Minneapolis city officials are considering the development of an indoor playground in the downtown area, aiming to offer more accessible, family-friendly options during the winter months and to increase weekend activity in a typically quiet business district.
The initiative, originally proposed by Mayor Jacob Frey, gained momentum after over 1,200 parents responded to a city survey expressing support for the project. A feasibility study is currently underway, with results expected later this year.
Potential sites include downtown buildings with two-level atriums that connect street and skyway levels, offering ideal layouts for a playground. Public feedback highlights support for the project, with many requesting affordable admission and easy transit access. Parents envision enjoying nearby amenities like coffee shops and restaurants while their children play.
This initiative aims to address the lack of child-friendly amenities in downtown Minneapolis, especially compared to nearby St. Paul, and to reduce parents’ reliance on suburban travel for kid-oriented activities.