Adventure Unlimited: Exploring Edina

This post is sponsored by Xfinity

Adventure Unlimited: Edina

🗺️ Overview of Your Day

You think you know Edina—but it just might surprise you. Beyond its reputation for upscale shopping and manicured streets lies a city full of unexpected charm, hidden gems, and playful energy that’s perfect for families.

Edina blends city sophistication with neighborhood warmth—it’s where tree-lined streets meet modern creativity, and families feel right at home. With its thoughtful mix of parks, public art, boutique shopping, and local eats, Edina invites you to slow down, look closer, and enjoy the little things.

Whether you’re paddling across Centennial Lakes, browsing vintage finds at Hunt & Gather, or letting the kids run wild at Edinborough Park, there’s a little magic tucked into every pocket of this vibrant suburb. The 50th & France district is a can’t-miss stop—bursting with sweet treats, stylish shops, and cozy cafés perfect for a family stroll. Edina’s strong spirit of local pride shines through its many independent businesses, creative corners, and welcoming community spaces. Ready to see Edina through fresh eyes? Grab your Family Adventure Passport and map out your own perfect day—full of imagination, discovery, and memory-making moments.

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🚗 Getting There

Edina is conveniently located just southwest of Minneapolis and is easily accessible via Highway 62 (Crosstown), Highway 100, and I-494. While these major routes make travel simple, be aware that Highway 62 often experiences congestion during morning and evening rush hours, and occasional construction can cause delays—especially near the I-35W interchange. Using France Avenue or Valley View Road can be a helpful alternative when traffic is heavy. Free and metered parking is widely available in key areas like 50th & France, Centennial Lakes, and Edinborough Park, with several parking ramps and surface lots providing easy access to family-friendly destinations.

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🍩 Morning Kickoff: Breakfast or Coffee Spot

LOCATIONS

The Original Pancake House: 3501 W 70th St, Edina, MN 55435

Patrick’s Bakery & Café: 7700 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435

Rustica Bakery (Southdale Center): 10 Southdale Center, Edina, MN 55435

The Original Pancake House in Edina is a go-to spot for families craving a warm, satisfying breakfast. Known for its signature Dutch babies, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, and crispy bacon, it’s a bustling, cozy place to fuel up before a day of adventure.

Just down the road, Patrick’s Bakery & Café offers a charming French-inspired menu of pastries, donuts, and breakfast fare. Stop in for a buttery croissant, a cappuccino, and a pain au chocolat to go; it’s a tasty start to any day with kids in tow.

Inside Southdale Center, Rustica Bakery serves up artisan baked goods and top-tier coffee in a modern, inviting space. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a quiet breakfast before browsing the mall—or to recharge after a morning at the nearby indoor play area.

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🧗‍♂️ Morning Activity: Explore & Play

LOCATIONS

Edina Art Center: 4701 W 64th St, Edina, MN 55435

Wild Rumpus: 2720 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410

North Star Art Club:5007 France Ave S Suite 1, Edina, MN 55410

Hunt & Gather: 4944 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410

Rosland Park: 4300 W 66th St, Edina, MN 55435

The Bakken Museum: 3537 Zenith Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55416

Get WiFi on the go!

While you are out and about, Xfinity customers can look for mobile hot spots in the area to save you on your data. Xfinity offers more than 23 million such hot spots across the country, including throughout Edina, to help the whole family stay connected, wherever you go!

Kick off your morning with a creative twist at the Edina Art Center, where local exhibits and hands-on art opportunities provide inspiration for budding artists and curious minds. Just a few minutes away, North Star Art Club offers family-friendly art sessions where kids can explore everything from painting to sculpture in a colorful, welcoming studio space. Make sure you check the schedule to ensure there is class availablity.

If your crew loves a mix of science and storytelling, don’t miss The Bakken Museum, tucked along the edge of Bde Maka Ska. This hands-on museum blends electricity, invention, and imagination—perfect for curious kids who want to build, explore, and experiment their way through fascinating exhibits. Plus, the rooftop gardens and lake views are worth the stop on their own.

If your crew prefers a little imagination with their morning, head to Wild Rumpus, a whimsical children’s bookstore full of surprises—think real cats roaming the aisles, a tiny door just for kids, and shelves packed with fantastical reads. Looking for a little treasure hunting? Hunt & Gather is a funky vintage wonderland where kids and adults alike will love browsing quirky collections, retro toys, and offbeat finds. Hunt & Gather is great for kids 8 and older who enjoy searching and browsing for curious finds and oddities.

Need to get the wiggles out? Wrap up the morning with fresh air at Rosland Park, home to a sprawling playground, disc golf course, and walking paths around a peaceful pond. In summer months, the adjacent Edina Aquatic Center adds a splash of fun with slides, sprays, and a lazy river. Whether indoors or out, Edina’s got just the right mix of imagination, activity, and discovery to jumpstart your day.

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🥪 Lunchtime Favorites

LOCATIONS

Red Cow: 3624 W 50th St, Edina, MN 55410

Fired Up Pizzeria: 6751 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435

Wooden Hill Brewing Company: 7421 Bush Lake Rd, Edina, MN 55439

Red Cow is a can’t-miss lunch stop in the heart of Edina’s 50th & France district. Known for its elevated take on the classic burger, this spot offers something for everyone—whether you’re craving cheese curds, truffle fries, a gourmet burger, or a hearty salad. The sleek yet welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy with kids in tow, and the kids’ menu is packed with favorites. It’s casual, consistent, and central—perfect for refueling before or after exploring nearby shops.

Craving wood-fired pizza? Head over to Fired Up Pizzeria, tucked near the Southdale shopping area. This cozy and modern pizzeria serves up hand-tossed Neapolitan-style pies with fresh toppings and bubbly crusts that will win over picky eaters and foodies alike. Quick service and a relaxed setting make it an easy choice for a family lunch after a busy morning of exploring.

For a more relaxed, open-air experience, Wooden Hill Brewing Company offers a spacious taproom with a fantastic family-friendly vibe. Parents can enjoy craft brews while kids dig into flatbreads, sliders, or mac & cheese from the comfort food–focused menu. With board games on hand and plenty of seating, it’s a laid-back place to unwind and enjoy lunch without any rush. Keep an eye on their event calendar—trivia nights, food trucks, and seasonal happenings add extra fun to your visit.

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Before heading off to your next Edina adventure, swing by the Xfinity Store located at 7101 France Ave S. It’s a quick and convenient stop that can make a big difference for families on the go. Explore mobile plans that include a free unlimited line of Xfinity Mobile for a year—perfect for staying connected while snapping photos at Centennial Lakes or pulling up directions to your next sweet treat at Edina Creamery. Bonus: Xfinity’s built-in parental controls and flexible data options make managing screen time a breeze (and cut down on the meltdowns). The store itself is bright, modern, and efficient, so you can pop in, get what you need, and get right back to exploring.

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🌳 Afternoon Fun: Explore & Play

LOCATIONS

Pamela Park: 4300 W 58th St, Edina, MN 55424

Puttshack Edina: 362 Southdale Center, Edina, MN 55435

Edinborough Park: 7700 York Ave S, Edina, MN 55435

Edina Cinema: 3911 W 50th St, Edina, MN 55424

Peace (Rock) Garden & Rose Garden: 4124 Roseway Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55409

Spend your afternoon soaking up the calm and charm of Pamela Park, one of Edina’s most peaceful green spaces. With its shaded sand play area, picnic tables, and tall, leafy trees, it’s the perfect spot to relax while the kids dig, climb, and explore. It’s never too busy, which means more space to spread out and breathe in the fresh air.

If the weather takes a turn or you need a little indoor adventure, head to Puttshack Edina—a modern, high-tech mini golf experience inside Southdale Center. With colorful lights, interactive challenges, and music to keep the energy high, it’s a great choice for tweens and teens (and fun-loving parents, too).

Another all-weather favorite is Edinborough Park, an indoor public park complete with a giant climbing structure, walking track, and play areas perfect for younger kids. It’s an easy win on rainy or too-hot days when the kids need to move and parents need a break.

For a more low-key afternoon, take in a matinee at the Edina Cinema, a beloved old-school theater with a retro marquee and cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a sweet way to introduce kids to the joy of the big screen without the big crowds.

If your family needs a moment of calm, head to the Peace (Rock) Garden and Rose Garden at Lyndale Park Gardens, just a short drive from Edina near Lake Harriet. These thoughtfully designed spaces offer a true urban retreat, with bubbling fountains, winding paths, and lush plantings that invite slow strolls and quiet reflection.

The Peace (Rock) Garden is a hidden gem, full of unique plant varieties, stone structures, and serene corners perfect for a mindful moment or quiet conversation. Just across the path, the Rose Garden bursts with color and fragrance in the summer months, showcasing hundreds of blooms in every shade. Together, these gardens provide a peaceful pause in your day, perfect for recharging, exploring, or simply enjoying nature’s beauty.

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🍨 Sweet Treat Stops

LOCATIONS

Snuffy’s Malt Shop: 4502 Valley View Rd, Edina, MN 55424

Edina Creamery: 4940 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55410

For a classic blast from the past, head to Snuffy’s Malt Shop, a retro-style diner that’s been serving up thick malts, creamy shakes, and all-American favorites for decades. With its red vinyl booths, checkered floors, and neon signs, it’s a sweet time warp the whole family will love. Choose from dozens of malt flavors—from classic chocolate to funky seasonal specials—and pair your treat with a burger, fries, or grilled cheese for the full nostalgic experience.

Just up the road, Edina Creamery is a beloved neighborhood ice cream shop known for its homemade, small-batch scoops. The flavors range from tried-and-true vanilla bean to inventive, rotating specials, and the portions are generous. Whether you’re strolling 50th & France or just looking for a cool-down after a park play session, Edina Creamery delivers a delicious scoop of summer any time of day.

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🛍️ Quick Shopping Stops

LOCATIONS

Xfinity Store by Comcast: 7101 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435

Pinwheels Toys: 4313 Upton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410

Goodnight Moon Kids: 4942 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55410

Pacifier: 3870 W 50th St, Edina, MN 55424

East West Girl: 3948 W 50th St, Edina, MN 55424

Pop into the Xfinity Store by Comcast in Edina’s Southdale shopping area to check out the latest in mobile devices, tablets, smart watches, and home tech. It’s more than your average service stop—this sleek, interactive store is designed for discovery. Families can test out gadgets hands-on, explore streaming options, or chat with a knowledgeable rep about Xfinity’s newest promotions—including a free line of Xfinity Mobile with unlimited data, simple, all-inclusive Internet plans, and a five-year price guarantee. Bonus: the bright, modern layout means there’s room to explore, even with kids in tow.

Just a short drive (or a quick detour if you’re strolling 50th & France), Pinwheels Toys is a joyful neighborhood toy store that has been delighting families for decades. This locally loved shop offers a thoughtfully curated selection of games, puzzles, plush animals, LEGO sets, and hands-on activities for kids of all ages. With friendly staff and a fun, inviting vibe, Pinwheels is the kind of place where kids are encouraged to dream big—and maybe even test out a toy or two.

For the little ones in your life, Goodnight Moon Kids is a stylish and playful boutique filled with soft organic clothing, charming gifts, nursery décor, and high-quality toys. This spot is perfect for baby showers, birthdays, or upgrading your kiddo’s wardrobe with comfy yet adorable finds. The space is calm and beautifully arranged, making it a treat for parents who appreciate both aesthetics and quality.

Just down the street, Pacifier brings a modern flair to baby and toddler shopping with sleek strollers, eco-conscious toys, and stylish clothing brands you don’t often find at big-box stores. Their thoughtful selection includes everything from teething rings to nursery furniture, and their gift bundles make baby gifting effortless. Don’t miss their book wall or the seasonal finds tucked throughout the store—this is a parent favorite for a reason.

For tweens, teens, and style-savvy girls, East West Girl is a must-visit. This trendy boutique is full of fashion-forward clothing, accessories, and lifestyle items designed to help girls express themselves confidently. From cozy sweat sets to sparkly hair clips and weekend-ready outfits, the vibe here is fresh, fun, and just edgy enough to make your tween feel grown-up, but still kid-friendly.

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LOCATIONS

Arneson Acres Park: 4711 W 70th St, Edina, MN 55424

Centennial Lakes Park: 7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435

Pizzeria Lola: 5557 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410

Looking to extend your Edina adventure? Start with a peaceful stroll through Arneson Acres Park, a beautifully maintained green space featuring seasonal flower gardens, wide open lawns, and charming walking paths. It’s a quiet, scenic spot that invites exploration and is perfect for a laid-back family break or a picnic under the trees.

For a little more action, head to Centennial Lakes Park, a standout destination offering paddle boat rentals, mini golf, and wide paved paths that wind around sparkling ponds and manicured gardens. With plenty of benches and shaded spots, it’s an easy place to unwind while the kids run or scoot ahead.

If all that activity works up an appetite, treat the family to a meal at Pizzeria Lola, just a short drive away. This local favorite serves up inventive, wood-fired pizzas with crave-worthy crusts and creative toppings that even picky eaters love. The friendly vibe and fun decor (including a photo booth!) make it a great stop to end your Edina outing on a delicious note.

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🧳 What to Pack & Plan Ahead

A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to making the most of a family day trip. From snacks to sunscreen, being ready for anything helps you stay in the moment—and turn your outing into an unforgettable adventure. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

— Sunscreen (and chapstick with SPF!)

— Bug spray

— Swimwear/swim shoes and a change of clothes

— Wet bags for swimwear

— Towels for drying off and for sitting on in the car

— External phone charger

— Sunglasses for the whole family

— SNACKS + water bottles

— Baby powder to help get sand off of little feet (trust us!)

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📸 Photo‑Worthy Spots in Edina, MN

Edina is full of vibrant public art and charming settings that make for stunning Instagram backdrops. Check out these spots:

Centennial Lakes: 7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435

Edina Promenade: 7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435

Edina City Hall & Library Art: 5280 Grandview Square, Edina, MN 55436

🎨 Centennial Lakes Park Sculptures

This beautiful 24-acre park boasts more than just scenic water views—it’s dotted with whimsical sculptures like The Glamorous Days of Flight, Dreams Take Flight, Golden Memories (a golden retriever tribute), and graceful stainless-steel Pinecone—all perfect for creative shots along winding paths and fountains.

🐦 Edina Promenade Sculptures

Stroll along the Edina Promenade for enchanting scenes featuring Dancing Sand Hill Cranes, Three Trees, the reflective Reflection of Me, and Minn. Eco Turtle. Each piece offers a unique, artsy mood for portraits, especially by the quiet pond.

🏛️ Edina City Hall & Library Art

Behind the library and senior center lies Egghead (a giant egg reading a book), plus stained glass window art and the serene Heritage of Edina copper sculpture. These architectural and sculptural backdrops create lovely, light-filled photos

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