Indoor Play: Why Winter Is the Perfect Season

The first snow is magical - until mid-January, when the playgrounds are buried and cabin fever sets in. Parents face the same winter dilemma every year: how to keep kids active and happy when going outside just isn’t an option?

That’s where indoor play changes everything.

It's not simply about keeping kids busy until spring. It’s an essential part of healthy child development, especially during Minnesota winters, when physical activity and social interaction drop dramatically. At Good Times Park, families can replace “stir-crazy” with “joyfully tired.” With wide-open spaces, safe equipment, and flexible passes, kids have room to move an climb around - no weather forecast required.

Keep reading to discover why families from across the Twin Cities visit our indoor playground every winter to rediscover what play is meant to be: simple, active, and stress-free.

The Science of Play - Why Movement Fuels Learning

It’s easy to think of play as just fun time, but every jump, climb, and giggle hides serious brain work. Pediatricians and child-development experts agree that unstructured play is one of the most powerful ways children learn.

When kids run, crawl, balance, or bounce, they’re developing gross-motor skills: the building blocks of coordination, strength, and posture. These movements activate brain areas responsible for focus and memory, directly improving learning readiness.

Play also stimulates executive function, helping kids learn how to plan, take turns, and solve problems. Even imaginative play (turning a climbing wall into a castle or a soccer field into an alien planet) builds creativity and emotional intelligence.

Here’s a quick look at how different winter play choices impact development:

Activity Type	Physical Benefit	Social/Emotional Benefit
Screen time indoors	Minimal movement	Isolation, overstimulation
Outdoor play (limited in winter)	Strong exercise	Social skills, weather-limited
Indoor play	Continuous full body movement	Collaboration, confidence, creativity

Indoor playground activities let children move freely without exposure to freezing temps or safety risks. At Good Times Park, every structure, from the ninja obstacle course to the giant jumping pillow, encourages natural movement disguised as fun.

When parents see their child’s rosy cheeks after hours of play without a single jacket in sight, they understand what development looks like in motion.

How Indoor Play Builds Strength, Confidence, and Social Skills

Child development thrives on repetition and challenge, and indoor play provides both in a safe, consistent environment. Here, each visit becomes a new lesson in growth.

Physical Growth

Climbing walls, balance beams, and open turf fields help kids grow stronger and more coordinated. Each climb, slide, and bounce is a mini workout that builds flexibility, balance, and muscle tone. 

When kids engage in this kind of indoor play, they’re not only improving physical health, but also developing confidence in their own movement, making everything from school PE to organized sports easier - not to mention the sense of pride that sticks long after playtime ends.

Pro Tip: Our oversized inflatable pillow adds an element of endurance and core strength that supports posture and overall fitness.

Social Growth

Inside an indoor playground, every moment is a chance to learn cooperation. Kids share equipment, take turns, and sometimes even create new games together: play becomes a master class in teamwork and empathy.

At Good Times Park, these moments happen naturally. One child might hand another a ball, or a group might start a mini soccer match on the turf, and those simple interactions teach tons about social boundaries, patience, and the joy of shared success - lessons that go far beyond playtime.

But the best feeling comes from spotting the small victories from the nearby tabes: it's priceless to witness the shy child joining a group game or an older sibling helping a toddler across the bridge.

Emotional Growth

A confident child isn’t born that way - they grown one achievement at a time. Whether it’s conquering the ninja course or reaching the top of the slide, every success strengthens their sense of capability.

Indoor play gives kids a safe space to take those risks. They can try, fail, and try again without fear of judgment or danger. Over time, they learn that effort leads to progress and that challenges can be fun to overcome.

That’s the heart of our mission: to turn everyday play into life lessons about resilience, courage, and joy. When kids leave smiling and parents say, “they’ll sleep well tonight,” it’s proof that playtime really is powerful growth in disguise.

“My son gained confidence just by mastering the climbing wall. It’s amazing to see him proud of himself.” -  Eagan parent.

At Good Times Park, parents watch their children grow stronger in every sense. And they get to enjoy that without planning around weather or long lines.

The Good Times Park Difference

While all play is valuable, not every indoor playground offers the same freedom, flexibility, and value that families find at Good Times Park.

Indoor Play for Every Schedule

While many parks close or scale back during winter, we offer 14 hours of cool fun a day everyday - from 7 AM to 9 PM. That means early risers, afternoon adventurers, and after-dinner families all have time to play.

All-Day Flexibility

A single day pass gives families full-day access with unlimited re-entry. That means you can stop by in the morning, run errands or grab lunch, and come back for round two. It’s “play your way” convenience that no other indoor park in the Twin Cities offers.

Two Locations, One Mission

With parks in both Eagan and Woodbury, Good Times Park covers both sides of the metro. Families can visit the closest location or explore both - year-round indoor activities that fit every schedule.

Bring-Your-Own-Food Freedom

Forget overpriced snack bars. Families can pack sandwiches, fruit, or even birthday treats and enjoy them in designated picnic areas. This not only saves money but keeps food choices flexible for picky eaters or allergies.

Safety Parents Trust

A code-controlled entry system limits access to registered guests, and remote camera monitoring provides peace of mind without the cost of on-site staff. Each location undergoes nightly professional cleaning and day-long spot checks, ensuring surfaces stay sanitized and play areas stay fresh.

Affordable Family Fun

At $13 per child for a full day, Good Times Park delivers unmatched value compared to trampoline parks or water parks that can cost double (and often for shorter visits). Families can also explore monthly or annual memberships for even greater savings.

That's why everyone quickly realizes why our guests call it “the best deal in town.”

Making Indoor Play Part of Your Winter Routine

Consistency matters. Just like reading or family dinners, regular playtime builds habits that shape childhood. Here are simple ways parents weave indoor activities into weekly life:

Morning Energy Boosts

Before errands or preschool, stop by for 30 minutes of movement. Kids release energy, making grocery trips smoother and nap time easier.

After-School Recharge

A quick visit helps children transition from sitting all day to active, joyful play. Physical movement improves focus, sleep, and emotional regulation.

Weekend Family Adventures

Plan an all-day outing and feel free to bring lunch, play, and return later for a second round. With unlimited re-entry, your day can include both rest and play without extra cost.

Parents often notice that regular visits lead to calmer evenings and more confident kids. And to make it even easier, our indoor playground memberships start at just $28 per month - less than $1 a day for unlimited visits. 

“We come twice a week. It’s the only place my kids actually thank me for taking them to.” -  Woodbury mom.

With so much flexibility, safety, and value packed into every visit, it’s no surprise that families keep coming back and raving about their experiences.

Why Parents Love It (and Kids Never Want to Leave)

For many families, Good Times Park becomes more than just another indoor playground - it’s a community space. Parents chat while toddlers explore. Birthday songs echo in the party rooms. Tweens race each other across the turf field.

Here’s what visitors highlight most often:

• Cleanliness: “Cleaner than any playground we’ve been to.”

• Safety: “I feel comfortable letting my kids explore independently.”

• Flexibility: “We love that we can come early, leave for lunch, and come back without paying again!”

• Affordability: “Three kids for less than dinner out - worth every penny.”

Here’s a simple breakdown of what you get for a $12 day pass:

Add in the clean environment, friendly atmosphere, and family-owned warmth, and it’s easy to see why reviews keep topping 4.6 stars across Google.

Common Questions About Indoor Play During Winter

Is indoor play as beneficial as outdoor play?

Absolutely. Indoor play provides the same physical, social, and cognitive benefits - all without weather interruptions.

What ages can play?

Children 1-12 years old love the variety of zones, and toddlers have their own soft-play areas.

Do adults need to pay?

No! Supervising adults enter free with each paid child pass.

Can I bring outside food or drinks?

Yes, you’re welcome to bring snacks and lunches. Enjoy them in our designated picnic zones.

Does one membership cover both locations?

Yearly memberships include access to both Eagan and Woodbury parks. Monthly memberships apply to the location where purchased.

Are there discounts for multiple children?

Yes! Memberships are tiered to fit your family size, starting at $24 per month.

Ready to Play Your Way This Winter?

Winter doesn’t have to mean boredom, expensive outings, or endless screen time. With indoor play, your children stay active, social, and imaginative, while you stay relaxed, knowing every visit is safe and affordable.

At Good Times Park, we believe kids grow best when they play freely, without limits, crowds, or pressure. From Eagan to Woodbury, every corner of our indoor playground is built for laughter, learning, and those “five-more-minutes” moments every parent knows so well.

Buy your day pass or membership today and give your kids a winter filled with energy, confidence, and joy - all indoors, all day, all yours.

👋 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.