bowling is a lot of fun making it a great option for a rainy day.

Arcade games

Minnesota is home to some fantastic indoor activities, perfect for a rainy day. Among these is arcade gaming, which is both entertaining and nostalgic. 

The state has some great arcade locations, which offer a wide variety of games, from classic pinball to modern video games. 

With their bright lights, sounds, and competitive atmosphere, arcades are a great way to spend a rainy day. So why not head out to one of Minnesota’s many arcade locations and enjoy a fun and exciting day indoors?

have you been to Jordan yet? they have an amazing Arcade called Zap Arcade. Selling all day play, plus an epic comic collection.

Zap Arcade in Jordan MN

Indoor waterpark

Visiting an indoor waterpark is a fantastic rainy day activity in Minnesota. Not only does it provide an escape from the dreary weather outside, but it also offers a fun time for individuals, families, and groups. 

Indoor waterparks in Minnesota have a tropical atmosphere with water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and other aquatic attractions. 

They are perfect for all ages and skill levels, and they provide a great way to stay active and have fun on a rainy day.

A couple of my favorites are Great Wolf Lodge and the Venetian hotel in Maple Grove. Great Wolf Lodge now offers day passes, so you don’t need to be a guest to enjoy this great indoor activity in Minneapolis.

If you’re looking for an indoor activity that will make you forget about the rain, consider one of Minnesota’s many indoor waterparks.

Best Indoor Waterparks in Minnesota

The Minnesota Zoo

Visiting the Minnesota Zoo is a great idea on a rainy day because half of the zoo is enclosed. Between the tropics, Minnesota Trail and Discovery Bay, you’ll get to experience a good chunk of the zoo.

If you get a break in the rain, head out to the outdoor portion where you can see otters, moose, tigers, bears, and more.

Additionally, the zoo has educational programs runnignng all day

If you’re looking for an indoor activity that combines education and entertainment, the Minnesota Zoo is a great option.

Alternatively, the Como Zoo is a great substitute. With their conservatory all indoors. Plus it’s free!

MN Zoo Dolphin

The Mall Of America

Visiting the Mall of America in Bloomington is a great indoor activity to enjoy on a rainy day in Minnesota. It is the largest mall in the United States with a wide variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment for all ages. 

With over 500 stores, an indoor amusement park, an aquarium, a miniature golf course, an escape room, the Crayola Experience and a cinema, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Let’s not count out Nickelodeon Universe! The indoor theme park has fun rides, and an all-day wristband to keep you going.

The mall also hosts a variety of events and performances throughout the year in the main Rotunda. I’ve seen concerts, met celebrities and even seen wrestling there. 

The Mall of America is a great indoor activity in Minnesota.

Nickelodeon Universe

Mill City Museum

The Mill City Museum is an ideal destination for a rainy day adventure due to its indoor location. Located in Minneapolis next to the Stone Arch Bridge. 

It showcases the history of Minneapolis and the flour milling industry with interactive exhibits and activities. The museum is family-friendly and offers programs and activities for visitors of all ages. 

Visitors can take guided tours, scavenger hunts, and hands-on activities, making it an educational and entertaining experience.

Mill City Musuem Courtyard
Photo courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

Edinborough Park

Edenborough Park in Edina is an excellent destination on a rainy day because it offers indoor activities for all ages. 

The park has an indoor playground that rivals anything in the city. And an Olympic-size pool, and a running track, all of which are located within a climate-controlled dome.

There is also a fitness center, a sauna, and a hot tub to unwind in. 

Minnesota History Center

The Minnesota History Center is a perfect destination on a rainy day due to its fascinating exhibits. 

The center showcases the history of Minnesota through interactive displays and artifacts. It’s a great way to learn about the state’s past in an engaging and educational way. 

There are exhibits on everything from the state’s native people to the impact of the Minnesota State Fair.

Vertical Endeavors

Vertical Endeavors is the best place to go on a rainy day because it offers an indoor rock climbing experience.

With multiple locations throughout Minnesota, climbers can enjoy a variety of routes, from easy to difficult, all within a climate-controlled environment. 

The facility offers rental equipment and experienced staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. 

It’s also a great way you and your kids to burn off some much-needed energy regardless of the weather outside.

If you have younger kids, consider checking out the Minneapolis Bouldering Project

Walker Art Center

The Walker Art Center is a must-visit destination for art lovers. They have a large range of contemporary and modern art exhibitions. 

With both permanent and rotating exhibits, there’s always something new to see at the Walker. If the rain lightens up, head outside to the Minnesota Sculpture Garden.

Visitors can also enjoy films, and performances in the museum’s state-of-the-art theater. The Walker Art Center is an excellent destination for visitors of all ages.

Free Museums

Don’t forget to explore the other Free Museums hidden all around the Twin Cities. You can check out the full list by clicking here.

Walker Art Center

Don’t Fear the Rain!

In Minnesota, rainy days don’t have to mean staying indoors. There are plenty of indoor activities that are both fun and exciting for individuals, families, and groups. 

From museums to theaters to indoor sports and games, you’ll find something amazing to do. 

You’ll find a great way to spend a rainy day in Minnesota.

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