Photo: Eden Prairie Library
Photo: Eden Prairie Library
Photo: Arun Singh
Eden Prairie Library
★4.5(183 reviews)FreeLibrary
🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours👶 Best for ages 0-12. Babies and toddlers enjoy interactive board books and weekly storytimes, preschoolers love the puppet theater and early literacy stations, while elementary-aged kids can explore STEM activities, coding resources, and the impressive middle-grade book collection.🧡 Saved by 14 families
About
Eden Prairie Library is a modern, welcoming space that goes beyond books with its extensive children's section designed to spark young imaginations. With regular storytimes, engaging summer reading programs, and family-friendly technology resources including tablets and educational games, it's a fantastic free destination for learning and entertainment rain or shine.
Highlights
- ✓Weekly storytimes for different age groups with songs, movement, and early literacy activities
- ✓Extensive STEM and maker resources including robotics kits and coding tutorials
- ✓Summer reading program with prizes and special performances
- ✓Cozy reading nooks and child-sized furniture throughout the children's section
- ✓Family-friendly technology including educational tablets and game stations
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early for storytimes as they're popular and fill up quickly, especially the toddler sessions on weekday mornings
- 2.Sign up for a library card online before your visit to save time and immediately access their digital resources and reserve popular books
- 3.Check out the Discovery Kits available for checkout,they contain themed activities, books, and manipulatives perfect for at-home learning
- 4.Visit during weekday mornings for quieter browsing and more one-on-one time with the friendly children's librarians who give great recommendations
- 5.Download the library app to reserve computers, renew books, and see the full events calendar including special LEGO clubs and craft programs
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings between 9:00-11:00 AM offer the calmest atmosphere for browsing, while Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (when open until 8:00 PM) work well for working parents. Summer reading program kickoffs in June are exciting but crowded.
What to Know
Library services are completely free with a Hennepin County library card (free for residents). Ample free parking is available in the lot. No food or drinks allowed except covered water bottles in designated areas.
Seasonal Notes
Summer reading programs run June through August with special events and prizes. Holiday storytimes and crafts are offered around major holidays. Check the calendar for winter break activities during school closures. Limited Sunday hours year-round (12:00-5:00 PM).
Nearby Eats
Culver's is just a few minutes away on Prairie Center Drive for kid-friendly burgers and frozen custard. For healthier options, try Panera Bread in the nearby Eden Prairie Center for soups and mac & cheese that kids enjoy.
More Activities Near Eden Prairie
Museum
Eden Prairie Historical Society Museum
$
The Eden Prairie Historical Society Museum offers children a hands-on glimpse into pioneer life with authentic artifacts, period clothing they can try on, and interactive exhibits that bring local history to life. This small but engaging museum makes history accessible for young learners through special educational programs and kid-friendly displays that showcase what life was like for early Minnesota settlers.
Park
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
★4.9Free❤️387
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre offers families a unique blend of natural beauty and entertainment in Eden Prairie. This community gem features an outdoor amphitheater with summer concerts and movies under the stars, alongside a playground and sprawling green spaces perfect for picnics and letting kids run free. With its exceptional 4.9-star rating, it's a beloved destination where families can enjoy both structured events and spontaneous outdoor play.
Nature
Fredrick-Miller Spring
★4.9Free❤️73
Fredrick-Miller Spring offers families a peaceful escape into nature right in Eden Prairie. Kids can explore interpretive trails winding through authentic prairie landscapes, discover educational signage that turns a walk into a learning adventure, and observe wildlife around the natural spring. It's an ideal spot for introducing children to native Minnesota ecosystems without venturing far from the city.
Park
Riley Creek Conservation Area
★4.8Free❤️69
Riley Creek Conservation Area is a spacious Eden Prairie gem that offers something for every member of the family. With multiple playgrounds catering to different age groups, expansive open fields perfect for kite flying or pickup games, and well-maintained walking trails winding through natural areas, this park delivers hours of outdoor fun without the crowds of larger metro parks.