Affordable Indoor Fun for Families Before School Starts

There’s a certain buzz in the air this time of year.

Backpacks rest by the door, zippers still sealed, patiently waiting for the first day of school. On the counter, the supply list is half-checked, each tick a gentle reminder that summer is fading away. But the kids? They’re not counting the days. They’re racing through them, eager to fit in one more climb, one more jump, one more full day of play.  

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably felt that flicker of urgency - the one that hits when you glance at the calendar and realize the carefree days are numbered. That’s when the thought slips in, as bright as a summer afternoon: we need one more big adventure before the routine takes over! 

That’s exactly where Good Times Park comes in. With locations in Eagan and Woodbury, we’re open 14 hours a day, and we offer a flexible come-and-go policy that lets you stretch a single pass into a whole day of fun. 

These might be the last sun-soaked weeks, but the door to adventure is still wide open. Discover one of the easiest, most affordable ways to squeeze the last drops out of summer. 

Why Good Times Park Is the August Go-To for Families

When you’re down to the final weeks of summer, every day matters. And you don’t want to waste them on activities that are too expensive, too short, or too weather-dependent. Let's see how Good Times Park checks every box for a stress-free, value-packed outing:

Affordable, All-Day Indoor Fun

Family outings are some of the best days you can have together, but they can also surprise you with how quickly little extras stack up. Tickets here, snacks there, a fun treat for the ride home… it all adds up before you know it. That's why at Good Times Park, we keep it refreshingly straightforward:

• $12 per child for all-day access

• Unlimited re-entry from 7 AM to 9 PM

• Every attraction included—no extra fees

📌 See Pricing →

Why Families Love It:

“I brought my kids twice in the same week during a rainy stretch. Even with both visits, I spent less than I would have on one water park day - plus no lines, no weather worries, and no overpriced snacks.” - Apple Valley mom. 

Two Locations, Double the Fun

There’s always a Good Times Park ready for your crew:

Eagan Indoor Playground Highlights

Tucked just off Yankee Doodle Rd and 35E, this is a dream spot for kids who love to stay in motion: running, climbing, bouncing, and exploring from morning to night. The open, well-planned layout offers play zones for every age, making it an easy choice for families from all over the south metro.

• 🟢 Giant Jumping Pillow - A kid-approved favorite for bouncing out endless energy.

• ⚽️ Indoor Soccer Turf - Kick, dribble, and score away.

• 🧗‍♀️ Ninja Obstacle Course - Test agility and balance on a kid-sized course inspired by American Ninja Warrior.

• 🧸 Cozy Toddler Zones - Soft, safe, and perfectly sized for our youngest visitors ages 1-3.

• 🍎 Picnic Area - Take a break and enjoy your own snacks or meals in a relaxed, family-friendly space.

• 🧱 Massive Building Blocks - Build towering creations, then knock them down.

• 🏀 Basketball Court - Shoot hoops solo or challenge a friend to a quick game.

• 🎢 Playground - Slides, ladders, bridges, and everything you’d expect from a great park.

• ✨ And more - New adventures are always waiting to be discovered!

Woodbury Indoor Playground Highlights

Just moments from I-694 and I-94, this is a true playground paradise: full of color, creativity, and places to explore. Every corner is designed with imagination in mind, blending vibrant, photo-worthy backdrops with equipment and play zones for both big kids and little ones.

• 🧗‍♀️ Spacious Climbing Structures - Multi-level adventures that keep kids busy for hours.

• 🌴 Jungle Gyms for All Ages - Whether they’re toddling, swinging, or sliding, there’s something for every age group.

• 🏀 Basketball Court - Shoot hoops solo or team up for a quick game in our climate-controlled court.

• 👶 Play Areas - Soft mats, gentle climbing structures, and safe zones for the tiniest explorers.

• 🧱 Massive Building Blocks - Stack them high, build a fort, or make a wild creation.

• ⚽️ Soccer Field - The perfect place for running, kicking, passing, and a little friendly competition.

• 🤸‍♂️ Jumping Pillow - A soft, bouncy favorite where kids can hop, bounce, and giggle to their hearts’ content.

• ✨ And more - There’s always something new to discover, so no two visits are ever the same.

Bring Your Own Food

One of the perks parents rave about? You can bring your own food. Whether it’s a packed cooler for the whole family, a few favorite snacks for the little ones, or even a pizza you grab on the way, you’re free to fuel your day your way.

And if you leave the house empty-handed or just want a mid-play pick-me-up, we’ve got options for you. Each park has vending machines stocked with kid-friendly snacks, cold drinks, and even a bean-to-cup coffee machine for that much-needed caffeine boost. That's why parents love the BYO food policy:

• 🍎 Real savings every visit - Skip pricey concessions and keep more in your pocket.

• 🍼 Perfect for special diets - Bring exactly what works for your child, whether it’s gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, or allergy-friendly.

• 🥪 No planning pressure - Forgot lunch? No problem. Step out to grab something and come right back - your pass is good all day.

Safety You Can See and Trust

At Good Times Park, fun comes first - but safety is woven into everything we do. From the moment you arrive, access-controlled entry ensures that only paying guests are inside, creating a secure space for families to play. Our 24/7 remote monitoring system quietly watches over the park, adding an invisible layer of protection without interrupting the joy of the day.

Parents can relax, knowing they’re close enough to join in or keep an eye out without having to patrol the space. It’s that perfect balance between giving kids the freedom to explore and giving you the peace of mind you deserve.

With safety taken care of and the fun in full swing, all that’s left is to make the most of your time here. Whether you’re planning a quick afternoon outing or a sunrise-to-sunset play marathon, a little insider know-how can make your visit even smoother and more memorable. Here’s what seasoned Good Times Park families recommend.

Insider Tips for Maximizing Your Visit

Over the years, we’ve seen thousands of families walk through our doors - some for their very first visit, others as seasoned regulars who know every corner of the park by heart. Along the way, we’ve picked up a treasure trove of little tricks and time-savers they swear by. These aren’t rules or must-dos - just friendly, parent-tested ideas that can help you stretch your playtime, save a little money, and keep everyone smiling from the first jump to the final high-five of the day. Here’s how to make the most out of every minute at Good Times Park.

Visit Early or Late for Quieter Play

We’re open from 7 AM to 9 PM every single day, which means you can shape your visit around your family’s rhythm. If you’re hoping for a little extra breathing room, early mornings are a peaceful time to let toddlers explore without the bustle, and evenings often feel like a private playground as the crowds thin out. It’s a great way to enjoy all the attractions at your own pace, whether that’s starting the day with an energy burn or winding it down with one last round of slides before bedtime.

Pack Like a Pro

Some families swear by a “Good Times bag” that’s always ready to go, packed with refillable water bottles, favorite snacks, and a change of clothes for kids who dive headfirst into every activity. If your little ones love the ninja course or the jumping pillow, grip socks can give them extra confidence (and a bit more bounce). Packing light but smart means you can focus on fun, not last-minute runs back to the car.

Use Your Re-Entry Privilege

One of our most underrated perks is our come-and-go flexibility. Your day pass is valid from the moment we open until the minute we close. That means you can leave for lunch, swing by the library, run errands, or take a nap break, then come right back for round two. Many families turn this into a “two-part play day”: active fun in the morning, rest and recharge midday, then a second burst of energy in the afternoon or evening.

Invite a Friend

Playtime is even better with a buddy. Since we charge per child rather than per group, it’s easy to bring along a cousin, a neighbor, or a school friend without needing to commit to a party package. Kids often play longer and more creatively when they’ve got a friend along, and parents enjoy the bonus of shared supervision and conversation.

Keep Your Camera Ready

From building block towers taller than your child to the sheer joy on their face as they bounce on the jumping pillow, Good Times Park is full of photo-worthy moments. Some parents love to capture a “first activity of the day” shot and a “last activity before we leave” one, just to see how the kids’ energy and smiles evolve. Tag your favorites with #GoodTimesPark and you might even inspire another family’s visit.

"When the kids are bouncing off the walls, we don’t have to plan. We just grab our membership card and go. Sometimes it’s a quick trip, sometimes it’s all day - but it’s always worth it." - Rachel H., Woodbury mom.

With these tips in your back pocket, every visit can feel a little easier, a little smoother, and a lot more fun. And for many families, that’s just the start. What begins as a one-time outing often turns into a favorite tradition - because once you’ve found a place that’s affordable, flexible, and full of happy memories, it’s hard not to keep coming back.

Make the Most of These Last Summer Days

The days are still long, the air still warm, and the sound of laughter still spills from every corner of the park. From the first joyful bounce on the jumping pillow to the last triumphant slide before heading home, Good Times Park is where families gather to wring every last drop of magic from summer.

Soon enough, mornings will be filled with school bells and lunchboxes. But for now, there’s still room for one more day - the kind your kids will talk about for weeks, the kind that lingers in their memories long after the season turns. Whether it’s a planned morning playdate, a sunrise-to-sunset adventure, or a last-minute evening burst of fun, your summer send-off is waiting just inside our doors.

🎟 Get your tickets now and give your family one more day to climb, jump, build, and play—your way. Buy your day pass or membership here →

About the Author:

Jackie and Patrick, the founders of Good Times Park, are pioneers in family-focused recreation and self-serve indoor play. Since opening Minnesota’s first self-supervised indoor playground in 2013, they’ve reimagined what flexible, all-day play can look like for modern families. Drawing from their own experience as parents of four, they’ve built a trusted brand rooted in safety, cleanliness, and affordability - now operating two thriving locations in Eagan and Woodbury. Connect with them on Linkedin.