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Known for its twin cities, 10,000 lakes and beautiful beaches, Minnesota certainly has no shortage of ways to cool down on a hot summer day. But just because summer ends doesn’t mean the water fun has to! From splash pads and tot slides to four-story water slides and surf simulators, these indoor waterparks in Minnesota will keep the entire family soaked and satisfied year-round.
Nicknamed the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota and its charming small towns are known for its more than 11,000 lakes and beautiful, family-friendly beaches. However, when cooler weather starts to set in, the last thing I can think about is dipping my foot into an icy cold lake or ocean!
Thankfully, Minnesota also has a number of indoor waterparks with all kinds of fun and entertainment for the entire family, from tranquil zero-depth splash pads to adrenaline-pumping four-story water slides.
Whether you’re looking for family fun or relaxation, here are 11 indoor waterparks in Minnesota open-year round where you can get your splash on during your next midwest family getaway:
Great Wolf Lodge
1700 American Blvd E
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 851-9653
Self proclaimed as the best indoor waterpark in Minnesota, the Great Wolf Lodge has everything any water-loving child, teen or adult could need at an indoor water park.
Like its many other properties across the nation, Great Wolf Lodge makes it nearly impossible for its guests to get bored. This indoor water park in Minnesota packs both relaxing and thrilling water activities such as a four-story interactive water fort treehouse, zero-depth entry wave pool, four-story tube slide, twisting body slides, lazy river and kiddie activity pool.
Those up for the challenge can try to keep their balance on the floating lily pads, play a game of water basketball or practice their surf skills on the surf simulator. All of the above should be enough to tucker out anyone after a day.
However, if your kids are anything like my 8-year-old son and want to ride until the wheels fall off, there’s plenty of dry activities to enjoy on site including bowling, wall-climbing, an arcade and a fitness center for the adults.
More reasons to visit Great Wolf Lodge:
- Just one mile from the famous Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe theme park
- Day passes available for non-guests and free waterpark passes for guests
- Several dry activities to enjoy such as a bowling alley, climbing walls and rope course
Three Bear Water Park
15739 Audubon Way
Brainerd, MN 56425
(218) 824-3232
Located inside of the Holiday Inn Express Suites, the Three Bear Water Park has 250,000 gallons of heated water to splash around no matter what time of year. This indoor waterpark packs fun as well as relaxation for family members of all ages.
For the littlest ones there’s a tot slide and plunge slide, as well as a 125-foot long Cub Express slide for the more adventurous children. Older children will have a blast speeding down the 300-foot single- and double-tube slide and or zipping down the super fast 300-foot body slides.
The entire family can get soaked together under the 1,000 splash bucket, playing a game of water basketball in the activity pool, coasting down the lazy river or relaxing in the 18-seater family hot tub. There’s also an adults-only hot tub for when you want to sit back and relax without the kiddos.
When the family is worn out from all of the exciting water play, head over to the Three Bear Grill and Bar to replenish before jumping back in!
More reasons to visit Three Bear Water Park:
- Day passes available to non guests
- Lifeguards and attendants on-site at all times
- Food bar on-site at the park
Big Splash Minnesota Indoor Waterpark
2100 Arrowwood Ln
Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 762-1124
Big Splash Minnesota Indoor Waterpark, located inside of the Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center, provides water-loving families with 38,000 square feet of indoor fun including a 500-gallon splash bucket, three four-story tall twisting water slides, a lily pad water walk and a lazy river. There’s also water basketball for families looking for a little friendly competition.
The littlest guests will love the children’s play fort with geysers and water blasters. Adults looking to relax can kick back in the tropical whirlpool spa.
When the family is worn out from the water and ready to replenish, they can do so with pizza, hotdogs and ice cream at the Banana Cabana Snack Bar.
More reasons to visit Big Splash Minnesota Indoor Waterpark:
- Accommodation packages available that include unlimited waterpark passes
- Snack bar open during waterpark hours
Rapid River Lodge Waterpark
7376 Woida Rd N
Baxter, MN 56425
(218) 825-7234
Located inside of the Comfort Suites Rapid River Lodge, this family-friendly indoor waterpark in Minnesota is enough to put a smile on every child’s face.
This park not only boasts a 1,300 square foot activity pool with water basketball, but also a 240-foot tube slide, 240-foot body slide, a lazy river complete with waterfall and rapids, two water tipping buckets and spray tubes. Younger kids will have a blast in the kiddie pool with a tree fort and water slides.
My son would surely get a kick out of the water hoses provided for water fights before jumping out to head to the on-site arcade room. Meanwhile, adults can find relaxation in the hot tub or sauna.
More reasons to visit Rapid River Lodge:
- Other dry activities to enjoy including a video arcade and exercise room
- Located in the Brainerd Lakes area, known for its variety of outdoor activities
- Free wifi throughout the property
Grove Cove Aquatic Center
12951 Weaver Lake Rd
Maple Grove, MN 55369
(763) 494-6500
Part of the Maple Grove Community Center, the Grove Cove has plenty of activities to keep the family busy for several hours.
With a zero-depth beach entry pool, sprayers and a tot slide, the youngest ones in the family can participate in the water fun while the older kids can zip down the 130-foot water slide, channel their inner Tarzan with the rope swing or free play in the leisure pool. There’s also two indoor swimming pools with diving boards as well as a pool dedicated to swimming laps.
More reasons to visit Grove Cove:
- Open seven days a week
- Lifeguards always on site
- Snacks and concessions available on site
Wild Woods Water Park
9200 Quaday Ave NE
Otsego, MN 55330
(763) 656-4400
Located inside of the Wyndham Garden Minneapolis NW Elk River, the Wild Woods Indoor Water Park has been voted as one of the best indoor waterparks in Minnesota.
With an “old town” look and feel, this 30,000 square foot water park has something for all ages. For the older children, there are the four-story water slides including two tube slides, a body slide and the circular “Prospector’s Pan” that sends you splashing down into the pool below. For the toddlers and younger children, there’s “Buddy’s Playland” where you’ll find a zero-depth entry pool with plenty of toys and activities for entertainment. Together, families can cruise down the lazy river or play a game of basketball in the activity pool.
This is one indoor water park that will certainly leave the entire family talking after their visit.
More reasons to visit Wild Woods Indoor Water Park:
- On-site snack bar
- Water park passes included for guests of the hotel
Edgewater Hotel and Waterpark
2400 London Rd
Duluth, MN 55812
(218) 728-3601
Also known as “The Edge”, this 35,000 square foot family-friendly indoor waterpark in Minnesota has a little bit of everything to satisfy all ages and thrill levels.
For the thrill-seekers, there’s a massive 4.5-story twisting covered body-slide and tube slide. There’s also Minnesota’s first vortex pool where daring swimmers can either swim with or against a fast-moving current.
For the younger guests and not-so-strong swimmers, there’s a zero-depth entry water playground with child-size slides, climbing areas and a 300-gallon water tipper. Family members who want to relax can kick back and float down the 400-ft lazy river.
More reasons to visit Edgewater Waterpark:
- On-site grill and bar to replenish after working up an appetite
- A 2,000 square-foot arcade with more than 40 games and ticket prizes
Paul Bunyan Water Park & Recreation Center
6967 Lake Forest Rd
Baxter, MN 56425
(218) 822-5634
While temporarily closed to the public, the Paul Bunyan Water Park and Recreation Center will make staying as a guest worth looking into if you’re spending a long weekend in Minnesota.
Located inside of the Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, this large 30,000 square foot indoor waterpark has a four-story body slide, tube slide, lazy river, log walk and large treehouse with water cannons. Parents of younger children will feel more comfortable with the zero-depth entry pool and non-slip rubberized deck. There’s also water basketball hoops for families who want to play a game of one-on-one and a hot tub for the adults to kick back and relax.
My son would happily spend his time bouncing between the waterpark and the 2,400 square foot arcade room that has the same hours as the waterpark. And once everyone has worked up an appetite, head over to Sourdough Sam’s Snack Bar to refuel!
More reasons to visit Paul Bunyan Water Park:
- Lifeguards on duty during park hours
- Towels and life vests provided if needed
- Private party rooms available
Venetian Waterpark
11801 Fountains Way
Maple Grove, MN 55369
(763) 425-3800
If you’re looking for a fun, Venetian-style indoor getaway, the Venetian Waterpark is a must-visit! Located inside of the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites in Maple Grove, this 25,000 square foot waterpark is a pleaser for the entire family.
This indoor waterpark in Minnesota boasts two thrilling four-story water slides, four water basketball hoops and a lily pad crossing. Younger kids can splash around in the Bambina Piscina, a zero-depth entry children’s pool. There’s also a hot tub and fitness center for the adults.
When the family needs a break from the water, there’s also an arcade appropriate for kids of all ages. It is important to note that at this time the waterpark is open to guests only.
More reasons to visit Venetian Waterpark:
- Located near Arbor Lakes, the premier shopping and entertainment district of Maple Grove
- Concession area
- Arcade for children of all ages
The Lagoon
5734 Sturgeon Lake Road
Welch, MN 55089
(800) 222-7077
Located inside of the Treasure Island Resort and Casino, the Lagoon is a year-round indoor waterpark and a great family activity for families staying at the resort.
This family waterpark offers a zero-depth spray-and-play area for the toddlers with a smaller water slide. For older children, there are two looping body slides and an activity pool. There are also a 320-foot lazy river, lounge stairs, rapids and an under-bridge waterfall. But no matter what the age, it’ll be hard to NOT get soaked with the tipping bucket and geysers.
And good news for the grown-ups looking to have fun: There’s a separate adults-only area with a swim up bar and two-tiered hot tubs!
More reasons to visit The Lagoon:
- Home to the only swim-up bar in Minnesota
- Year-round outdoor hot water spa with heated decks
Great River Water Park
270 Lexington Pkwy N
St Paul, MN 55104
(651) 642-0650
Located inside of the Oxford Community Center, Great River Water Park is a premier aquatics facility in St. Paul.
This waterpark offers plenty for the family to enjoy including large water slides, a splash pad, children’s activity pool and multi-lane lap pool with diving boards. Little ones will have a blast playing on the large pool floats, Snappy the Turtle and his log.
When the family has worked up an appetite, there’s a concession stand with a separate dining area to take a break and refuel.
More reasons to visit Great River Water Park:
- Free life jackets available for rent
- Family locker rooms
- Swimming lessons and water aerobics available
Are there any other indoor water parks in Minnesota that we missed? Share with us in the comments!
