With more than 11,000 lakes and beautiful family-friendly beaches, Minnesota offers many ways to cool down on a hot summer day. But even when summer ends, there’s still more water fun to be had at indoor waterparks. From zero-depth splash pads and tot slides to adrenaline-pumping four story waterslides and surf simulators, Minnesota has a variety of indoor waterparks that are open year-round.
Whether you’re looking for splashing fun or relaxation, we think these 11 indoor waterparks in Minnesota will please your family.
1. Great Wolf Lodge
Like its many other properties across the nation, Great Wolf Lodge makes it nearly impossible for its guests to get bored. This indoor waterpark 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
2. Three Bear Water Park
Located inside 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-gallon splash bucket, play a game of water basketball in the activity pool, coast down the lazy river or relax 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
3. Big Splash Minnesota Indoor Waterpark
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 water park passes
- Snack bar open during waterpark hours
4. Rapid River Lodge Water Park
Located inside 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 include a video arcade and exercise room
- Located in the Brainerd Lakes area, known for its variety of outdoor activities
- Free wifi throughout the property
5. Grove Cove Aquatic Center
Part of the Maple Grove Community Center, 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 are 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
6. Wild Woods Waterpark
Located inside the Wyndham Garden Otsego-Minneapolis NW, the Wild Woods Indoor Waterpark has been voted as one of the best indoor waterparks in Minnesota.
With an “old town” look and feel, this 30,000-square-foot waterpark 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 waterpark that will certainly leave the entire family talking after their visit.
More reasons to visit Wild Woods Indoor Water Park
- On-site snack bar
- Waterpark passes included for guests of the hotel
7. Edgewater Hotel and Waterpark
Also known as “The Edge”, this family-friendly indoor waterpark in Duluth offers 35,000 square feet of fun with 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
8. Paul Bunyan Waterpark & Recreation Center
The Paul Bunyan Waterpark and Recreation Center is totally worth a visit 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 are 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 Waterpark:
- Lifeguards on duty during park hours
- Towels and life vests provided if needed
- Private party rooms available
- Free access to hotel guests and available to the public for $20 per person (plus tax)
9. Venetian Waterpark
Located inside of the Holiday Inn & Suites in Maple Grove, this 25,000-square-foot Venetian 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. However, for every room booked you will receive five wristbands with park access.
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
10. The Lagoon
Located inside 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 toddlers with a smaller water slide. For older children, there are two looping body slides and an activity pool. There is 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
11. Great River Water Park
Located inside the Oxford Community Center, Great River Water Park is a premier aquatics facility in St. Paul.
This water park 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 are available