Visitors to Minnesota embrace our winter activities, but if you’re craving a little indoor time, there are endless activities and performances to keep you entertained in Minneapolis Northwest, even on the coldest of days. Win prizes at the arcade, make a splash at an indoor waterpark, catch a production of Mr. Popper’s Penguins and so much more! There are good times waiting for you and your family all around the area, so shed those coats and scarves and get ready to have some fun!
Bowlero Brooklyn Park
Time slips away when you're having fun at Bowlero, a bowling and entertainment complex in Brooklyn Park. You can aim for the pins on one of the 48 bowling lanes available, but you might have the most fun hopping from game-to-game in the arcade. Play the world’s largest Pac-Man, race cars against your friends, escape zombies via The Walking Dead game and shoot some hoops against the clock. For an adrenaline rush, try laser tag in the state-of-the-art arena! And after winning big on the games, turn in your tickets to get great prizes. Once you’ve exhausted the arcade, take advantage of the happy hour specials with half-price appetizers and drinks. The menu is inventive and sure to satisfy everyone in your group.
Topgolf
For an experience like no other, bring your family to Topgolf in Brooklyn Center. The new golf and entertainment venue features more than 100 open-air bays for driving and chipping. You may think it sounds a bit cold but have no fear – the bays are climate-controlled with two heaters in each bay, ensuring you can be outside while still enjoying indoor comforts. All experience levels are welcome to hit golf balls towards the giant light-up targets on the field; then mosey to the venue’s full-service restaurant for a piping hot meal. There’s even a rooftop terrace with a fireplace where you can gaze at the downtown skyline.
Brooklyn Park Library
Also, make a stop at the Brooklyn Park Library for a bit of quiet reading time or for a fun class. Join one of the fun book clubs like Historical Fiction Book Club or Read the Book, See the Movie club. There are teen clubs for your teens to geek out over fandoms like Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Star Wars, Pokemon and more. And for your little ones, check out On Screen for Families: Movie Night each month to watch a family friendly movie.
WhirlyBall Twin Cities
You’ll have endless hours of fun with WhirlyBall, an activity that combines bumper cars with basketball, lacrosse and hockey. That’s right; you race around in specially designed bumper cars, called WhirlyBugs, and use scoops to toss a whiffle ball at backboards at opposite ends of the court. Each team needs five players, so gather your family and friends and venture out to WhirlyBall in Maple Grove. Continue the fun with a round of laser tag in the largest area in the state! The location also has a bar and grill with homemade pizzas, so you can refuel as the day goes on. If you still have energy left, check out the escape room located in the same venue. In the Istanbul Gambit room, your group is transformed into CIA field agents in an old soviet-era bunker, on the hunt for the infamous criminal syndicate, Red November.
Minneapolis Bouldering Project
Get your climbing fix at Minneapolis Bouldering Project (MBP), which features more than 20,000-square feet of climbing terrain and complimentary introductory bouldering lessons. At this state-of-the-art facility, which opened in 2017, there are no ropes or harnesses—only a 16-inch foam floor to cushion the fall. The facility has dedicated youth and family climbing areas, a treadwall, a yoga studio and a fitness studio with weight lifting and cardio equipment, so you can keep up with your fitness regimen during the cold-weather months. MBP comes with full-service locker rooms, showers and saunas. Purchase a day pass if you’re in town for a short visit and don’t want to miss out on the climbing fun.
Can Can Wonderland
Enter a whimsical wonderland of entertainment for the whole family at Can Can Wonderland! Enjoy this 18-hole family friendly mini golf course, along with its vintage arcade games, delicious eats, art, live performances and more. With holes featuring themes like natural disasters (try the tornado or volcano) and a Wonderwall that challenges you to putt the ball through a waterfall, there’s a different experience at every turn. Can Can Wonderland is also home to Boardwalk Arcade, where you can get lost in time playing one of its 20 vintage games, including a variety of pinball machines. The venue offers events Thursday through Sunday, including “Tappy Hour,” group tap dancing lessons on Fridays as well as karaoke, retro game show night, comedy improv shows and crafting classes.
Let us know all about your winter adventures when you post on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and use the hashtag #WeLoveMNW. You may be featured on our website!
