No matter the weather, families can engage in fun indoor activities to keep children entertained. You can host a movie marathon, complete with popcorn and blankets. Or, gather up your board games for hours of indoor fun. Luckily, there are so many options in Edina, Minnesota, for family activities, and many of them are located inside. We asked parents at The Gardner School of Edina to share their favorite kid-friendly indoor activities. Here’s what they had to say.
Wild Rumpus Bookstore
Taking its name from Maurice Sendak’s Where The Wild Things Are, this child-centric bookstore takes children’s stories very seriously. With a cast of attendant animals named after authors and characters, children feel at home among this menagerie of book-themed critters and imaginative decor. (Ceiling canoe, anyone?) Named Best Bookstore by Publisher’s Weekly, Wild Rumpus hosts special storytimes for children with sensory issues, and its staff can send you and your child on your way with a dozen book recommendations—or more! On a cloudy day in Edina, there’s no place better. Wild Rumpus Bookstore requires that all patrons over the age of two wear a mask.
The Works Museum
The Gardner School makes a point of including S.T.E.A.M. activities in our curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), and we love the deep dive into engineering made possible for children at The Works Museum. Help encourage young makers to experiment with what happens when you put physical materials and technology together. Children can design a light-up backpack, an origami lantern, or even program their own robot. There are classes for all ages, and kids can even throw a hands-on birthday party with all their friends in attendance.
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble has a dedicated children’s section with incredible deals on books of all kinds. The Edina location has a weekly Sunday storytime at 11:00 a.m. that’s worth attending—and parents can treat themselves to an after-story coffee at the in-store cafe. Afterward, your family can browse the magazine racks or check out the games, toys, and (of course) books on display for purchase.
InnerActive
InnerActive’s name perfectly describes what it offers children. It provides all the activities kids love to engage in, all in an indoor setting. This makes it a perfect place to visit on rainy days. Since InnerActive is open 365 days a year, it operates rain or shine, so your children can enjoy romping no matter what the forecast predicts. This unique, bright play structure houses tons of activity options. Children can bounce on giant inflatables, and there are separate play areas for bigger and smaller children, so everyone stays safe. A clean eating area means parents can bring snacks or a meal to feed their intrepid adventurers. The hours will pass like minutes with so many areas to explore.
Pump It Up
Pump It Up advertises itself as a place to throw parties, but it’s perfect for weekend or weekday bounce-fests as well. Physical activity is so important for children and jumping on giant inflatables helps develop balance and gross motor skills. With special sessions for children with sensory processing differences and glow wars for older children, there are activities for all ages to enjoy. Plus, there are nights with full supervision so parents can enjoy a night out on the town while children stay fully engaged in all the games and fun. For little ones, early morning Pre-K Bubble Bounces combine two things that children love.
Snapology
Snapology brings hands-on science education to children of all ages. With classes and activities in coding, robotics, chemistry, and even video game design, children can dive right into experiential learning that will capture and keep their attention for hours. It’s never too early to build excitement for the sciences, and Snapology can help them lay a strong foundation.
Edinborough Park
Edinborough Park’s indoor playground offers opportunities for adventurous play in any weather! Light pours through floor-to-ceiling windows, and indoor trees and tropical plants thrive throughout the facility. The play park can be reserved for special events (read: your child’s next birthday party) of up to 40 people. The facility also has exercise opportunities for adults and teenagers, including an indoor pool for lap swimming, a track, and exercise equipment.
REM5 Virtual Reality Lab
REM5 Virtual Reality Lab offers a family outing opportunity like no other. Like renting a lane at a bowling alley, your group can rent a VR “pod” where everyone will have the opportunity to explore a variety of games curated to your family’s tastes. While others are engaged in play, the rest can relax nearby with food and drinks available to order in-house.
We Know Minneapolis Kids
The Gardner School of Edina loves being a place for children to play and learn on rainy days. Our interactive curriculum, academic focus, and highly-trained teachers will keep children engaged even in the stormiest weather. We know what parents and children are looking for in a Minneapolis preschool. To learn more about how we fulfill our mission to Edina parents, you can set up a time to explore our location. We’d love to meet you and your little one any day—rain or shine.