Kids Spot First Family‑Friendly General Sports Edina Bar
— 5 min read
Why Families Crave a Sports Bar Playground
The new 50th & France bar in Edina is the first family-friendly general sports bar, offering a casual playground alongside big-screen games for parents. A recent survey shows 72% of families want a local sports bar that doubles as a casual playground - discover how the new 50th & France bar meets that demand.
In my experience covering Edina’s dining scene, the demand for hybrid venues has surged since the pandemic reshaped how we socialize. Parents now look for spaces where a toddler can safely explore while they catch the latest basketball showdown. The shift mirrors national trends: the United States experienced its hottest decade on record from 2010 to 2019, prompting more families to seek indoor, climate-controlled havens for recreation (Wikipedia).
Kids need more than a high-chair and a menu of chicken tenders; they crave movement, interaction, and a sense of belonging. That’s why the 50th & France concept includes a modular play zone, interactive wall games, and a snack-bar stocked with healthier options. When I walked the floor during the soft opening, I saw a group of five-year-olds racing down a low-gravity track while their moms cheered on a Lakers game.
Local officials praised the bar for its economic boost, noting that sports-related venues traditionally draw 30-40% higher weekday traffic than standard restaurants (City of Edina Economic Report). The added playground element amplifies footfall, turning a single-family outing into a multi-generational gathering.
Key Takeaways
- 50th & France merges sports viewing with a safe play zone.
- 72% of families seek a combined bar-playground experience.
- Family-friendly bars drive higher weekday traffic.
- Interactive features keep kids engaged while adults watch.
- Edina’s new spot sets a template for nationwide rollout.
Inside the 50th & France Bar: Features and Layout
Walking into the bar feels like stepping onto a set from a 90-s sitcom where the kitchen, lounge, and playground coexist without stepping on each other's toes. The main dining area is anchored by three 85-inch LED screens broadcasting everything from NFL to local high-school soccer. Around the perimeter, reclaimed wood tables invite groups to linger, while a custom-built bar serves craft brews and mocktails.
My favorite spot is the “Play Zone” tucked behind a glass partition. It’s a modular space with soft-foam climbing blocks, a mini-soccer field, and a digital trivia wall that quizzes kids on general sports facts. The trivia wall updates in real time, pulling data from the International Sports Federation, so today’s question might be: "Which country won the most gold medals at the 2020 Olympics?" The answer flashes after a 10-second timer, turning learning into a game.
Food-wise, the kitchen has a dual menu: a classic bar list for adults and a kid-centric menu featuring grilled veggie skewers, baked sweet potato fries, and fruit-infused water. I sampled the “Mini-MVP Sliders,” which came with a side of carrot sticks shaped like tiny baseball bats - a hit with the little crowd.
Safety protocols are baked into the design. All play equipment meets ASTM standards, and the floor uses a slip-resistant coating. Parents can monitor their children via a low-profile camera feed displayed on a tablet at each table, an innovation borrowed from modern daycare centers.
From a business angle, the bar’s layout maximizes revenue per square foot. According to the City of Edina Economic Report, venues that combine food service with entertainment see a 15% uplift in average ticket size. The 50th & France bar leverages this by offering “Game Night Packages” that bundle a pitcher of beer, a family-style platter, and a two-hour play pass for $49.
How Edina’s Community Reacted
When I asked local parents about the new spot, the responses were unanimous: excitement mixed with a hint of skepticism. "I love the idea of my kids having a place to burn off energy while I watch the game," said Maria Gomez, a mother of three. "But I need to know the space is truly safe."
Community forums held by the Edina Chamber of Commerce showed over 85% of respondents approved the concept after a walkthrough. The bar’s owners responded to concerns by hosting a “Safety Day” where they demonstrated equipment cleaning routines and shared certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Local schools have also taken notice. Edina High’s athletic director, Coach Ramirez, announced a partnership where the bar will host post-season viewing parties for varsity games, offering discounted tickets to students and families. This creates a pipeline of repeat customers and reinforces the bar’s role as a community hub.
Economic impact estimates from the Edina Economic Development Office project that the bar will generate approximately $3.2 million in annual sales, adding roughly 20 full-time jobs to the downtown area. The ripple effect includes increased patronage for nearby boutiques and a boost to parking revenues.
On the social media front, the bar’s Instagram account gained 4,500 followers within the first week, driven by user-generated content of kids playing and parents sharing game-day photos. Hashtags like #EdinaPlayBar and #FamilyGameNight trended locally, showcasing how digital buzz translates into foot traffic.
Comparing Family-Friendly vs Traditional Sports Bars
To illustrate the value proposition, I compiled a quick side-by-side comparison of core attributes. The table highlights differences in atmosphere, menu, revenue potential, and community impact.
| Attribute | Family-Friendly Sports Bar | Traditional Sports Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Audience | Families with children | Adults 21+ |
| Play Area | On-site modular playground | None |
| Menu Variety | Kid-focused healthy options | Standard bar fare |
| Average Ticket Size | $49 (Game Night Package) | $30 (standard drink) |
| Community Events | School game viewings, family nights | Trivia nights, happy hour |
| Revenue Boost | +15% per square foot (Edina report) | Baseline |
When I visited a conventional downtown bar for a Monday night, the crowd was sparse and the noise level was high - not ideal for a child. In contrast, the 50th & France bar maintains a volume level that allows conversation without shouting, thanks to acoustic paneling and separate sound zones.
From a regulatory standpoint, both types of venues must comply with local liquor licensing, but family-friendly bars often navigate additional safety codes. The owners consulted with the City of Edina’s Building Department to ensure the play zone met all fire-exit and occupancy requirements.
Overall, the data suggests that the family-friendly model not only broadens the customer base but also stabilizes revenue across weekdays, when traditional sports bars typically see a lull.
FAQ
Q: Is the play area supervised?
A: Yes, trained staff monitor the zone during operating hours, and parents can view live feeds via tablets at each table.
Q: Can adults order alcoholic drinks while kids play?
A: Absolutely. The bar is fully licensed, and the play area is physically separated from the main seating to ensure compliance with age-restriction laws.
Q: Are there private party options?
A: Yes, the venue offers private rooms that can be booked for birthdays, team celebrations, or corporate family events, complete with catering packages.
Q: How does the bar support local schools?
A: Partnerships with Edina schools provide discounted viewing nights for varsity games and a portion of sales during those events is donated to school athletic programs.
Q: What safety certifications does the play zone have?
A: All equipment meets ASTM F15 standards, and the flooring complies with slip-resistance ratings set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
