Maple Grove, MN Indoor Activities

After moving from Vancouver to Memphis in 2001, the Grizzlies have established themselves as one of the NBA's perennial playoff threats, making the postseason five times since 2004. Competing in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference, the Grizzlies face off against formidable division rivals San Antonio and Dallas, scratching and clawing their way to victory and stretching to reach the food bags hoisted to the top of the backboard.

In between rim-rattling dunks, fans can explore the amenities at FedExForum, such as a variety of concessions and restaurants. The theme song that plays in the arena's concourse salutes Memphis's rich history of music and pays homage to the way Grizz the mascot's growl could sort of sound like a harp.

A union of the local organizations U Film Society and Oak Street Arts, the nonprofit Film Society of Minneapolis/Saint Paul brings an eclectic sampling of international cinema to its members and to the public at its yearly international film festival. The society's crew of film enthusiasts carefully curates a roster of classic, modern, foreign, and locally produced movies to showcase. They screen each year's lineup amid the cushy confines of the St. Anthony Main Theatre, the society's headquarters and site of the festival, which boasts around 400 different films each year and generally draws in more than 100,000 viewers. They further enlighten moviegoers by recruiting industry experts for informative panel discussions, educational events, and tips on how to feed popcorn to onscreen characters.

Founded in 2002 by Erik Sanborn, a Minnesota native whose art has taken him to stages across 25 countries, the Metropolitan Ballet curates a company of skilled dancers, some with ties to such prestigious companies as the Bolshoi Ballet. The curriculum is grounded in the Vaganova method of ballet, which emphasizes a strong core and full-body perfection of movement. The company also stays busy with a full season of performances, with lavishly costumed dancers moving through dramatic stories that have ranged from Dracula to The Nutcracker.

Since greasing its first lane in 1958, Lariat Lanes has spent the past half century serving its community with family-friendly bowling and entertainment. Located just a short distance from downtown Minneapolis, the pin-punishing emporium touts a lineup of 12 ultrasleek lanes that lend their surfaces to leagues, parties, and daily sessions of open bowling. Memorabilia adorns the alley's walls to create a timeline of storied collectibles, including keepsakes signed by the Rolling Stones, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, and the Beastie Boys. In between evading gutters and matchbox cars using the lanes as a drag strip, guests can refuel with hot dogs, wings, and nachos at the restaurant or sip sodas and beers in the bar, where local sports games illuminate TV screens.

Strikes and spares collide with rock 'n' roll inside Memory Lanes, where sphere flingers hear thunderous rolls and subsequent high-fives against an auditory backdrop of wall-rattling tunes. Three nights a week, live bands swoop in and take to a stage sprawled across several of the alley’s 30 lanes, enabling competitors to enjoy unfettered views of musicians and pin mosh pits. In between frames, bowlers can venture into the Flashback Cafe and Cocktail Lounge, which aims to please palettes with a lineup of go-to snacks including burgers, hot dogs, and pizza. Plasma televisions and a pair of game rooms serve up additional entertainment, and an onsite pro shop equips visitors with the latest gear and tips from veteran pin-punisher Don White.

Zero Gravity thrills visitors with an arena whose walls and floor are composed of 11,000 square feet of trampolines for flipping and turning airborne somersaults. On the dodge-ball courts—one of which can be rented for private parties—jumpers pelt each other with balls as the trampolines add a vertical component to a classic game. Meanwhile, basketball hoops set at different heights let visitors possessing all types of hops showcase their dunks, and a tot spot separates youngsters from their more mature counterparts. Lockers safeguard valuables during jump visits, and guests can take breaks in the Gravity Lounge, which is outfitted with vending machines and WiFi connectivity.