Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Panera Bread
★2.4(41 reviews)$Cafe
🕑 45 minutes to 1 hour👶 Suitable for all ages, particularly toddlers through elementary school (ages 1-10). The casual atmosphere is forgiving for younger children still learning restaurant behavior, and the menu offers enough variety to please older kids with developing tastes.
About
Panera Bread in Rochester offers a convenient, family-friendly dining option when you need a quick meal with healthier choices for kids. The spacious layout provides room for strollers and active little ones, while the varied menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches appeals to both picky eaters and health-conscious parents.
Highlights
- ✓Kids' menu with healthier options including turkey sandwiches and mac and cheese
- ✓Self-serve beverage station where older kids can get their own refills
- ✓Spacious dining area that accommodates families with strollers
- ✓Quick service ideal for families on-the-go or between appointments at Mayo Clinic
Pro Tips
- 1.Order through the Panera app ahead of time for rapid pick-up - perfect when traveling with hungry, impatient kids
- 2.Ask for the kids' meal with apple slices or yogurt instead of chips for a more balanced option
- 3.Visit during off-peak hours (2-4 PM) to avoid lunch rushes and secure the more spacious corner booths
- 4.The free Wi-Fi is helpful for keeping older kids entertained while waiting for food
- 5.Request a booth near the back for more privacy and easier containment of active toddlers
Best Time to Visit
Mid-afternoon (2-4 PM) on weekdays is ideal to avoid business lunch crowds and have more space to spread out. Weekends during late breakfast (9-10 AM) also tend to be calmer than peak lunch hours.
What to Know
Kids' meals typically range from $5-7, and the restaurant offers high chairs and accessible seating. Free parking is available in the lot, and the location on 16th St SW provides easy access from major Rochester thoroughfares.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. The indoor seating makes it a reliable option regardless of Minnesota weather conditions.
Follow Panera Bread
More Activities Near Rochester
Activity
Apache Mall Play Area
$❤️7
Apache Mall Play Area offers a safe, climate-controlled haven for little ones to burn energy, especially when Rochester's unpredictable weather keeps families indoors. This soft play facility features cushioned climbing structures, colorful ball pits, and age-appropriate slides that let toddlers and preschoolers explore and play without parents worrying about hard surfaces or rough play.
Park
Cascade Creek Road Northwest
Free
Cascade Creek Road Northwest offers families a peaceful escape into nature right in Rochester, with scenic hiking trails that wind through a beautiful nature preserve featuring waterfall views. The manageable trails and stunning natural features make it an ideal spot for introducing kids to the joys of outdoor exploration without venturing far from the city.
Park
Soldiers Field Drive Southwest
Free
Soldiers Field Drive Southwest is home to one of Rochester's most beloved family destinations, featuring sprawling green spaces perfect for active play and relaxation. The park's combination of modern playgrounds, refreshing splash pads, and well-maintained picnic areas makes it an ideal spot for everything from quick afternoon outings to full-day family adventures.
Farm
New Horizon Dairy
★5.0$❤️79
New Horizon Dairy offers authentic farm experiences that get kids excited about agriculture and the outdoors. With seasonal attractions like challenging corn mazes, friendly farm animals in petting areas, and hands-on harvest activities, families can enjoy quality time together while learning where their food comes from in a fun, interactive environment.