Family Guide to 10 Excellent Things to Do in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, For Families
Nested amongst the Twin Cities’ western suburbs, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is a charming town that offers several unique things to do with your kids. In fact, Eden Prairie boasts some of the best green spaces and parks in the Twin Cities. If you’re planning a family outing or if you live in Eden Prairie, use this family guide to our favorite kid-friendly things to do in the city to help you decide where to go. In addition to the best parks and playgrounds, this list includes a few places to eat and some free things to do with kids in Eden Prairie! Please keep reading to discover our top picks for the top 10 of the top Eden Prairie’s Family Attractions to do in Eden Prairie with your kids.
Prairie Play Zone
If you are searching for fun things to do in Eden Prairie with toddlers and young kids, add Prarie Play Zone to your list! This indoor, soft play area is part of the Eden Prairie Community Center and is ideal for letting kids slide, climb, jump, and crawl at their own pace!
Prairie Play Zone features several slides and levels of fun in a safe and welcoming environment. In fact, there is even a dedicated space for babies and toddlers to play. Not to mention a mini rock climbing wall! Kids will delight in the colorful, whimsical space! It’s an excellent spot for a rainy day or to escape the summer heat. Finally, the Eden Prairie Community Center also offers a small cafe and clean restrooms. As one of the most budget-friendly things to do in Eden Prairie, kids under 18 months and supervising adults are free.
Wings of the North Air Museum at Flying Cloud Airport
Aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts will adore the Wings of the North Air Museum at Flying Cloud Airport. The museum’s extensive collection features flying and static aircraft that will impress all ages. They even feature a full-sized replica of the Spirit of St. Louis! Plus, there are several displays, vehicles, a gallery, and a gift shop on-site. Several family-friendly events are also hosted throughout the year.
As one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Eden Prairie, one child receives free admission with a paying adult. Finally, you can find instructions for finding and entering the museum by clicking here.
Bryant Lake Regional Park
Bryant Lake Regional Park is a beautiful recreational area nestled on 170 acres in Eden Prarie. The park features scenic rolling hills, woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands. Families with kids of all ages will enjoy exploring the many trails and green spaces here. You may even have a chance to spot deer or melodic songbirds. It’s also one of the best free things to do with kids in Eden Prairie.
Grab your frisbees and check out the 18-hole disc golf course if you have older kids! Meanwhile, those with toddlers and younger kids can head to the lakeside play area. It even includes a thrilling climbing net structure and dedicated toddler-sized equipment. And everyone will love swimming in Bryant Lake. Then, those planning to hike will find several miles of paved and turf trails. Finally, biking trails, fishing, paddling, and geocaching options are available. Undoubtedly, no matter what your family is interested in doing, Bryan Lake Regional Park offers some of the best outdoor things to do with kids in Eden Prairie!
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Purgatory Creek Park
Purgatory Creek Park is one of the best parks in Eden Prairie for families. Suppose you are looking for a moment of peace and relaxation. In that case, this creekside park offers a lovely pavilion, a Veterans Memorial, and a flowing fountain surrounded by lush greenery.
If you have kids who love hiking or biking, Purgatory Creek Park offers a 2.4-mile paved loop trail that weaves through beautiful gardens and wetlands. Then, pack a picnic because there are several tables where you can set up lunch or a quick snack. Finally, it’s only 3 miles from the Wings of the North Air Museum, so they are easy to pair together.
Round Lake Park
No matter the season, Round Lake Park offers some of the best things to do with kids in Eden Prairie! In the winter, there is an ice skating rink. Meanwhile, families can use the skate park, beach, and other sports courts (like sand volleyball) in the summer. This lakeside park also offers several lovely green spaces to play and enjoy the day together.
Summer is when Round Lake Park really shines with kids! The fantastic splash pad and sandy beach are only two reasons families call this one of the best parks in Eden Prairie. The pirate-themed splash pad offers bubblers, spray arches, dripping palm trees, and a rubber surface area. Families can easily switch between the splash pad and the beach throughout the day, as they are very close to one another. The beach is sandy, and the first bit of water is shallow enough for all ages. Nearby, you will also find a large playground and shaded picnic tables. A few umbrellas are also available. Pack a picnic and make a day of it! Finally, watercraft rentals like canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are also available if you want to get on the water.
Miller Park
Looking for an epic playground that will delight kids of all ages? Miller Park in Eden Prairie is your answer! From its barrier-free playground equipment to the two-story slide, kids will find no shortage of thrilling play spaces that inspire them to run, jump, swing, and more. Families will also find a simple splash pad nearby for sunny days. While smaller than some of the area’s other splash pads, it is very effective in cooling kids down on a hot summer day! And its size may be preferable for those with young kids. Kids can take a break from the water and play in the giant sand area beside the splash pad. It features fun diggers and scoopers, too.
In addition to the playground, Miller Park offers biking and hiking trails, plenty of picnic spaces, sports fields, and courts (think basketball, tennis, and baseball). It also has a fishing pier in the summer and ice rinks in the winter (with staffed warming houses). If you are searching for free things to do with kids in Eden Prairie, Miller Park will have everything you need for a fun family outing.
Eden Prairie’s Family Attractions: Staring Lake Park
Next on our list is Staring Lake Park, an excellent multi-use park known for its disc golf course, sports courts, fields of all kinds, and more. In the summer, start your day at the lively playground. Kids will find plenty of equipment to suit their needs to climb, explore, and play. There are plenty of spaces to set up a picnic nearby, including areas to picnic with grills. Clean restroom facilities can also be found near the playground. In addition, the park also features an archery range, bike trail, and fishing pier. Meanwhile, winter visitors can bond over the thrilling sledding hill and ice skating rinks.
Staring Lake Park is also home to the city’s Outdoor Center and Staring Lake Observatory, which features one of the largest telescopes in Minnesota! Please note, however, that the Staring Lake Observatory is not open to the public except for scheduled programs and events.
The Eden Prairie SCHEELS
Believe it or not, the Eden Prairie SCHEELS is a hidden gem for families! In fact, it’s an excellent spot for shopping and entertainment for the whole family. Whether or not you need to stock up on outdoor gear or sporting goods, the Eden Prairie SCHEELS is perfect for a quick outing with kids due to its variety of activities.
Families love this SCHEELS location for its multi-story Ferris Wheel and Fuzziwig’s candy store. Then, there is also a light-up animated target range, arcade games, and mini-bowling. The pièce de résistance, however, is the 16,000-gallon aquarium filled with exciting fish! The activities are very affordable, too, with most only costing a dollar or two per person or round. Can you see why families flock to this SCHEELS location for cold, rainy, or too-hot days?
Finally, this location is housed within the Eden Prairie Center if you need additional shopping or want to find something to eat nearby. As one of the best indoor things to do in Eden Prairie with kids, the whole family will undoubtedly find something they love at the Eden Prairie SCHEELS!
Asia Mall
If you want a unique, kid-friendly culinary experience in the Twin Cities, look no further than Eden Prairie’s Asia Mall. At Asia Mall, you can pick up fresh Asian groceries (including live seafood) and eat at some of the top Asian restaurants in the area – all in one convenient place!
Asia Mall offers eleven delicious places to eat, from Korean hot dogs and a hot pot experience to mochi donuts and boba tea. If you’re looking for a quick treat, kids and adults alike will love Uni Uni Bubble Tea. From traditional milk teas to fruit smoothies, each drink is creatively crafted to highlight its vibrant and fresh flavors! Then, introduce kids to Korean hot dogs at CrunCheese. They will love the flavor twists offered on one of their favorite foods, including potato mozza! Then, Hot Pot City is an excellent spot for your family to bond over a unique dining experience. Here, everyone can work together to select their proteins, veggies, and sides and cook them together in the tableside hot pot. With so many tasty options, the Asian Mall is one of the best places to eat with kids in Eden Prairie!
Fat Pants Brewing Co. – Eden Prairie’s Family Attractions
Fat Pants Brewing Co. is a kid-friendly brewery with plenty of fun things to do for all ages in Eden Prairie. Kids will be amazed that there is a food truck inside – yes, a whole food truck! In addition to trying their many taps, stay for a family dinner!
The brewery features a full kitchen offering several delicious options, including everything from unique street foods and pizza to New Orleans-inspired eats. Then, don’t miss their exciting events. They have even had Kids Craft Days in the past. While you enjoy the tap room, kids ages 5-12 are entertained with a unique craft experience just for them. Keep an eye out for future family-friendly events!
Have Fun Exploring Eden Prairie’s Family Attractions with Your Kids!
We hope you found this article on the best things to do in Eden Prairie with kids helpful in planning your next family outing! Centrally located in the west metro, Eden Prairie is a charming suburb with beautiful outdoor parks, unique eateries, and many free things to do with kids! No matter what interests your family, this guide will have you and your kids having fun and making memories in no time.
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
