Sometimes you don’t need a full road trip to make a fun family memory. Sometimes you just need a free Saturday, comfy shoes, and a willingness to wander a little.
If you’re looking for an easy family-friendly outing in Central Minnesota, here’s exactly how I’d spend a half-day Saturday at Crossroads Center, with a mix of snacks, games, window shopping, little treats, and low-pressure fun for all ages.
This is definitely one of those more image-heavy Daycation MN posts because honestly… the fun is in the experience.
Before You Go: Check for FREE Events
One thing many people don’t realize is that SCHEELS St. Cloud Facebook Page frequently posts free family events right at the top of their page. Crossroads Mall also has an events tab on their website.
For example, recently they hosted a FREE LEGO Star Wars Build Event and events like that can completely shape your visit in the best way.
If you’re flexible with your timing, it’s worth checking before you head out.
Start at SCHEELS
Honestly, there’s so much to do!
Things you can do:
- Grab coffee at Ginna’s Café™
- Snag some homemade fudge
- Browse outdoor gear we absolutely do not need (I looked at stand-up paddle boards!
- Take a photo for the ‘gram with the bear!
- Test the archery gallery. Admittedly, I have not done this, but I know they have one!
- Putting with golf clubs “just for fun.”
- Finding the Big Buck Hunter and Jurassic Park arcade games ($1 each) (especially if you want more time to browse what you want, let the kids play a game, OR if you want to avoid the other arcades for the day this is a great way to play a game without being so enticed by ALL the others.
This stop works surprisingly well for mixed ages because there’s enough going on that everyone finds something interesting.
Don’t Miss PT Rocks & Gems
As you leave SCHEELS, make sure to stop and admire the gorgeous rocks, crystals, fossils, and gems.
Kids love it. Adults love it. Everyone suddenly becomes a geology enthusiast for 15 minutes.
This is one of those stores that feels oddly calming to wander through.
Time for a Treat
Ice Cream Route:
Head to Fudgin Delicious for ice cream… whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or somewhere in between. No judgment here.
More of a Boba Person?
Try Bobatrista instead.
Either option makes a great little “pause moment” before diving back into the mall adventure.
Fun Stores to Wander Through
Depending on your family and ages, these can be fun for browsing, gift ideas, or nostalgia:
- Spencer’s
- Ragstock
- Hot Topic
This section of the mall always feels a little chaotic in the best way.
Shoe Shopping + Surprise Deals
Shoe Dept. Encore is genuinely underrated if you’re looking for:
- Family shoes at multiple price points
- Clearance finds
- Seasonal styles
- Purses and accessories
Pro-tip: their clearance section changes often, so repeat visits tend to pay off.
Need a Little Recharge?
If your version of a perfect Saturday includes a little self-care, you could easily work in:
- New Dragon Acupressure
- Brow Studio 7
- One of the nail studios inside the mall
And if mom (or honestly anyone) wants to sneak away for a treatment, the rest of the family has plenty to do nearby.
Best Spot for Younger Kids
Near Schmidty’s Soda Shop you’ll find:
- A FREE soft play area
- Ride-on toys
- Stationary kiddie rides
- Hi-Score Video Games arcade games
This area is such a lifesaver when kids need a movement break.
Grab a soda, let the kids play, and suddenly everyone’s mood improves.
The Stop You HAVE to Make: Global Bites
This is one of the most fun stores in the mall.
They specialize in global snacks and beverages you probably won’t find in your average grocery store. It’s the kind of place where everyone ends up saying:
“Wait… what flavor is THIS?”
Daycation MN Pro-Tip:
Download the Too Good To Go app and watch for their surprise bags.
For around $6.99, you’re supposed to receive about a $21 value and the mystery is half the fun.
Our Family’s “Every Single Time” Stop
Games by James is non-negotiable for us.
Sure, they usually have a couple of games set up near the front, but the real magic is in the back, where they often have demo games available to try.
My son and I always end up spending more time here than intended.
If your family loves board games, puzzles, or hands-on fun, this is such a good stop.
Fashion Stops Worth Browsing
Depending on your style and budget:
- Torrid has a fantastic plus-size clearance section
- Rue21 is fun for trend hunting
- American Eagle
- Aéropostale
- Buckle
- Dry Goods
Even if you’re not shopping seriously, it’s fun to wander and see what’s new.
End Your Daycation at Green Acres Animal Rescue
And honestly? This is the sweetest ending to the whole outing.
Green Acres Animal Rescue opened their first brick-and-mortar location inside the mall in 2024, and they’ve shared that it has dramatically helped increase adoptions.
You can:
- Meet adoptable cats
- Chat with volunteers
- Learn about their rescue mission
- Potentially find your next furry family member
Even if you’re not adopting, it’s such a heartwarming stop to end on.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those easy Minnesota daycations that doesn’t require perfect weather, a huge budget, or a full weekend commitment.
It’s simple, nostalgic, surprisingly fun, and easy to customize depending on your family’s vibe that day.
And honestly? Sometimes wandering a mall with snacks and no real agenda is exactly the kind of low-pressure family time we all need.
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