With four furbulous seasons, Minnesota breeds a whole lotta outdoor enthusiasts. From hitting the hiking trails to skijoring, we can dig plenty of dog-friendly activities on milder winter days. But sometimes we can’t (or don’t want to) brave the elements. When tossing a ball down the hall just won’t cut it anymore, these indoor dog parks in Minnesota will burn off excess energy, socialize your furry friend, and combat cabin fever.
Note: While we did our best to verify all details, we recommend calling ahead or making a reservation online to be extra sure your pooch is guaranteed her playtime.
1. Unleashed Hounds & Hops
Unleashed Hounds & Hops is an indoor/outdoor dog park that both dogs and owners will enjoy equally. Located in an old warehouse next to the Minneapolis Farmers Market Annex, this spot offers craft beer, wine, and a full kitchen. Kick back with a brew and a bite while your pup socializes.
New pups must be registered before joining in on the fun, and we highly recommend grabbing a reservation in advance—Unleashed is a hot commodity in the Twin Cities! Day passes start at $7.99.
2. Grey Face Rescue
No need to bundle up here! Located in St. Cloud, this indoor dog park is run by Grey Face Rescue & Retirement and benefits senior rescue rovers. They’re currently open for group play on Mondays from 6-8 p.m., or you can schedule private playtimes on their website.
Guests are welcome to bring outdoor food and beverages during private sessions while pups play, and you can book multiple appointments if you want a longer stay.
3. Stone Mountain Pet Lodge
They’re the howl-y grail of winter off-leash fun, and on Sundays in December through March, Stone Mountain Pet Lodge‘s Brooklyn Park location offers an indoor dog park to help your dog burn off some energy during the chilly winter.
The park is climate controlled and all dogs require vaccinations. Agility courses are set up to provide your dog with an exciting new challenge, and allow both hoomans and hounds to make some new frens!
Click here for more info, pre-registration and a $15 fee is required, so call ahead to book your spot!
4. Brew Park
Pup’ll be begging for work from home days when you log on from Brew Park in Plymouth. When your work day ends, keep the party going during their weekday Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m.
Registered dogs will be admitted to the dog park on a first come first serve basis. Owners can hang with their dog in the park or make their way to the Barkery where you’ll find coffee, beer, food and wine service. Pups aren’t allowed in the Barkery, but they can remain off-leash in the park, supervised by one of the Park Rangers!
5. Indoor Zoomies
Attention smol fries—this one’s fur you! Indoor Zoomies in Minnetonka offers indoor play exclusively for dogs 30 pounds or less. To start zooming, register your dog online and upload pup’s vet records. No reservation needed, just show up and pay at the front desk.
You can choose a daily pass, or save a few bucks by springing for a 5-pack or 10-pack. If you’re gonna buy multiple passes, just make sure your social pupperfly plans to play often—passes can be used throughout the month but do not roll over to the next month.
More Indoor Dog Activities in MN
Indoor dog parks aren’t the only way to exercise your pup when the weather won’t cooperate. Check out these other indoor activities:
Indoor Swimming Pools
Got a dog paddler? Let him give dock diving a try (or brush up on his skills) in The Dog Tank‘s 45-foot indoor pool in Mendota Heights. New swimmers must book a private session fur their first time. More info here!
If you don’t mind a bit of a drive down south, The Paw in Mankato offers a variety of indoor swim options: private, open, and party. Unleash those winter beach bods, buddies. Pricing varies, please call ahead to book your swim time!
Indoor Dog Playgroups
Try joining a playgroup! Fresh Air Training offers small-dog playgroups on Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m., and Saturdays & Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon at Metro Dogs Daycare. Individual sessions are $15, or they have frequent player passes available! Email ahead to reserve your spot.
Indoor Places to Rent
Dog Day Getaway has an 800-square-foot, dog-friendly rentable room, complete with a private entrance and bathroom. The space is perfect for playgroups and other events (think meet-ups, dog birthday parties, and more).
Similarly, you can rent multiple facilities at Twin Cities Obedience Training Club in Minneapolis. You know, for Miss Pupularity over there.
Off-leash leisure not your dog’s scene? We’ve got loads of heated pawtios and dog-friendly breweries that welcome your leashed pup in the winter months. Cause chill pups deserve a lil toasty fun, too.
We want to know what you and your pup doo to stay sane during winter! Woof at us in the comments and tag us in your cozy activities @SidewalkDog.
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, join our Dog-Friendly Twin Cities Facebook Group, and grab one of our Dog-Friendly Brewery Passes.