Indoor Summer Activities
What are parents to do when it's too hot to be outside, but you and the kids are tired of sitting around the house? In Minnesota, this is really only an issue for about 3-4 months of the year, but it also coincides with the kids being out of school, so a variety of activities are a must!
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Public Libraries: Most libraries have a children's area (the libraries in Hennepin County are especially impressive) and most are open seven days a week. It's a great way to cool off, play, check out some books and/or movies and spend a few (cost-free) hours with the kids. A few we love:
- Ridgedale (reopening this summer)
- Golden Valley
- Edina Southdale
- Brooklyn Park
- Hopkins
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Indoor Playgrounds: When it's just too hot or rainy to be outside, indoor playgrounds are a great way for kids to get in some activity. Thankfully, the Twin Cities are full of options and most are relatively inexpensive.
- Edinborough (Edina) They also have a gym with a bunch of ride-on toys and a bounce house.
- Brookview Backyard (Golden Valley)
- Eagle's Nest (New Brighton)
- InnerActive- (Hopkins)
Museums: While some are a little more expensive, making a day out of a museum visit is totally worth it. With so many different exhibits and things to see, your kids will have a blast and you can enjoy it too!
- Minnesota Children's Museum (if cost is an issue, visit every third Sunday of the month for free admission!)
- Science Museum (Children 3 and under are free)
- Walker Art Center: Both indoor and outdoor options! Thursday nights & first Saturdays of the month are free. Teens are always free!
- Twin City Model Railway Museum (Children 4 and under are free, family rates available)
- Minneapolis Institute of Art (Free admission!)
- Bell Museum of Natural History Reopening in July. (Free admission on Sunday, ages 2 and under always free)
Sports/Active:
These are just some of the fun indoor ideas for kids and parents (or babysitters, nannies, grandparents) can do this summer. Whatever your situation, I hope you get out to enjoy some of what the Twin Cities has to offer this summer!
