Indoor Fun for Hot or Rainy Days: Explore Brainerd Lakes
When the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s still plenty to do in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Whether it’s pouring rain or the heat is too much, this guide highlights fun indoor spots to keep you cool, entertained, and making memories.
Brainerd
- Crossing Arts Alliance
This vibrant downtown Brainerd gallery offers a perfect indoor escape with ever-changing art exhibits, a unique gift shop filled with local creations, and hands-on workshops for all ages. It’s a creative hub that invites you to slow down, explore, and be inspired, rain or shine. Copper Cat Escape Games
Immerse yourself in a real life adventure game. Your group of adventurers will discover clues, solve puzzles, and complete the objectives in a limited amount of time. It’s like stepping IN a movie where you and your group are the lead characters. There are different room options based on difficulty, and rooms are updated for new challenges.Lakes Party & Bounce House
With 6,000 square feet of inflatable fun, Lakes Party & Bounce House is the ultimate indoor play space for kids. From obstacle courses and giant slides to bounce houses, it’s a safe and clean environment where families can let loose and have fun. For celebrations, a private VIP party room is also available to reserve.VR Action World at Northland Kart Kountry
At Northland Kart Kountry, you can experience the graphics of virtual reality paired with realistic simulation. Enjoy 10 different simulators with hundreds of games and challenges for all ages. State-of-the-art technology and graphics allow you to fully disconnect from reality and transport you to new worlds! In the racing experience, you’ll hear roaring engines and spinning wheels for the full effect. You’ll also feel the dynamic moving platform for ultra-realism. Come experience it for yourself!
Crosslake
Kicks the Art Place
Tap into your creative side at Kicks! Kicks The Art Place offers art classes for kids and adults. They host parties that are perfect for birthdays, girlfriends’ weekends, and families. All classes are taught by locally known artists with years of experience in art and design. All supplies are included. Unique projects like sign making, glass painting, mosaics, canvas painting, and wooden trays await you!Northern Minnesota Railroad Heritage Association
Commonly referred to as the Crosslake Train Club, this is a great way to spend an afternoon. You can watch club members work on building exhibits and running trains on display. There is a small display that children can operate too. You’ll be blown away at the attention to detail of the two floors with running train models!- UpNorth Social
Located in the heart of Crosslake, Up North Social is a cozy tasting and grazing room featuring a self-pour tap wall with premium wines and local craft beers. Pair your pour with a signature charcuterie board, fresh salads, or grain bowls made with quality ingredients. It’s the perfect spot to sip, snack, and unwind on a rainy day.
Pequot Lakes
The Pequot Lakes Historical Society
The Pequot Lakes Historical Society is located in the Cole Memorial Building. The Cole Memorial Building was built in 1937 with New Deal funding during the Great Depression. Here, you’ll find all kinds of information, records, and artifacts on the area.- MN Traders Co.
This cozy Pequot Lakes coffee shop is the perfect place to warm up on a rainy day. Enjoy a handcrafted latte, browse the local goods in their retail area, or settle in with a book by the fireplace. The welcoming atmosphere makes it a great stop for relaxing and recharging. - American Legion Post 49
Rainy days are perfect for bingo or a friendly game of pull tabs. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a fun place to spend an afternoon. Be sure to check their event schedule for upcoming games and activities.
Mille Lacs Lake Area
Grand Casino
Follow the good luck and head inside to Grand Casino Mille Lacs. You’ll have so much fun with the various gaming (slots, Blackjack, pull tabs, and bingo), live music and entertaining shows, to fabulous dining. You won’t even mind if the weather is bad.
More to explore
Rain or shine, there’s no shortage of fun in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Whether you’re staying indoors or ready to explore even more, there’s always something new to experience. Click below to keep the adventure going.
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