Age-Appropriate Play Ideas for Every Stage of Childhood

Every family knows the challenge: finding something that keeps kids happy, active, and off the screens without draining the budget or depending on perfect weather. And if you are a Minnesota parent, there's the weather curveball: one week it’s too cold, the next it’s raining, and before you know it, cabin fever is back. 

As if that weren’t enough, there’s another part of the puzzle: finding play that truly fits your child’s age. Toddlers want to climb and explore, preschoolers crave pretend play and teamwork, and older kids need space to test their strength and independence. 

That’s why more Twin Cities families are turning to Good Times Park: a space that meets every stage of childhood with safe, clean, and affordable indoor play that grows right along with your child.

Whether you’ve got a curious toddler, a daring preschooler, or an energetic tween, families love having 14 hours of indoor play. This guide breaks down age-appropriate play ideas that spark imagination, build confidence, and make every visit to Good Times Park feel brand-new.

Why Age-Appropriate Play Matters

Childhood is built on movement and discovery. But not every play activity fits every stage. What challenges a six-year-old might overwhelm a toddler, and what excites a toddler might bore a ten-year-old.

That’s where age-appropriate play ideas come in. They’re more than just fun suggestions, they’re the building blocks of child development and play:

• Toddlers learn through sensory exploration and repetition.

• Preschoolers build coordination and imagination.

• School-age kids crave physical challenges and teamwork.

At Good Times Park, everything was intentionally designed with these milestones in mind. From the toddler play zones to climbing nets and ninja courses, every area helps kids grow stronger, smarter, and more confident - all while having a blast.

Toddler Indoor Play in Minnesota (Ages 1-3)

If your little one is just learning to climb and crawl through the world, Good Times Park is a dream come true. The toddler play areas in both Eagan and Woodbury are built for early discovery, with soft surfaces, rounded corners, and equipment designed for small hands and big curiosity.

Top Toddler Play Ideas

1. Mini Houses and Slides: Watch your child peek through tiny windows or climb gently up a slide for the first time.

2. Soft Building Blocks: Stack, tumble, and start again - perfect for hand-eye coordination.

3. Soft Balance & Crawl Features: Encourage gross motor skill development as little ones learn to move confidently.

4. Parent-Toddler Interaction: Try rolling a ball back and forth or naming colors and shapes as you play together.

Parents love that these zones are climate-controlled and professionally cleaned daily, meaning no muddy shoes, cold swings, or unpredictable weather.

“We love that we can come early, leave for lunch, and come back without paying again!” - Kara L., Eagan mom

Preschool Play Development (Ages 3-5)

By preschool age, kids start building stories in their heads. Every slide becomes a mountain, every tunnel a secret cave. Good Times Park encourages that creativity with equipment that challenges imagination and coordination.

Preschool Favorites at Good Times Park

• The Big Blue Blocks: Giant foam blocks let kids build castles, forts, or obstacle courses together.

• Ninja Mini Course: Scaled-down obstacles help develop balance and confidence without overwhelming younger kids.

• Climbing Nets and Rope Bridges: Perfect for testing coordination and focus.

• Group Playtime: Kids learn cooperation as they take turns and share — an essential skill before kindergarten.

Preschoolers also benefit from open-ended play - the kind that doesn’t have strict rules or time limits. That’s why families love Good Times Park’s “Play Your Way” flexibility. You’re not rushed, and kids can explore at their own pace, even if that means spending 30 minutes just building with foam blocks or inventing games on the spot.

Play for Early Elementary (Ages 6-8)

Once kids hit grade school, their energy (and imagination) multiplies. They’re ready for bigger challenges, friendly competition, and new adventures.

Both of our locations feature attractions that bridge the gap between free play and physical activity:

• Jumping Pillows: Huge, inflatable trampolines that help release endless energy.

• Soccer Fields and Basketball Courts: Ideal for small group games or parent-child shootouts.

• Ninja Course: A kid-sized adventure filled with balance beams, rings, and climbing features.

• Creative Play Add-Ons: Encourage storytelling games like “the floor is lava” or timed obstacle challenges.

For many Twin Cities parents, this stage is when outdoor playgrounds start feeling too small or crowded. Indoor options like Good Times Park give kids the same freedom with none of the scraped knees, wet slides, or cold weather interruptions.

And since your day pass lasts all day, you can come in the morning, grab lunch, and come back for round two after a nap.

Big-Kid Fun for Tweens (Ages 9-12)

By this age, kids want independence, even though they still love to play. Good Times Park makes it easy to give them that freedom safely.

• Challenge Zones: Older kids love the ninja courses and climbing structures that push them to race, balance, and explore.

• Open Gym Spaces: Perfect for inventing new games or practicing sports skills.

• Group Play: Tweens can reconnect with friends while parents relax nearby.

In addition, both our parks are access-controlled, meaning only registered guests can enter. That makes it one of the few indoor spaces where parents can give kids some autonomy while still knowing they’re safe.

The best part is that it’s affordable enough to be a regular part of your week, not just a special outing.

👉 See our prices here.

What You Get for a $13 Day Pass

Included Feature	Details	Included Feature	Details
All-Day Access (7 AM–9 PM)	Come early, leave for meals, return anytime — full-day flexibility for families.	All-Day Access (7 AM–9 PM)	Come early, leave for meals, return anytime — full-day flexibility for families.
Two Locations	Use your pass at either Eagan or Woodbury — whichever’s more convenient that day.	Two Locations	Use your pass at either Eagan or Woodbury — whichever’s more convenient that day.
Toddler-Safe Zones	Soft playhouses, small slides, and age-appropriate toddler indoor play areas.	Toddler-Safe Zones	Soft playhouses, small slides, and age-appropriate toddler indoor play areas.
Big-Kid Adventures	Ninja course, jumping pillows, and large-scale climbing fun.	Big-Kid Adventures	Ninja course, jumping pillows, and large-scale climbing fun.
Climate-Controlled Comfort	Play all year long without worrying about heat, snow, or rain.	Climate-Controlled Comfort	Play all year long without worrying about heat, snow, or rain.
Bring-Your-Own-Food Policy	Pack snacks or lunch — enjoy family picnics without high café prices.	Bring-Your-Own-Food Policy	Pack snacks or lunch — enjoy family picnics without high café prices.
Professional Cleaning	Daily deep cleaning and mid-day spot checks for a worry-free experience.	Professional Cleaning	Daily deep cleaning and mid-day spot checks for a worry-free experience.

At just $13 per child, it’s the lowest price among private indoor playgrounds in the Twin Cities, making it one of the best values for active family fun in Minnesota.

Eagan and Woodbury: Two Ways to Play Your Way

Both locations share the same self-serve convenience, but each has its own personality.

At Eagan

Tucked just off Yankee Doodle Rd and I-35E, the Eagan park is a dream come true for kids who never stop moving:

🟢 Giant Jumping Pillow: The ultimate energy burner. Kids can jump, laugh, and let loose for hours.⚽️ Indoor Soccer Turf: Play, pass, and score big - no need for cleats or perfect weather.🧗‍♀️ Ninja Obstacle Course: Kids can test their balance and bravery on a mini course inspired by the pros.🧸 Toddler Zones: Soft surfaces and gentle play pieces designed for curious little ones ages 1-3.🍎 Picnic Area: Bring your favorite snacks or lunch and enjoy a break in our comfortable eating space.🧱 Giant Foam Blocks: Build towering forts or creative structures, then knock them down and start again.🏀 Basketball Court: Perfect for shooting hoops, friendly games, or family challenges.🎢 Playground Area: Classic slides, ladders, and bridges give a familiar park feel - all indoors.

At Woodbury

Located just seconds from I-694 and I-94, our Woodbury park is a bright, colorful playground paradise that blends creativity with active fun:

🧗‍♀️ Climbing Structures: Multi-level adventures that keep kids challenged and entertained.🌴 Jungle Gyms for All Ages: Swing, slide, and climb! There’s something for everyone from toddlers to pre-teens.🏀 Basketball Court: Stay active and shoot hoops in a safe, climate-controlled environment.👶 Toddler Play Areas: Soft mats, gentle equipment, and plenty of space for early explorers to play safely.🧱 Foam Block Zone: Build castles, forts, or whatever imagination inspires with our oversized blocks.⚽️ Indoor Soccer Field: Open turf space for friendly matches, free play, and endless running room.🤸‍♂️ Jumping Pillow: A bouncy favorite for high-energy kids, perfect for laughter and exercise.No matter which you choose, it's flexibility and value that no other indoor playground in Minnesota offers.

Why Parents Keep Coming Back

Parents come for the fun, but they return for the peace of mind. From flexible passes to spotless play zones, Good Times Park makes family outings easy, affordable, and genuinely enjoyable.

• No Time Limits: Your pass lasts the full day: play morning to night.

• Budget-Friendly: A full family outing costs less than a single water-park ticket.

• Safety First: Code-controlled entry and remote monitoring ensure peace of mind.

• Flexible Food Options: Bring your own meals and enjoy the picnic zones.

• Local Ownership: Family-run, Minnesota-proud, and always community-focused.

It’s this mix of freedom, safety, and value that keeps families coming back week after week, even during the busiest seasons.

Common Questions About Age-Appropriate Indoor Play

What ages can play at Good Times Park?

Activities are designed for kids ages 1-12, with dedicated areas for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids.

Can parents join in?

Absolutely! Adults don’t pay for admission and are welcome to participate or relax in the open seating areas.

Can we bring our own food?

Yes! Both locations allow outside food and have picnic areas for families and groups.

Do you offer memberships?

Yes, but most families start with a day pass to explore. Once you see how much fun your kids have, memberships offer even greater savings.

How do I know it’s safe?

Each park has code-controlled entry, 24/7 camera monitoring, and professional daily cleaning.

Ready to Play Your Way?

When the weather keeps you indoors, your kids still need room to grow, explore, and play their way.

At Good Times Park, every space is built around age-appropriate play ideas - from soft toddler zones to ninja courses and open gyms for older kids. It’s a place where little ones can build confidence, big kids can burn energy, and parents can relax knowing everyone has their perfect spot to play.

All it takes is one affordable day pass to unlock hours of laughter, movement, and discovery. Get yours today and see why families across Minnesota love Good Times Park.

👋 See you inside!

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.