Photo: Ridgedale Center
Photo: Travis Johansen
Photo: Tim Drake
Ridgedale Center
★4.4(5,887 reviews)FreeEntertainment
🕑 2-4 hours depending on whether you combine play, dining, shopping, and a movie👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers enjoy the indoor play areas and watching the fountains, while elementary-aged kids love the movie theater, special events, and the ability to move around freely in a safe environment.🧡 Saved by 40 families
About
Ridgedale Center is a premier indoor destination in Minnetonka that goes beyond typical mall shopping, offering families a climate-controlled space packed with entertainment options. With dedicated play areas, a movie theater, seasonal events, and numerous family-friendly dining choices all under one roof, it's an ideal spot when Minnesota weather keeps you indoors or when you need a full day of varied activities.
Highlights
- ✓Indoor play areas perfect for burning energy regardless of weather
- ✓AMC movie theater showing family-friendly films
- ✓Seasonal events including holiday character appearances and kids' activities
- ✓Large food court with options to please picky eaters
- ✓Safe, climate-controlled environment for letting kids walk and explore
Pro Tips
- 1.Park near Macy's or JCPenney entrances for easiest access to restrooms and play areas with strollers
- 2.Visit weekday mornings (10-11 AM) right when they open for the quietest shopping and play experience before lunch crowds arrive
- 3.Check their website for free seasonal events like character meet-and-greets, holiday celebrations, and kids' craft activities
- 4.The mall walkers finish up by 10 AM, making early visits great for letting energetic toddlers burn energy in the corridors
- 5.Bring hand sanitizer and wipes for the play areas, and pack snacks to save money between meal times
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings from 10 AM-noon offer the best experience with minimal crowds and freshly cleaned play areas. Avoid weekends and after-school hours (3-6 PM) when the mall gets busiest. Winter months make this especially valuable as an indoor activity option.
What to Know
Free parking is plentiful with multiple family-friendly restrooms throughout the mall. The food court and sit-down restaurants offer varied options from quick bites to relaxed dining, and the entire facility is stroller-accessible with elevators to all levels.
Seasonal Notes
Peak value during harsh Minnesota winters (November-March) as a warm indoor option. Special holiday events and decorations run from November through early January. Summer months may be less crowded as families opt for outdoor activities.
Nearby Eats
The mall's food court includes Chick-fil-A and other kid favorites, while Table & Whiskey inside the mall offers a sit-down option with a kids' menu for a more relaxed family meal.
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