16 Best Indoor Activities in Minneapolis (2026 Rainy Day Guide)
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.
Updated October 2026 with current hours, prices and addresses for every stop.
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.
Plan your 2026 visit: The Science Museum (120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul) is open Sunday and Tuesday–Thursday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Friday–Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., and it’s closed Mondays. Tickets are $34.95 for adults and $24.95 for ages 4–17, and kids under 4 are free. Admission includes one Omnitheater show, and the on-site garage is $15.
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.
Plan your 2026 visit: The Children’s Museum (10 W. Seventh St., St. Paul) is open Sunday–Thursday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Friday–Saturday 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Tickets are $18 online or $20 at the door. The first Sunday of every month is free, but reservations are required and go fast. Tuesdays tend to be the quietest day.
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 Rembrandt.
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.
Plan your 2026 visit: Mia (2400 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis) is always free. It’s open Tuesday–Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., stays open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays, and is closed Mondays. Parking in the ramp and lots costs extra.
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 more than 60 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.
Plan your 2026 visit: Backstage tours run year-round on the second and fourth Saturday of each month at 10:15 a.m. and last about 75 minutes. Tickets are $19 for adults, $13 for students, seniors and subscribers, and $9.25 for ages 5–17. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
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!
Plan your 2026 visit: Can Can Wonderland (755 Prior Ave. N., St. Paul) is open Tuesday–Thursday 4–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–midnight (21+ after 9 p.m.) and Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m., and it’s closed Mondays. Mini golf is $16 per person for 18 holes, and kids 5 and under play free.
Make sure to check out all the great Mini Golf Courses around Minnesota.
Bowling
Minnesota has many unique bowling locations that are perfect for a rainy day activity. From Lucky Strike in Eden Prairie, Brooklyn Park, Blaine and Lakeville (formerly Bowlero) to classic lanes like AMF Southtown, 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.
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 in Bloomington and the Venetian Indoor Waterpark at the Holiday Inn 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.
Plan your 2026 visit: Great Wolf Lodge day passes have recently started around $30 on weekdays and $40–$90 on weekends, with cheaper half-day passes after 4 p.m. Book directly with Great Wolf, because dates sell out, and budget extra for parking. The Venetian Indoor Waterpark is for hotel guests only: each room comes with five wristbands, and the slides run Friday through Sunday.
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 Trail, the Minnesota Trail and the other indoor exhibits, 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 running 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. The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is all indoors, plus admission is free!
Plan your 2026 visit: The Minnesota Zoo (13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley) is open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. in the cooler months. Tickets are $25.95 for adults, $23.95 for ages 65+ and $19.95 for ages 3–12, and kids 2 and under are free. Parking is $10, and buying tickets online is recommended. Como Zoo & Conservatory is free (suggested donation $8 adults, $5 kids) and open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday through April. The Conservatory also stays open until 6 p.m. on Mondays.
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.
Plan your 2026 visit: Mall of America (2131 Lindau Lane, Bloomington) is open Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Skip the parking hunt by taking the METRO Blue Line light rail right to the mall.
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.
Plan your 2026 visit: Mill City Museum (704 S. Second St., Minneapolis) admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, veterans and college students, and $8 for ages 5–17, and kids 4 and under are free. Tickets are sold on-site only, so check the hours online before you go.
Edinborough Park
Edinborough 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, plus a Junior Olympic-size pool and a running track, all located inside a climate-controlled building filled with trees and plants.
Little ones also love the Great Hall, with scooters, balls, hula hoops and a moonwalk.
Plan your 2026 visit: Edinborough Park (7700 York Ave. S., Edina) is open Monday–Thursday 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday–Saturday 9 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The Adventure Peak playground is $10 per child (adults free), and the pool is $10 per person. Socks are required on the playground.
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.
Plan your 2026 visit: The History Center (345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul) costs $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, veterans and college students, and $8 for ages 5–17, and kids under 5 are free. Bank of America cardholders get in free the first full weekend of each month through Museums on Us.
Vertical Endeavors
Vertical Endeavors is a great place to go on a rainy day because it offers an indoor rock climbing experience.
With five locations in 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 for 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.
Plan your 2026 visit: Vertical Endeavors has gyms in Bloomington, Minneapolis (Nicollet Ave.), St. Paul (Phalen Blvd.), a bouldering gym in St. Paul (Wabash Ave.) and Duluth. Rental gear is available at each one.
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 Minneapolis 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.
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.
Plan your 2026 visit: Gallery admission at the Walker is free every Thursday night from 5 to 9 p.m. and on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (a family day). The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden next door is always free and open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.
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.
