Address: 10 Southdale Center, Edina, MN, 55435
Upcoming Events: Jump to Southdale Center Events
Website: Southdale Center
Phone: (952) 925-7885
Minnesota not only claims the biggest indoor mall (Mall of America) 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, Legacy Toys and Gamerheadz. Family entertainment includes an AMC Theater, Dave & Busters Arcade, Puttshack Mini Golf and Lock & Key Escape Room. 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?
Southdale’s Play Area
Once a staple of every mall, Southdale’s play area remains a free family destination for parents with small children. It is clean, somewhat remote from the busier areas of the mall and enclosed for safe play when supervised by a parent (even when said parent would prefer a half an hour to read and savor a coffee while the kids play as opposed to hovering).
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 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:
- Putt Shack – The menu at this mini golf restaurant is a little on the adult side, but the happy hour appetizers could be a fun family snack while mini golfing.
- Cheesecake Factory: While not free, the Cheesecake Factory’s Kids Menu is packed full of real food and a beverage is included. No Kraft macaroni and cheese from a box here.
- Dave & Busters: Go on Wednesdays for half-price games. The food is typical of mall pub food with plenty of food that kids love.
- DeLeo Bros. Pizza: Find this restaurant just inside Kowalski’s. It offers pizzas, pasta and more.
- 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 – Separate from the actual mall, on the northwest corner of the parking lot, 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
Birthday parties at Southdale Center
Dave & Busters, which is located in the mall, offers birthday party packages. You can find more ideas in our Twin Cities Birthday Parties Guide.
Family restrooms and other family-friendly offerings
The mall’s family-friendly amenities include, stroller rentals, 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.
More information
- Learn more about the history of Southdale on the Hennepin History Museum blog
Upcoming Family-Friendly Events
Events TBA
Fun Past Events We Hope to See Again
- Southdale Back-to-School Fashion Show - 08/23/2025 - 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Visit Santa at Southdale - 11/21/2025 - 12/24/2025 - SEE TIMES
- Visit Santa at Southdale - 12/13/2025 - SEE TIMES
- Visit Santa at Southdale - 12/18/2025 - 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Visit Santa at Southdale - 12/19/2025 - 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Visit Santa at Southdale - 12/21/2025 - 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Visit Santa at Southdale - 12/22/2025 - 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Visit Santa at Southdale - 12/23/2025 - 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Visit Santa at Southdale - 12/24/2025 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Edina Legacy Toys Easter Egg Hunt (FREE) - 03/28/2026 - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Please Note: FamilyFunTwinCities.com is an independent website run by Twin Cities families for Twin Cities families. We attempt to include the information we find most essential as parents. We make every effort to keep up with changes. However, we are not employed by or connected to this venue, and information sometimes changes without our knowledge. We recommend calling or checking the venue’s website for up-to-date information.
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