We've put together a list of the best indoor activities for kids in Southern Minnesota. All of these are within 30 minutes or so.
Don’t let rainy days dampen your family’s camping trip! 🌧️ When the weather isn’t cooperating, Southern Minnesota offers plenty of indoor attractions that provide fun, learning, and adventure for kids of all ages. Whether you’re looking for interactive museums, hands-on animal encounters, or action-packed entertainment, there’s something for everyone just a short drive from Kiesler’s Campground!
🦖 Hands-On Learning & Museums
📍 Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota (Mankato, MN)
✨ Best for: Creative play, interactive learning
This highly interactive museum is packed with exhibits designed to spark curiosity and imagination. From hands-on STEM activities to an indoor play farm, kids will love exploring, building, and discovering through play.
📍 Farmamerica – Minnesota Agricultural Interpretive Center (Waseca, MN)
✨ Best for: History, farming, and hands-on experiences
Step back in time and explore Minnesota’s farming heritage! Kids can see farm animals, interact with historic farm equipment, and learn how agriculture has shaped the state. With seasonal events and hands-on demonstrations, it’s both educational and fun!
🦎 Wildlife & Animal Encounters
📍 RAD Zoo (Reptile Amphibian Discovery Zoo) (Owatonna, MN)
✨ Best for: Animal lovers, hands-on reptile encounters
This unique indoor zoo lets kids get up close to snakes, turtles, frogs, alligators, and other reptiles from around the world. Don’t miss the interactive exhibits, where kids can touch and hold some of the animals—perfect for curious explorers!
🎳 Active Indoor Fun
📍 Spare Time Entertainment (Owatonna, MN)
✨ Best for: Bowling, laser tag, and arcade games
Looking to burn off some energy indoors? Spare Time Entertainment has bowling lanes, laser tag, arcade games, and a full-service restaurant—making it a great spot for a rainy day family outing!
🎬 Relaxing Indoor Fun
📍 Northwoods Cinema Ten (Owatonna, MN)
✨ Best for: Relaxing family movie nights
Nothing beats a cozy movie day when it’s raining! This modern 10-screen theater shows the latest movies, so grab some popcorn and enjoy a fun indoor escape with the family.
☔ Plan a Fun Rainy Day Adventure!
Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! From hands-on learning and wildlife encounters to exciting games and movies, there are plenty of ways to keep kids entertained when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
💡 Pro Tip: Check attraction websites before heading out for special events, seasonal exhibits, or movie showtimes!
