It's Friday afternoon. You're staring at the clock, the kids are vibrating with that specific brand of "we need to burn energy" chaos, and you're mentally scrolling through local staycation options. If you live in the Twin Cities, or even if you're just passing through on I-94, the Holiday Inn Maple Grove MN waterpark—officially known as Venice Indoor Waterpark—usually pops up on the radar.
But honestly? It’s a weirdly specific vibe.
It isn't the Great Wolf Lodge. It isn't some sprawling, multi-acre outdoor resort where you lose your kids for three hours and hope for the best. It’s smaller. More contained. It feels like a slice of Italy was dropped into a suburban Minnesota hotel, complete with faux-stone bridges and murals that try very hard to convince you that you aren't currently 20 minutes north of Minneapolis in the middle of January.
The Reality of Venice Indoor Waterpark
Most people find this place because they’re looking for a balance between "I want my kids to sleep tonight" and "I don't want to spend $500 on a hotel room."
The Holiday Inn Maple Grove MN waterpark is technically the Venice Indoor Waterpark, and it spans about 25,000 square feet. That sounds huge on paper. In reality, it’s the perfect size for kids under twelve. If you have a teenager who lives for 60-foot vertical drops, they’re gonna be bored in twenty minutes. Sorry.
The centerpiece is the four-story body slide and the equally tall tube slide. They’re fast. They’re fun. They loop outside the building in those colorful tubes you see from the parking lot, which always feels a bit daring when it’s ten below zero outside. You can actually feel the temperature drop for a split second as you fly through the section of the pipe that’s exposed to the Minnesota winter, and then boom—you’re back in the humidity.
The Layout and Logic
There’s a zero-depth entry pool for the toddlers. This is a lifesaver. You’ve got the tiny fountains, the little slides that don't terrify a three-year-old, and enough shallow water to sit in while you drink a coffee and contemplate your life choices.
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Then there’s the shipwreck. It’s a play structure with a dumping bucket. You know the one. Every few minutes, a bell rings, kids scream like the world is ending, and a few hundred gallons of water drench everyone within a ten-foot radius. It's loud. It’s wet. It’s exactly what a seven-year-old thinks peak luxury looks like.
For the adults or the older kids who just want to chill, there’s a massive hot tub. It holds about 20 people. It’s tucked away near the "canal" area, and honestly, it’s the best spot to park yourself if you aren't interested in climbing stairs for the slides.
What Most People Get Wrong About Booking
Here is the thing that trips people up: the waterpark isn't always open.
Seriously. Don't just show up on a Tuesday morning in October and expect to swim. Generally, the Venice Indoor Waterpark at the Holiday Inn Maple Grove MN operates on a weekend schedule. Usually, it kicks off Friday evening, runs all day Saturday, and closes down Sunday afternoon.
During spring break or major school holidays (looking at you, MEA weekend), they might open it up during the week. But you have to check the schedule on their specific site or call the front desk at the Maple Grove Arbor Lakes location.
Also, the wristband situation.
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- You usually get four wristbands per room.
- If you have a family of five, you’re buying an extra pass.
- Public passes (for people not staying at the hotel) are sometimes available, but they are limited.
- If the hotel is at 100% capacity, they stop selling day passes to keep the pool from becoming a human soup.
Location, Location, Location
The hotel is located in the Arbor Lakes area. If you aren't familiar with Maple Grove, this is basically a giant, open-air shopping and dining district.
This is actually the biggest "pro" for staying at the Holiday Inn Maple Grove MN waterpark versus some of the more isolated resorts. You are within walking distance—or a two-minute drive—to Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and a massive AMC movie theater. If the kids get "prune skin" and need a break from the water, you can go see a movie or grab dinner at Biaggi’s or Redstone without a logistical nightmare.
The hotel itself is attached to Malone’s Bar and Grill. It’s a local favorite. It’s not "hotel food"; it’s actually good. Their Buffalo Chicken Salad is a staple for locals, and it beats eating soggy pizza poolside any day of the week.
The Room Situation
The rooms are standard Holiday Inn fare. Clean. Reliable. They have mini-fridges and microwaves, which are essential when you’re traveling with kids who demand mac and cheese at 10 PM.
If you want the full experience, ask for a courtyard room. These rooms face the waterpark. It’s cool because you can look out your window and see the slides, but be warned: it stays loud until the park closes. If you have a toddler who needs a nap at 2 PM and the waterpark is screaming, you might prefer a room on the exterior of the building.
Pricing and Value
Is it worth it?
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If you compare it to a standard hotel room in the area, you’re paying a premium for the waterpark access. But if you compare it to a trip to the Mall of America’s Great Wolf Lodge, it’s a bargain.
The Holiday Inn Maple Grove MN waterpark fills a very specific niche. It’s for the "I want a weekend getaway without leaving the county" crowd. It’s for the birthday party crowd.
Speaking of birthday parties, they do those too. They have dedicated party rooms off to the side of the pool. It’s a madness of pizza boxes and wet towels, but the kids love it. If you’re planning one, book months in advance. Those slots go fast because, frankly, there aren't many other indoor waterparks in the North Metro.
A Few Expert Tips for Your Visit
- Bring your own towels. The hotel provides them, but they are those small, scratchy hotel pool towels that barely cover a toddler. Bring a big, fluffy beach towel from home. You’ll thank me when you’re walking back to your room through the air-conditioned hallway.
- The "Dry" Arcade. There’s a small arcade area. It’s fine. It’s not Dave & Buster’s, but it’s a good distraction if you need to dry off before heading to dinner.
- Safety First. They do have lifeguards on duty, but the layout has some blind spots around the bridges. Keep a close eye on the little ones.
- Breakfast isn't usually free. Unlike some Holiday Inn Express locations, this is a full-service Holiday Inn. Unless your rate specifically includes it, expect to pay for breakfast at the on-site restaurant or head over to the nearby Perkins or Panera.
The Verdict on Holiday Inn Maple Grove MN Waterpark
It’s not the fanciest place in the world. It’s a bit dated in spots, and the chlorine smell will stay in your swimsuit for three washes.
But it’s fun.
It’s a reliable, mid-range option for families who need a break from the gray Minnesota winter. The staff at the Maple Grove location are used to the chaos of 100 kids in wet swimsuits, and they handle it with a level of patience that deserves a medal.
If you’re looking for a massive resort experience, keep driving. But if you want a solid weekend of sliding, splashing, and easy access to good food, the Holiday Inn Maple Grove MN waterpark hits the spot.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you pack the bags, verify the current waterpark hours for your specific dates. Call the front desk directly at (763) 425-3800 rather than relying on third-party booking sites, as hours can change based on maintenance or private events. If you're planning a weekend stay, try to check in as early as possible on Friday to maximize your pool time before the Saturday morning rush. Finally, if you aren't staying overnight, call ahead on Saturday morning to see if day passes are even an option—they often sell out by noon during peak season.