Minnesota is home to long, cold winters. While we’d all love a Caribbean retreat every year, for many that is off the table. Luckily for us, there are a ton of wonderful indoor water parks in Minneapolis and the greater Twin Cities area.
We’ve visited many on this list, and some multiple times. Some are part of local hotels, while many are associated with public community centers and are very affordable.
We were amazed to find that all the top indoor water parks in the Twin Cities were actually located outside the Minneapolis city limits! That being said, many are super close, so don’t let the town names get you down!
Many on this list also offer swimming lessons. As parents, we owe it to our kids to teach them to be good swimmers. Too many accidents happen with kids who cannot swim or are not comfortable in the water. Let’s work together to change that!
Indoor Water Parks in Minneapolis – Hotels
Some of the best indoor water parks in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area are found part of hotels. Most offer free wristbands for guests and paid day-use wristbands. Our favorite is Great Wolf Lodge, however it is on the more expensive side.
Read More: 20 Unforgettable Hotels with Water Parks in Minnesota
Great Wolf Lodge Resort
Bloomington, MN
Great Wolf Lodge is arguably the most popular and well-known indoor water park in Minneapolis. We have stayed there once per year since our kids were born and absolutely love it.
Formerly known as Water Park of America, Great Wolf Lodge boasts the largest water park in the Twin Cities. The water park covers 75,000 square feet and is kept at a perfect 84 degrees all year.
Fort Mackenzie play area is perfect for toddlers and little ones. Older kids will love Slap Tail Pond, their wave pool, Crooked Creek, their lazy river, and all the awesome waterslides. They even have a surf simulator!
Venetian Indoor Water park
Maple Grove, MN
Venetian Indoor Water Park is located at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Maple Grove at the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. It is the perfect spot if you live in Minneapolis and are looking for a cheap weekend getaway.
This indoor waterpark covers 25,000 square feet and has two 4-story-tall waterslides, Bambini Piscina (toddler area), water basketball hoops, and an arcade. It is free for hotel guests. Non-guests can join in on the fun for a day pass fee on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Read More: 15 Best Breweries Near Plymouth MN – The Definitive List
Wild Woods Water Park
Otsego, MN
Wild Woods Water Park is located in the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Otsego, MN. It covers 30,000 square feet and has multiple four-story waterslides, including two tube slides and one body slide.
Kids will love the lazy river and Buddy’s Playland offers a zero-depth play area with toys and activities for toddlers and little ones.
Water park passes come with a hotel booking. Outside guests are allowed for a fee. Please be aware that they are not open daily and wristbands are limited. We’d recommend calling ahead!
Read More: 10 Best Indoor Water Parks Near Sioux Falls, SD
Nickelodeon Universe
Bloomington, MN
Nickelodeon Universe is not technically a water park, but it does have a water slide and a ton of great attractions for kids. It is located in the Mall of America and an excellent second stop if you are staying at the Great Wolf Lodge.
Best Western Plus Bloomington Hotel
Bloomington, MN
The Best Western Plus Hotel in Bloomington, MN has a small indoor water park. There is a nice toddler area with a waterslide and a pool for older kids. The hotel also has a hot tub.
Country Inn and Suites by Radisson
Shoreview, MN
The Country Inn and Suites has a great indoor pool with a two story waterslide, jacuzzi, and more. It is bare bones but works great for young kids looking for a swim.
Holiday Inn & Suites Lakeville
Lakeville, MN
We’ve had the pleasure of staying at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Lakeville for a couple of local weddings. It has a huge pool with a waterslide and basketball hoops. There is a separate kiddie pool and a hot tub.
AmericInn by Wyndham Shakopee
Shakopee, MN
The AmericInn by Wyndham in Shakopee is an inexpensive option for those living in the Twin Cities. It is very similar to the AmericInn in Silver Bay. It has a large waterslide, big pool, and smaller kiddie pool.
Indoor Water Parks in Minneapolis – Community Centers
Community Centers are also great options if you are looking for an inexpensive day of swimming and splashing. All are open to the public for a small fee and most offer swimming lessons.
Great River Water Park
St. Paul, MN
Great River Water Park is St. Paul’s premier indoor water park. It is managed by the St. Paul Park Department. There is a splashy activity pool for toddlers and below. Older kids will enjoy the two enclosed water slides, lap pool with diving boards.
Read More: 40 Best Winter Things to Do in Minneapolis, MN
Tropics Indoor Water Park
Shoreview, MN
Tropics Indoor Water Park is run by the City of Shoreview. Key attractions are Bamboo Bay, their 10 and under play area, their enclosed waterslide, basketball and water volleyball areas, lap pool, and floating pool creatures.
The water park also offers lap swimming, swimming lessons, and rental rooms for special events and birthday parties. It is great for kids of all ages.
Eden Prairie Aquatics Center
Eden Prairie, MN
The Eden Prairie Aquatics Center features two 8-lane pools with diving boards, a climbing wall, zero-depth wading pool for toddlers, hot tub, and water slide.
Call ahead or check out their online calendar to make sure the pool is open for general recreation during your planned visit.
Grove Cove Aquatic Center
Maple Grove, MN
We’ve been to many birthday parties at the Grove Cove Aquatic Center. They have an indoor water park with two pools, a 130-foot water slide, zero-depth kiddie pools, and sprayers and a tot slide.
The activity center also has an outdoor water park, ice rink, indoor playground, and much more!
The Grove Aquatic Center
Inver Grove Heights, MN
The Grove Aquatic Center is located not far from one of my brother’s breweries, Inver Grove Brewing Company. The water park is open to the public and features multiple activities, including water slides, a toddler splash area, a lap pool, log balancing course, and more.
Read More: 40 Best Outdoor Winter Activities in Minneapolis, MN
Monticello Community Center
Monticello, MN
The Monticello Community Center offers a great indoor water park near Minneapolis, MN. It features a zero-depth entry area with a play structure and small slide, a large water slide, basketball hoops, and more. There is something for the whole family.
The Rookery Slide and Swim
Lino Lakes, MN
The Rookery Aquatic Center features an indoor 6-lane lap main pool, a thrilling waterslide, splash pool, and more. It is a fun option if you are in the north end of the cities.
Safari Island Community Center
Waconia, MN
Safari Island is a fun community center pool on the west side of the Twin Cities. It features a lap pool, diving boards, toddler area, and a huge waterslide. The broader community center has a ton of additional amenities, including an indoor play area.
Shakopee Indoor Aquatic Center
Shakopee, MN
The Shakopee Indoor Aquatic Center features a 22,300 square foot indoor water park with a zero-depth-entry leisure pool with play features and a water slide for toddlers. It also has a four-lane lap pool, sauna, and hot tub. This indoor water park is better suited for younger kids.
Read More: SandVenture Aquatic Park – The Ultimate Summer Guide
Williston Fitness Center Pool & Splash Pad
Minnetonka, MN
Williston Fitness Center Pool and Splash Pad has a lap pool and a toddler splash and play area. It also has a sauna and whirlpool. It is better suited for younger kids.
Brooklyn Center Community Pool
Brooklyn Center, MN
The pool at the Brooklyn Center Community Center is an inexpensive option close to Minneapolis. Kids will love their 50-meter heated indoor pool. There is a wading pool for toddlers, a diving board, and a water slide.
Swim School Public Swim Hours
Various
Many local swim schools like Foss, Aqua Tots, Goldfish, and Wise Swim School offer open swim nights. These are good opportunities to practice swimming or pass those long winter days.
Indoor Water Parks in Greater Minnesota
There are a ton of great indoor water parks spread throughout greater Minnesota. Below are a couple of highlights that could make for a great weekend away!
- Arrowwood Resort Big Splash Minnesota Indoor Waterpark – Alexandria, MN
- Thumper Pond Resort – Ottertail, MN
- Three Bear Water Park – Brainerd, MN
- Comfort Suites Rapid River Lodge – Baxter, MN
- Edgewater Hotel & Waterpark – Duluth, MN
- Seven Clans Casino – Thief River Falls
- Paul Bunyan Waterpark – Brainerd, MN
