Eden Prairie Center is a mall in the southwest Twin Cities metro. Besides shopping, families will find an 18-screen AMC Theatre (which sometimes offers sensory friendly films), a large indoor play area, and a variety of restaurants. Family First Parking is available near mall entrances for families to conveniently access the mall and strollers can be rented at all entrances ($5/single, $7/double). In the fall of 2022, the mall introduced the EPC Kids program, which includes a variety of activities (both free and paid) on Monday through Thursday mornings, including Mommy and Me Classes at Hi-Five Sports Zone (for toddlers and parents), one-time events and special kids meal deals. EPC recommends visiting Choo Choo Express, Safari Animals and the Playland Arcade during these visits. The Children’s Play Area was updated and relocated in the fall of 2015 and can be found in the lower level of Kohl’s Wing of the mall. The area is almost 2,000 square feet with soft, colorful structures in a “Minnesota Outdoors” theme. Small kids (42 inches or less) can climb and explore this free area any time during mall hours. There are also coin-operated rides just outside the play area. Parents will be happy to know that the mall offers free wi-fi and seating around the play area. The area also offers stroller parking and is situated among child-friendly retailers. As with most play areas, socks are required. “Some malls are doing away with play areas,” said Eden Prairie Center Marketing Manager Shannon Rasmussen. “For us, family is our core, and it’s who we aim to serve. Therefore, we want to ensure we have the amenities that families are looking for when choosing where to shop.” Family restrooms can be found in the Food Court. Proving their commitment to families, this restroom offers toddler-sized fixtures, private nursing rooms, a diaper-changing station, and a family lounge. The downside is that the family restrooms and food court are on the second level while the play area is on the first level. AMC Eden Prairie 18 is located in the mall. This is Minnesota’s only PRIME at AMC theater, which means viewers get recliner seating along with enhanced sound and picture. The theater participates in the AMC Sensory Friendly Films program with special family-friendly programming on the second and first Saturday of each month as well as sensory-friendly screenings of more mature films on Wednesday evenings. The Easter Bunny traditionally visits the mall at select times leading up to Easter each year. Children can visit with the Easter Bunny for free. Photo packages are available for purchase and personal photographs are not allowed. 
Related Articles:
EPC Kids – EPIC Events for EPIC Kids
Children’s Play Area at Eden Prairie Center
Family Restrooms at Eden Prairie Center
Movies Eden Prairie Center
Easter Bunny Visit and Photos at Eden Prairie Center
Useful Links:
The Family Fun Twin Cities Directory is the most extensive collection of companies, organizations, activities and places to find things to do with kids in the Twin Cities.