Rainy summer days can quickly throw a wrench in your plans, especially when you have active little ones ready to play. However, if you are in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley, Minnesota, those clouds might just be a blessing in disguise. Westopolis, comprised of these neighboring cities, is packed with creative, engaging, and local ways to enjoy some fun on a rainy day with kids, even when the weather keeps you inside.
Nature and Learning Adventures
Rainy weather can spark curiosity just as much as sunshine can. If your kids love animals, science, or storytelling, there are some excellent indoor educational spots that turn learning into hands-on fun.
Westwood Hills Nature Center – Interpretive Center
Located at 8300 Franklin Ave W, Minneapolis, MN 55426, Westwood Hills Nature Center offers a calm and educational escape from the drizzle. Inside the Interpretive Center, kids can learn about local wildlife, touch animal pelts, view turtles and snakes up close, and explore interactive exhibits. This is a great way to combine learning with indoor fun on a rainy day with kids, especially for nature-loving families.
Pavek Museum of Electronic Communication
Found at 3517 Raleigh Ave, St. Louis Park, MN 55416, this museum is perfect for upper elementary kids and older. The exhibits take visitors through the evolution of radio and television technology. Kids can turn knobs, press buttons, and engage in hands-on displays that make the history of communication come alive. It is unique, fascinating, and a favorite for those looking for educational and engaging activities on a rainy day with kids.
Active Indoor Play
When kids have energy to burn, nothing beats an indoor space where they can climb, jump, and play freely. These local favorites provide the room to move and the freedom to play, rain or shine.
Backyard Indoor Playground at Brookview
Located at 316 Brookview Parkway S, Golden Valley, MN 55346, this indoor playground is made for preschoolers and toddlers who need to get the wiggles out. The space is soft, colorful, and built with safety in mind. There is plenty of space for climbing, sliding, and imaginative play, making it a go-to spot for indoor fun with kids.
Park Tavern Bowling and Arcade
At 3401 Louisiana Ave S, St. Louis Park, MN 55426, Park Tavern offers a lively atmosphere where families can bowl, play arcade games, and enjoy classic American fare. It’s the perfect mix of movement and entertainment. Whether you are scoring a strike or just enjoying pizza and pinball, this spot is perfect for a rainy day with kids of all ages.
Lago Tacos with Arcade Room
Explore this fun destination at 3801 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, MN 55416, and pair it perfectly with a family-friendly lunch. The combination of tacos and arcade fun creates a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon with kids.
Creative Exploration and Playful Shopping
Rainy days are the perfect time to spark imagination and discover new interests. These creative, interactive spaces are filled with color, design, and excitement that encourage curiosity and fun.
Canvas Convergence
Located at 1632 West End Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55416, this immersive art space features colorful, 3D interactive murals that invite kids and adults to become part of the artwork. It is a perfect spot for energetic, creative fun with kids and ideal for capturing unique family photos on a rainy day.
Kiddywampus
If you’re looking for the coolest toy selection in town, Kiddywampus, located at 1665 West End BlvdSt Louis Park, MN 55416, is your spot. It’s filled with puzzles, games, crafts, and gifts that are meant to inspire play. Browsing through this store is a great way to spend a rainy day with kids and keep them busy.
Check Local Libraries
Families in Westopolis have easy access to two fantastic public libraries, perfect for everything from quiet reading to lively children’s programs:
- St. Louis Park Library: You’ll find it at 3240 Library Lane, St. Louis Park, MN 55426.
- Golden Valley Public Library: Head over to 830 Winnetka Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55427.
Each library boasts a welcoming kids’ area and typically offers interactive activities that engage young visitors. For those with little ones, the Golden Valley Public Library is known to feature storytime, which is a wonderful way to foster a love of reading.
Fun Treats and Tasty Adventures
No rainy day adventure is complete without something sweet. These delicious destinations make snack time part of the adventure, and many offer interactive options that make every bite even more fun.
Sota Shop MN
Located at 5327 W 16th St, St. Louis Park, MN 55416, Sota Shop MN is the perfect hangout spot for teens and tweens. The shop offers an endless variety of soda mixes with flavorful add-ins. Whether it’s fruity, fizzy, creamy, or sweet, any soda you get from this trendy stop will surely make your day on a rainy day with kids.
Marcus West End Cinema
Watch the latest family films at Marcus West End Cinema, located at 1625 West End Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55416. With reclining seats, food options, and a laid-back atmosphere, it is an excellent way to enjoy some indoor screen time. Movies are a classic form of rainy day fun with kids, and this location delivers it in comfort and style.
Angel Food Bakery / FrioFrio
Found at 8100 Minnetonka Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55426, this bakery and treat shop is a double delight. From delicious donuts to colorful frozen treats, families can grab a snack and take a break from the rain. Sweet, flavorful, and fun, this stop hits the mark for snack-loving fun with kids.
Funner Brothers Donut Company
Located at 2570 Hillsboro Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55427, this is not your average donut shop. Funner Brothers Donut Company offers giant donut holes and creamy Bridgeman’s ice cream, but the real highlight is Mr. Mike’s Donut Lab. Here, kids 12 and under can decorate their own giant donut hole with frosting and sprinkles. It’s hands-on, creative, and the kind of messy, happy fun kids love.
Discover More Fun Things to Do on a Rainy Day with Kids
The next time it rains in St. Louis Park or Golden Valley, don’t stress. Instead, use it as the perfect excuse to explore all the local spots that deliver indoor fun on a rainy day with kids. From nature centers and creative murals to arcade games, toy stores, and donut decorating labs, Westopolis is filled with family-friendly destinations that turn any gloomy day into something magical. You don’t need sunshine to have a memorable outing. All you need is a sense of adventure, a cozy pair of shoes, and a list like this to help guide your way.
