Edina is easy to underestimate as a family destination — until you spend a weekend here with kids. Edinborough Park offers one of the metro's most beloved indoor adventure spaces, the Edina Aquatic Center is a summer institution, and Centennial Lakes Park delivers paddleboats, skating, and open green space depending on the season. Layered with family-friendly dining options and the safe, walkable character of the city's neighborhoods, Edina is a genuinely rewarding place to bring kids of any age. The whole package feels less like an itinerary and more like a natural family day.
Edinborough Park: The Indoor Family Anchor
Edinborough Park is one of Edina's most distinctive assets — a large indoor park housed inside a suburban recreation facility, featuring an adventure peak playground, an indoor track, and community programming that draws families year-round. It's a particularly valuable resource during Minnesota winters, when the ability to let kids run freely indoors is no small thing.
The park's indoor pool area has historically been a major draw for families.
- Adventure Peak — multi-level indoor climbing and play structure
- Indoor track — great for strollers and active kids during cold months
- Community events — check the city's Parks & Recreation calendar for family programming
Edina Aquatic Center & Centennial Lakes
The Edina Aquatic Center is a perennially popular summer destination for families. The facility typically includes pool areas suited to multiple age groups, from toddler-friendly shallow sections to water features for older kids. Summer season is busy — arriving early or checking the city's reservation system is advisable.
Centennial Lakes Park is a true four-season family resource. In summer, paddleboat rentals on the park's lake are a perennial favorite for kids and adults alike. Winter transforms the park into a free outdoor skating destination, with a warming house and a magical atmosphere on cold evenings. The park's paved paths are stroller-friendly and loop around the water in a relaxed, car-free environment.
Family Dining in Edina
Edina's dining scene skews upscale, but the city's family-friendly restaurants are genuinely welcoming to younger guests. The Galleria and 50th & France both have casual dining options alongside the more formal spots — it's entirely possible to find a table that works for a five-year-old and a grandparent in the same evening.
For families staying at The Westin Edina Galleria, the hotel's proximity to the Galleria means breakfast, lunch, and quick snacks are never more than a short walk away. The Galleria's mix of cafes and restaurants covers a wide range of price points and energy levels — a practical plus when traveling with kids.
- Galleria dining — casual to mid-range options walkable from The Westin
- 50th & France — neighborhood bistros with broad menus suited to families
- Centennial Lakes area — quick-service options near the park for lunch stops
