Family-Friendly Spots in Linden Hills Neighborhood, Minneapolis

Discover the best places for families to visit in the charming Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis – a world-famous bookstore, cute crafts, a cozy cafe and so much more for the whole family.

I’ve finally reached that mildly thrilling point in parenting where much more often than not I don’t have to schlep a stroller around town when I’m out and about with the kids. But even those for whom a stroller is still a daily staple might find they don’t need it in the Linden Hills shopping district of Minneapolis. These storefronts are, in most cases, just a stroll across the street from one another. Insider Tip: If it’s possible for you to visit on a weekday, there is convenient street parking a block or less from crafts, critters, books and treats.

Upcoming Family Fun in and around Linden Hills

---

Kid-friendly Linden Hills stops

Here’s how my preschooler and I spent a couple of hours on a fall afternoon:

Great Harvest Bread Co.

4314 Upton Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55410

Open Tues-Fri: 7am-6pm • Sat: 8am-5pm
Stop for Fresh bread and other baked goods. I was astonished by the sample size of cinnamon roll I was given and for a second score, a cup of their great coffee is only $1.25 if you bring your own mug. A small children’s play nook at the front of the shop holds space to munch and read together.
Plan ahead Several Great Harvest locations offer tours of the bread-making process. The Linden Hills location usually offers them to groups only, but you can try calling them at 651-929-2899 to see if it would be possible to tag along on their next 15-30 minute tour.

Wild Rumpus Books

2720 West 43rd St., Minneapolis, MN 55410

Open Tues-Fri: 10am-7pm • Sat: 10am-5pm • Sun: Noon-5pm
Stop for Slip through the little purple door and find an independent bookseller that also happens to house a menagerie of critters – can you find the chinchilla, ferrets, kittens and birds? Plus, check out their inexpensive “recycled” books collection.
Plan ahead: Wild Rumpus Weekly Story Time is held on most Tuesdays at 10:30am and is geared toward toddlers and preschoolers.
Insider Tip: This event can get kind of tight, so you may want to arrive early and browse the shop a bit before it starts to snag a spot.

Jones Coffee

2814 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55410

Open Mon-Thu, 6am-5pm • Sat-Sun, 6am-7pm
Stop for Formerly Dunn Brothers. The coziness of this shop has only increased with the ownership change of this location. Besides coffee drinks, kids can get hot chocolate, smoothies, lemonade or OJ. Pastry options are also available. Enjoy the local artwork on the walls

We included this location on our list of Kid-Friendly Twin Coffee Shops/Cafes.

Pinwheel and Play Toy Store

4313 Upton Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55410

Open Tues-Sat, 10am-6pm (Fridays open until 7pm) • Sun, 11am-5pm
Stop for What kid doesn’t love to visit a toy store? And Pinwheel is stuffed to bursting with unique toys! This store is located across Streetcar Row from Sebastian Joe’s and across Upton Avenue from Heartfelt Crafts.

More local toy shops: Twin Cities Toy Stores for Every Family

Sebastian Joes Ice Cream

4321 Upton Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55410

Open Sunday-Thursday 7am-10pm; Friday & Saturday: 7am-11pm
Stop for Gianna recommends the ice cream sandwiches and BRR Bars in her well-researched Guide to the Best Ice Cream Shops in the Twin Cities.

---

More to Do When Visiting Linden Hills

When thinking of Linden Hills neighborhood, we tend to think of the quaint little shopping district where you will find the stops above, the full neighborhood actually has a great deal more to offer. Linden Hills Neighborhood borders the Chain of Lakes on its east side and stretches west to France Avenue. While visiting, you may want to check out these family-friendly locations:

• The Bakken Museum – Okay, so technically this falls just outside the border of Linden Hills neighborhood, but it’s so much fun to visit.
• Como-Harriet Streetcar Line – Who can resist the inexpensive treat of a ride on the streetcar? Cozy and picturesque – it’s everything the light rail aspires to in urban charm.
• Festivals – You may want to time your visit around one of these neighborhood festivals:
  • Winter: Lake Harriet Kite Festival
  • September: Linden Hills Festival
  • Early December: Reindeer Day
• Lake Harriet & Bde Maka Ska – Take a walk around the lakes that Minneapolis is famous for or plan your visit around a summer concert.
• Linden Hills Farmers Market – Farmers Markets are fun way to get to know a neighborhood and Linden Hills residents love their farmers market! If you are in the neighborhood on a Sunday, stop by to enjoy live music and entertainment from Memorial Day to Labor Day. MORE: 40 Family-Friendly Twin Cities Spring & Summer Farmers Markets.
• Linden Hills Library – Maybe its the book geek in me, but I love exploring new libraries. Take a moment to check out the statue of a ballerina Abbey’s Gift by Richard Poey; explore the beautiful old architecture of the building; and play with the toys in the Play and Learn children’s library area.
• Linden Hills Park – The park and library are near each other and not a very far walk from the shopping district.
  • On winter days: Linden Hills traditionally maintains an ice rink.
  • On summer days bring your swimsuit for a dip in the wading pool. The rec center often hosts drop-in activities geared to toward locals but open to anyone. Learn More: Free Minneapolis Wading Pools.
  • Insider tip: For a budget friendly lunch option, grab some sandwiches and check out a book from Linden Hills Library and enjoy a picnic at the park in the summer time. During the cooler months, MPRB rec centers can be a cozy nook where families can warm up, play a game of foosball and take a snack break (find open hours here).
• Linden Hills Littles Events Calendar. – The Linden Hills Neighborhood Association keeps a calendar of upcoming family-friendly events in the neighborhood, including events at the park, library and local businesses. Look ahead to plan a fun day out in the neighborhood!

Gone but not forgotten

Heartfelt

Heartfelt was a well-loved and longtime craft shop in Linden Hills. Seasonal crafts were available for drop in or you were welcome to browse the shop for inspiration and spend some time playing — my preschooler loved peeking out at me from the treehouse and setting up the fairy house display. Preschool festivals were offered monthly. We’ll miss this charming shop in Linden Hills.

Share your Linden Hills Tips & Tricks

We love when local parents share their personal anecdotes. Share your favorite (or not-so-favorite) things about Lind Hills neighborhood, shops and attractions. What tips would you offer a friend visiting Linden Hills with their family? Leave a comment to share with the community.

---

This article was originally written in 2016 by Anne Kingston.
We keep exploring and updating as needed.

Related content

• 10 Free Things To Do With Kids In Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota in Summer