Seeking advice for first time Mayo Clinic visit with toddler (patient)

Hello @kristap31,

Although I reside in Rochester, I continue to be impressed about the accommodations that Mayo Clinic makes to suit patients’ schedules, especially if you’re coming from out of town. I would start by calling Mayo Clinic Concierge Services – it is a free service that you can use prior and during your visit to help you find services, such as accommodations, transportation and things to do. You can contact them by email, phone, chat or in person during business hours:

* Phone: 507-538-8438
* Live Chat: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide
* Email: concierge@mayo.edu
* Web form: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/becoming-a-patient/concierge-travel-services

I’d like to invite @rosemarya @flor @50surgeries @jillnc @badboys1965 @cap217 @rosannen @user_chdb5e8ac to join in with their insights too.
For more tips from Connect members, please see these discussions:
– Tips for first dr visit and tests/appt schedules https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-for-first-dr-visit-and-testsappt-schedules/
– New to Mayo and first time traveling to MN...https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-to-mayo-and-first-time-traveling-to-mn/
– First Time and Terrified https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/first-time-and-terrified/

Here are some quick links:
– FAQ about Visiting Mayo Clinic: https://www.experiencerochestermn.com/mayo-clinic/faq/
– Parking at Mayo Clinic, Minnesota https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/travel-lodging-maps/parking

May I ask if you are able to share some more details about your son, @kristap31?

Hi I have 25 years experience taking my son to mayo clinic. He still goes back for follow-ups. He had two or three procedure in St. Marys. Personally I think its more convenient to have a rental car because Rochester is small and convenient to drive around. I have used Priceline to research hotels. But it's also good to call to see if there's a mayo rate. That's usually about what Priceline costs but you don't need to prepay. You can get a 5 day pass for $25 for unlimited parking. That's probably the best deal. Parking is not expensive at mayo clinic.

I will be at Mayo next week and from all I can gather, you'd be better off with an Airbnb within walking distance if you can. Hotels charge on average $11-$16 a day parking and Mayo also charges about that. My husband feels the need for a car so we will get there 5 day pass; especially for the time I am in the hospital. We got an Airbnb 4 blocks from Mayo tho there are several even closer.

Ok thank you!

Thank you, that is helpful. I was looking at the $25 parking pass and sounds like that may be the way to go.

Thank you, I did see some reasonable Airbnbs close by and think that may be easier than staying in a hotel with a little guy. I hope everything goes well for you next week.

@kristap31, I’m tagging @jannaconciergeb who works with Concierge Services. She may have some additional ideas for you re accommodation and kid-friendly places in addition to the great ideas members have already shared. I’d also like to tag @patrassi and @alishanjosh who have been to Mayo Clinic with young children.

I find it relatively easy to travel with the bus shuttle (90 minutes) from Minneapolis airport, but I travel alone. The shuttle or Uber from Rochester airport is super short.

Krista, there are plenty of wide open spaces to let a toddler explore and the weather should be pleasant outside in August (although potential humid and warm). The subway and skyway passages offer an air conditioned alternative. Rochester center and Mayo Clinic are quite walkable. Will you bring a stroller or will you need to find one when you arrive?

If your toddler tolerates the car you could fly to MSP and drive to Rochester. I would rather drive than fly with my kids personally. It’s not even 1.5 hours from MSP to ROC and the drive is easy. Driving around Rochester is not bad at all. Mayo has valet parking you could use to help speed things up before and after appointments. There is an additional cost for valet, but I have never been charged for parking at my hotel so it may even out in the long run. Also, check VRBO for places close by that may family friendly than a hotel. Your stroller will be very helpful. Good luck on your trip and I wish you and your child safe travels!

@kristap31, I have been to Mayo Rochester as an adult, and I have no experience with taking a toddler. However I I did locate a video that I would like to share with you about preparing a child for a medical procedure. I hope it gives you some added comfort as your child's visit approaches. It is a taped recording, and not a live broadcast.
Video Q&A about Preparing Your Child for Medical Procedures
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/video-qa-about-preparing-your-child-for-medical-procedures/?date=1559779200

Thank you for responding and sharing the link! I will watch the video and I'm sure it will be helpful. As I am new to Mayo, I am wondering if many toddlers are seen at Mayo Clinic? It seems that there are not many kids my son's age (18 months) who are seen there. His injury is quite rare, to give some perspective.