Updated October 2024
As we all know, a playdate is just as great for the adults connecting with each other as they are for kids getting their wiggles out. Rochester and the surrounding area are filled with an abundance of kid-friendly spots, you just need to know where to find them. Whether you’re looking to meet up for a playdate in winter or summer, weekday or weekend, our Rochester Guide to Playdates is here!
Indoor Play Spaces for Playdates
During the chilly winter months, or humid Minnesota summer days, staying inside can sometimes be the best option! Below is a list of some options within the Rochester MN area to get wiggles out and stay warm (or cool).
Boundless | 3825 Superior Drive NW, Rochester, MN 55901 | (507) 285-3920
New to the Rochester MN area in 2023! Boundless believes it is widely recognized that the social and physical benefits of play are important to all individuals of all ages. Play allows for development in the areas of communication, coordination, problem-solving, imagination, and relationship-building at a pace that is determined by the individual. Children should have inclusive access to recreational activities in all communities. Boundless does just that!
SPARK Children’s Museum | 1201 12th St SW Suite 632, Rochester, MN 55902 | 507-218-3100
Play is at the core of what they do at SPARK. They invite not only the children, but the whole family to interact with the exhibits – not just watch. It’s an immersive experience aimed at opening the minds of young learners to greater possibilities and learning by doing.
Rochester Public Library | 101 2nd Street SE, Rochester, 55904 | (507) 328-2300
You can’t go wrong with spending time at the library! Browse the books, check out special collections, and learn all about the services available to your family. Bonus? It’s FREE!
Air Insanity | 1607 Hwy 14 East, Rochester MN | (507) 218-8385
Rochester’s first indoor trampoline park is a state-of-the-art family fun facility that will energize and excite the kid at heart in everyone! Air Insanity attractions include open jump arena, insane airbag, warrior battle beam, fidget ladder, insane dodgeball, toddler zone, warrior obstacle course, extreme warp wall, slam dunk courts, traverse climbing wall, insanity nerf zone, vault escape laser maze, and a virtual reality zone. Air Insanity is a great place for the whole family!
Monkey Junction (reopens October 22) | 4500 60th Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901 | (507) 254-9205
Monkey Junction is an indoor play space for children 0-6 years old. They are open to the community. As the weather turns from cool to cold to freezing, go play at their place. Your child (and you) will enjoy the play equipment and toys, the space to run, and the chance to meet others at the same stage of life!
ONE Athletics offers fitness classes for youth ages 3-18 in a fun, instructive, and cooperative environment. From Pre-School fitness classes to Ninja Cross-Training, Gymnastics to Kickboxing, there is class for nearly every child to find a way to have fun, learn resilience, and build a cornerstone of fitness into their lives.
Roca Climbing & Fitness | 6071 Rome Circle NW, Rochester MN | (507) 218-1500
Roca Climbing and Fitness offers outstanding climbing, yoga, and fitness opportunities while building community.
Kid Friendly Coffee Shops & Cafes
Let’s face it, if you have kids, you need caffeine! There are some delicious local coffee shops & cafes in the area that are kid-friendly. This means you, your friends, AND your kids can enjoy your time getting out of the house for an hour or two!
Old Abe Coffee | 832 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901 | (507) 271-0294
If you’ve been in Rochester for a while, it’s likely you know about Old Abe’s coffee bike, but did you know there is a brick-and-mortar coffee shop as well? Located next to Cooke Park, Old Abe recently opened a neighborhood cafe featuring a selection of coffee drinks and other beverages, along with a selection of vegetarian food. The coffee shop also has a play area for kids! Bonus: you can rent out free pickleball equipment at the shop to enjoy a match on the pickleball courts at Cooke Park!
DARLIN’ by Sweet House Bakery | 112 North Main Street, Stewartville, MN 55976 | (507) 398-8439
Formerly known as Sweet House Bakery in Rochester MN, DARLIN’ recently moved to Stewartville MN and it is worth the short drive! Her space is huge, the food and treats are delicious, and the coffee will give you just the right amount of caffeine needed to power through the day. She has also provided an adorable space for kids to play dress up, play make-believe with a kitchen playset, and so much more. It’s a win-win.
Cafe Steam on Broadway | 315 S Broadway, Rochester, MN 55904 | (507) 208-4160
Cafe Steam has three different locations and all are fantastic. We usually go to the Broadway location and it’s always a hit. The cozy atmosphere with couches is a perfect spot for the kids to color, read their books, and even play games.
Due North Coffee Co. | 101 4th St SW, Kasson, MN 55944
Located right outside of Rochester in Kasson MN, Due North is a sweet spot that you and the kids will surely enjoy. They even have a menu specifically just for kids called “Little Minnows” – how sweet!
Want to take your coffee to go? There are a couple of drive-thru local coffee shops so you can take your coffee to a nearby park, shop, or playdate! Here are a few:
Moka (three different locations):
2483 Commerce Dr NW, Rochester, MN 55901
1023 N Broadway Ave, Rochester, MN 55906
306 12th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Lumen Coffee
Playdate-Friendly Parks and Pools
By the time spring hits in Minnesota, there’s really nothing better than getting out into the great outdoors. (Isn’t it amazing what fresh air does to our kids after months being mostly indoors?!) Rochester is filled with public parks and pools to entertain kids for hours! Both Silver Lake Park and Soldier’s Field Park have massive play structures with a lot of variety for all ages. Most local schools and neighborhoods also have their own parks so be sure to see what is open near you with this park guide by the City of Rochester! For pools, check out our Guides to Summer Swimming here.
Outdoor Cold Weather Playdates
Are you a little more adventurous and don’t mind facing the cold with your little ones? If you can find an equally adventurous mom, schedule a playdate over a sledding or ice skating outing! Be sure to dress warm and bring along some hot cocoa for a warm treat after. Rochester has two designated sledding hills, Judd Hill located at 3rd Street and 36th Avenue NW and Schmidt Park located at 6300 block of 24th Avenue NW. Check out our Guide to Skating for a list of kid-friendly locations.
