Edina is a Minneapolis suburb with big-city amenities and a small-town heart — and nowhere does that combination shine brighter than in summer. Whether you're a local looking for your next weekend adventure or a visitor exploring the Twin Cities area, Edina delivers a full menu of family-friendly experiences just a short drive from Minnehaha Falls, the Minnesota Zoo, and the Mall of America. Hotels like the Westin Edina Galleria and Homewood Suites make it easy to turn a day trip into a full stay.
1. Catch the Edina Art Fair at 50th & France
Minnesota's premier fine arts fair returns each June to the 50th & France neighborhood for a weekend that draws art lovers from across the region. More than 250 local and international exhibitors display paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry alongside live music and community energy that's been building since 1966. Check edinaartfair.com for current-year dates.
Before or after the fair, grab a table at Mothership Pizza Paradise for wood-fired pizzas and house-made mozzarella, or head to Wooden Hill Brewing Company for a cold pint on the patio while you wait for a dinner table nearby.
2. Master the Mini Golf Courses at Centennial Lakes Park
Players of all ages can test their short game at Centennial Lakes Park's two mini golf offerings. The par-51 course stretches nearly 1,700 feet across 18 holes dotted with sand traps, ponds, and boulders — plan for about two hours. For a quicker outing, the Scottish Links course offers 9 holes completable in under an hour. The park also offers lawn bowling, croquet, and paddle boats, plus summer concerts at Maetzold Amphitheater and children's entertainment on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Check edinamn.gov for current pricing and hours.
3. Shop and Listen at Nolan Mains
Nolan Mains is the multi-use development at the heart of 50th & France, home to retailers like Studiiyo, Billy Reid, and The Fitting Room. But in summer, the real draw is the public plaza — which hosts free Friday night concerts from the Art Fair weekend through Labor Day, plus family-friendly dancing and story time sessions throughout the week. It's the kind of walkable, spontaneous summertime experience that makes Edina feel like a destination unto itself.
4. Cool Off at the Edina Aquatic Center
Located in Rosland Park, the Edina Aquatic Center is a summer institution for families. Recent upgrades have expanded the facility with new shaded gathering areas, enhanced equipment, and an expanded water treatment system. Highlights include the Lil' Lagoon water playground for younger children, the Pirate's Plunge body and tube slides, the Shipwreck Express, the Lost Wave — Minnesota's only outdoor FlowRider surf simulator — a 50-meter pool with diving boards, and the Oakwood Forest dry playground. Check edinamn.gov for current season dates, pricing, and hours.
5. Step Into History at the Edina Theatre
The historic Edina Theatre — originally opened in 1934 — underwent a meticulous million-dollar renovation by Mann Theaters that restored its original old-Hollywood grandeur, complete with vintage lobby photography, a grand chandelier, and modern luxury recliners with reserved seating. The Gold Room Bar, inspired by The Shining, is a destination in its own right. Year-round, the theater screens a mix of current releases and curated repertory classics — think Casablanca, Breakfast at Tiffany's, American Graffiti, and Vertigo. Beat the summer heat with an afternoon matinee and make a full day of it with dinner at one of the nearby 50th & France restaurants.