13 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Edina, MN!
We are excited to explore Edina, Minnesota! Did you know that the first mall in the world opened in Edina in 1956? Southdale Center changed the way we shop, dine, and connect. Today, Edina is still beloved for its shopping and dining and its many parks and green spaces.
Centrally located in the Twin Cities metro, Edina offers a variety of exciting things to do for all ages. To help you plan a fun day out with your family, we’ve created this guide featuring all the best things to do in Edina with kids. In fact, we’ve covered everything from fun parks and pools to some of the best places to eat in Edina! Our guide even includes some of the best free things to do in Edina with kids!
Please keep reading to discover our favorite things to do and places to go in Edina, Minnesota, for families.
Edinborough Park
Too hot? Too rainy? Too bored? Make Edinborough Park your next day out with kids in Edina. This massive indoor facility is open year-round and features one of the best indoor playgrounds in the Twin Cities. In addition to the indoor playground, there is an enclosed gym for kids, a pool, an amphitheater, and an on-site cafe.
When you arrive, kids will be captivated by Adventure Peak, reaching three stories with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. The crawl spaces are even large enough for adults to play, too! Adventure Peak is open to all ages (best up to age 12) and offers ample climbing, crawling, and sliding opportunities! Then, Little Peak is a dedicated space for ages 4 and under. Here, parents can rest easy knowing toddlers and young kids can safely plan in an entirely padded, netted, and enclosed structure. Nearby, The Summit is a multipurpose space where kids can get creative with scooters, balls, hula-hoops, and more. There is even a small bounce house! One of the most affordable things to do in Edina with kids, you pay a small entrance fee per child (and adults are free). Socks and lockers are also available on-site for an additional cost.
Centennial Lakes Park
Looking for fun things to do with your kids in Edina? Head over to Centennial Lakes Park for fun-filled days outdoors. Right in the heart of Edina, this park provides a peaceful escape from city life all year round. Families can rent paddle boats or unique swan boats to explore the scenic lake and enjoy lawn games in the summer. Alternatively, in the winter (after ice forms), you can try ice skating or hockey on the frozen lake! The Edina Promenade is a great place to stroll throughout the year, as the path is wide and paved.
If you’re interested in getting on the water this summer, you have two options for watercraft rentals at Centennial Lakes Park. Choose a standard four-person paddle boat for a relaxing ride on the interconnected lakes or a charming swan boat to make the experience even more special for your family. Afterward, families can try lawn bowling or take a walk along The Promenade. This paved trail features 0.75 miles of pedestrian and bicycle pathways. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of the lakes, art installations, and gardens. Centennial Lakes Park is undoubtedly one of the best parks in Edina for families.
PuttShack Mini Golf and Entertainment Center
Puttshack Indoor Mini Golf in Edina is an innovative and high-tech mini golf experience, that blends traditional mini golf with modern technology for a unique, interactive adventure. Puttshack uses patented technology that tracks each player’s score and progress automatically, eliminating the need for scorecards and pencils.
The four different courses feature vibrant and creative designs, that incorporate fun, futuristic elements like glowing obstacles, dynamic lighting, questions and more. This fresh twist on mini-golf adds a level of excitement that appeals to all ages, making it an ideal outing for families.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday (they offer party packages on the weekends), enjoying a unique outing, or simply looking for something different to do, Puttshack Indoor Mini Golf in Edina provides a memorable experience that mixes fun, technology, and mini-golf that will make your kids say, “Can we go back again!”
Edina Aquatic Center
Hot summer days don’t get much better than those spent at the pool! One of the best kid-friendly things to do in Edina this summer is the Edina Aquatic Center. This public pool features everything from 30-foot-tall slides to surf simulators! You can easily spend all day splashing and playing here!
When you’re ready to swim, there are several options for all ages and abilities. Littles will love the Lil’ Lagoon Zero Depth Pool, while older kids and teens can hang out in the Main Pool. The Edina Aquatic Center also features water slides, diving boards, and the popular Lost Wave surf simulator for added thrills. Plus, make sure to ride the Shipwreck Express Zip Line! Outside food and drinks are not allowed, so head to the on-site concessions when tummies get hungry. The menu includes plenty of snacks, like nachos, popcorn, soft pretzels, and meal items like chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and pizza.
Open from early June to mid-August, this is undoubtedly one of the best summer things to do in Edina with kids! Finally, the Edina Aquatic Center offers a season pass or daily admission for ages 1+ (with a price break from 5:00 pm to close).
Bredesen Park
Trade bright city lights for serene nature trails when you take your kids to Bredesen Park. Edina’s nature and wildlife reserve offers beautiful walking and biking paths that meander through creeks, marshlands, and ponds. Kids will adore spotting birds and other small animals while you weave along the trail.
There are two trails available, one for biking and one for hiking. Both trails are about 2 miles long, a manageable trek for most ages. The walking path is also stroller-friendly for those with littles in tow. Then, connect to Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail for a longer bike ride. As one of the best parks in Edina for families, there are also year-round bathroom facilities. Finally, off-street parking is available just off Ollinger Road.
Arden Park
If you’re looking for more fun places in Edina to take your family, check out Arden Park. This spacious park offers a variety of exciting outdoor activities year-round. It is beloved by its neighbors for its central location within the city, beautiful greenery, and large playground. Additionally, Arden Park is known for its hockey and ice skating rinks. There is also a warming house in the winter.
In the summer, families love Arden Park for its creek access. Here, you can toss a line, put in a canoe, or tube along the currents for a bit. If you’re hoping to pack a picnic, there are plenty of scenic places to eat, including covered picnic spots. As you stroll along the many trails, you’ll be greeted by lovely scenery, bridges, and plenty of benches along the creek for a quick rest. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Arden Park is one of the best free things to do in Edina with kids.
Pinstripes
Seamlessly blend great food and family fun at Pinstripes. Offering Italian-American fare, this restaurant also features bowling and bocce. Plus, indoor and outdoor seating are available depending on the weather and your preference. Its extensive menu and family-friendly setting make it one of the best places to eat with kids in Edina.
Kids will delight in trying their hand at bowling or bocce. Bocce is a classic Italian game for all ages, involving several balls on a lawn space. Then, take a break from playing to munch on yummy food. Kids can order anything that suits their taste, from various wood-fired pizzas to the dedicated kids’ menu. Meanwhile, parents can select from gourmet sandwiches, pasta, and inventive entreés, like blackened ahi tuna or Chicago-style baby back ribs. After dinner, top the evening off with some seasonal gelato. Parents will love that every dish is carefully made in-house with quality, locally sourced ingredients. Finally, reservations are recommended if you plan to bowl or bocce.
Rosland Park
Few parks in the Twin Cities are more fun for families than Rosland Park! One of the best parks in Edina, Rosland Park offers plenty of places to play, swim, picnic, and more. In fact, its grounds surround beautiful Lake Cornelia and are packed with fun activities for all ages and abilities. Not to mention, The Edina Art Center and the Edina Aquatic Center are both located within Rosland Park.
If you have toddlers and young kids, Rosland Park has a large, inclusive playground! The playground is wheelchair accessible and features plenty of fun places to play. Plus, it is located near the parking lot, making it easy for families to access. Families can also find a fountain, walking paths, and a large gazebo nearby. The Lake Cornelia Path is a 1.1-mile walking path that is a favorite amongst families. The path flanks a section of Lake Cornelia with gorgeous views of wetlands and wildlife! The park has plenty of fields and courts for tennis, pickleball, volleyball, and disc golf if you have active kids. The park is also excellent for fishing and swimming in the summer. Undoubtedly, Rosland Park is one of the best free things to do in Edina with kids!
Edina Art Center
Do you have an art lover in the family? Then, Edina Art Center will be one of the best things to do with your kids in Edina! Located in Rosland Park, the Edina Art Center offers various art classes and programs for all ages and abilities. Expand your creativity and skills with one of the youth or family workshops, where you can explore everything from pastels to abstract and realistic painting. The parent-child classes are ideal for families who want to get hands-on together while creating colorful memories.
Families with little ones can attend Preschool Art classes every Friday morning. These classes are a great way to kick off a weekend of fun! Additionally, they offer summer camps for ages 6 to 17. If you want to explore the center but don’t want to take a class, you can enjoy the gallery exhibitions with your kids for free. Indeed, if you are looking for kid-friendly things to do in Edina this summer, add the Edina Art Center to your list!
Explore Edina, Minnesota: Pamela Park
Pamela Park is next on our list of kid-friendly things to do in Edina! This sixty-acre park is a favorite among families for its year-round kid-friendly amenities, including a playground, sports fields and courts, and an ice rink (with a warming house) in the winter. The park also has plenty of green space to play or enjoy a picnic.
Pamela Park boasts two soccer fields, three baseball fields, a batting cage, and two tennis courts. Athletic families can create their own “mini-Olympics” this summer by setting up a friendly competition utilizing all the fields. Sporty kids will delight in engaging in a day of bats, balls, rackets, and more! Afterward, treat everyone to Sweet Science Ice Cream, a 6-minute drive away.
While Pamela Park is mainly a sports park, it has a lovely playground for young kids and a one-mile walking path along a beautiful wetland area. The path is perfect for stretching your legs or stroll together. Finally, it also offers on-site parking.
Sweet Science Ice Cream
Delight the whole family with a trip to Sweet Science Ice Cream, one of the top ice cream spots in the Twin Cities. Nestled in the charming 50th & France neighborhood, this local favorite offers small-batch, all-natural ice cream made from locally sourced ingredients (when possible). Each flavor is crafted precisely to ensure every bite is as delicious as the last.
One of the best places to eat sweet treats in Edina, kids will love tasting whimsical flavors like s’mores, sugar cookies, and cookies and cream. Meanwhile, parents can indulge in more sophisticated options such as black sesame, goat cheese, blackberries, and raspberry rose. With flavors rotating regularly and seasonal specials, there’s always something new to try. It’s a great place to stop after a long day at one of the nearby parks!
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Wooden Hill Brewing Company
Wooden Hill Brewing Company is a kid-friendly brewery and one of the best places to eat in Edina with kids. Locally owned and operated, the brew masters here take great pride in their craft and community. Rain or shine, it’s a great spot for happy hour or dinner due to its large indoor seating area and outdoor patio.
In addition to an extensive craft brew list, there are several non-alcoholic drink options, including lemonade and soda. Tasty food items include everything from tacos and chicken tenders to flatbreads, hot dogs, and more! So grab a game, pack up the kids, and hang out for an afternoon of fun on the patio this summer. Finally, the family-friendly events at Wooden Hill Brewing Company (including weekly trivia nights!) are just one more reason to add them to your growing list of fun places to visit in Edina with your family!
Barnes and Noble at the Galleria
Looking for a fun and cozy indoor activity with your kids? Head to Barnes & Noble in Edina’s Galleria—it’s one of the best things to do in Edina with kids! This spacious bookstore features a fantastic children’s section, perfect for a rainy day or a quiet afternoon. Tucked away at the back of the store, this dedicated area has a single entrance and exit, allowing kids to browse and explore safely.
The children’s section is brightly lit with colorful displays and offers small tables with trains to keep little ones entertained. As they play, you can browse through the vast selection of books. Plus, the on-site café allows you to enjoy a coffee and a snack while you dive into your new reads. With its welcoming atmosphere and excellent amenities, Barnes & Noble in Edina is undoubtedly a fun place to go with your family in Edina.
Have Fun Exploring Edina, Minnesota with Your Kids!
We hope this list, featuring 12 of the best things to do in Edina with kids, helps you plan fun adventures with your family! There are so many places to go together, from parks and family-friendly eateries to even a few free things to do in Edina with kids. No matter your children’s ages or interests, there are plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Edina. We hope you have a great time making new memories in Edina with your kids!
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.
