Planning a fun and educational experience memorable for the kids and the entire family can be challenging and requires considering everyone’s interests. While going to an amusement park is fun and provides an adrenaline rush, sometimes the simple things cause the most smiles. After all, your focus is to build relationships and learn about each other. Read below as Crème de la Crème shares our list of the top five kid-friendly attractions for the family near Chanhassen, Minnesota. 

Lake Ann Park 

Image by Greg Gjerdingen is licensed with CC BY 2.0

For children, few things are as memorable as a visit to the park. Lake Ann Park is an ideal location for little fingers to explore nature’s wonders. This community park in Chanhassen boasts 102 acres of land for you to explore and traverse. The rolling hills and dense tree coverage make this a great spot to see local wildlife and learn about native fauna and foliage. 

There are playgrounds for little ones to work off extra energy safely. You’ll also find two picnic areas ideal for a relaxed lunch out in nature. Sports lovers will be happy to find a tennis court, six baseball fields with lights, and a soccer field. 

You can rent a canoe if you like to be out in the water. But don’t expect to see motorized boats, as they’re not allowed. The undeveloped shores make this a great location to marvel at the lake and enjoy being near water with the solitude of the splashing waves to calm your busy mind. 

• Location: 1456 W. 78th St., Chanhassen.
• Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Lifeguard hours vary, so check the website for specific duty hours. 
• Contact: 952-227-1100.

Shakopee Bowl

Shakopee Bowl is a locally loved location that has become a Chanhassen community staple. Previously called Louisville Lanes, residents Dave Johnson and Julie Rich saved this kid-friendly locale from closure. Whether you want to watch a game with your family, munch on some appetizers, or enjoy a competitive bowling game, this is your destination. If your child is a gamer, they’ll be ecstatic to learn about the many arcade games. Challenge them to a game and watch their eyes light up with excitement. 

Other amenities here include dart boards, live entertainment, and free Wi-Fi. Mom and Dad can escape to the sports bar for a quick drink while the kids knock down pins on one of the 24 bowling lanes. If you’re planning a birthday party or family reunion, consider one of the packages to ensure your event is memorable. 

• Location: 3020 133rd St. W., Shakopee.
• Hours: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to midnight on Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday. 
• Contact: 952-445-8112.

Lake Minnewashta Regional Park

Lake Minnewashta Regional Park is a vast 340-acre park that sits right on the shores of Lake Minnewashta. Your entire family can enjoy a slew of different activities, from swimming on the beach to playing on sand or turf volleyball courts. If you want a place that includes your four-legged family members, the dog park here is ideal for Rover to run around and play with other family pets. The reservable picnic shelters are great for hosting a fun outdoor party or enjoying an entire day at the lakeside. 

Kids can run and jump on the playground, while water lovers will enjoy the paved boat access. If you need to get your steps in for the day, five miles of hiking trails are available to wander on and enjoy the scenery. 

• Location: 6900 Hazeltine Blvd., Chanhassen. 
• Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. 
• Contact: 952-466-5250.

Rice Marsh Lake Park

Rice Marsh Lake Park is a fun place for the kids to explore while you relax. Older kids will love the baseball field and basketball courts. The park features 3.4 miles of pedestrian trail that encircles Rice Marsh Lake. Two playgrounds let the smaller ones explore and enjoy sliding in safety while working to develop their motor skills. During fishing season, the park opens an hour earlier, at 5 a.m. If you’re an avid angler, you’ll love casting a line to catch bluegill, Northern pike, and white suckers. 

• Location: 8811 Erie Circle, Chanhassen. 
• Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. 
• Contact: 952-227-1100.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Just 4 miles west of Chanhassen, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a great way to spend some time with the future horticulturist in your life. You can check out the walking trails, drive the 3-mile scenic route, or buy some local vegetation for your garden during the Arboretum Plant Sale in May. Enjoy the colorful displays of local foliage and prepare for planting season with the arboretum’s many resources. 

• Location: 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska. 
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily for the grounds. Check the website for other hours. 
• Contact: 612-624-2200.

So, there you have it. Crème de la Crème of Chanhassen has enjoyed sharing the best kid-friendly attractions in and around the area. Whether your little one is artistic, athletic, or introverted, there’s something to entice and challenge them. These quality locations will engage their curiosity and build lasting memories. What did you think of our list? Did we mention your favorite place to go for a family outing? While you plan your next family adventure, consider Crème de la Crème of Chanhassen for your future child care needs. We have many options to accommodate your family’s needs and schedule. 

With us, your child will be in an enriching environment that challenges them and helps their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Nature-loving kids will adore our outdoor garden, while sports fanatics will love our gym, tennis courts, and outdoor basketball courts. We also have an onsite bowling alley, a culinary kitchen, and sign language classes. Call our friendly staff at 763-324-9504 to schedule a tour of our state-of-the-art child care and learning facility to learn why Crème de la Crème of Chanhassen is right for your family.