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Minnesota not only claims the biggest indoor mall, it also claims Southdale Center — the nation’s first indoor mall. One of two malls in Edina, this mall has an indoor play area. Family-friendly stores include: Games by James, GamerHeadz, Gap Kids and Dave & Busters. There is also an AMC Theater in the complex.

Other family-friendly amenities include baby changing stations in every restroom in the mall and family restrooms conveniently located in near the Children’s Play Area and the Dining Pavilion.

Kids Scavenger Hunt at Southdale Center Play Area

We like to gather ideas for scavenger hunts for kids. They never seem to tire of them. Southdale’s play area has “Simon Kidgets” scattered throughout the carpeted area. Kids can try to find all of them while visiting.

Family Dining Opportunities at Southdale Center

Kids Eat Free deals (and restaurants in general) took a hit in the last few years, and we do not currently have any confirmed options at Southdale. Here are some other family-friendly deals:

• Buffalo Wild Wings: Promotions change regularly, but look for BOGO deals on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Buffalo Wild Wings has offered Kids Eat Free/Cheap deals in the past and may again in the future.
• Cheesecake Factory: While not free, the Cheesecake Factory’s Kids Menu is packed full of real food. (Nothing annoys me more than restaurants that serve the same Kraft Macaroni and Cheese that I can make from a box. That is not the case at the Cheesecake Factory). Prices for kids platters run from $7.50 to $11.50 and come with a beverage.
• Dave & Busters: Go on Wednesdays for half-price games. The food is typical of mall pub food. The kids menu entrees run from $5.50 to $7.50.
• P.F. Chang’s Kids meals run from $5.00 to $6.50 and offer a nice balance between straight up American kid fare and the Asian food the restaurant is known for. Meals come with a fruit or veggie side.
• People’s Organic has a kids menu that is priced between $5.00 and $7.00 per entrée.
• Rustica – Think soup & sandwich lunches or a nice place to stop for cookies and cocoa/coffee.
• Shake Shack – Does not have a kids menu because it is all kind of kid-friendly – hamburgers, hot dogs and shakes are the main options.
• Yumi Sushi – A bit on the pricey side for eating out with kids, but some of the appetizer items would be affordable and filling for small kids.
• Qdoba Mexican Grill has offered kids eat free deals in the past and we are watching to see if they will bring them back. In the meantime, they do offer family meals. Kids meals are all priced at $4.95 and Family Meals are $34.95-$39.95 and serve a family of 4-5.

Birthday Parties at Southdale

Dave & Busters, which is located in the mall, offers birthday party packages. You can find more ideas in our Twin Cities Birthday Parties Guide.

Fun Fact:

Did you know that, as the first indoor mall, Southdale was conceived of by Donald Dayton and Austrian architect Victor Gruen to entice shoppers during cold Minnesota winters, and that it originally included a skating rink? Learn more about the history of Southdale on the Hennepin History Museum blog.