If you’re searching for a fun yet educational way to enjoy time with the kids, you’re in luck. The Chanhassen area boasts an abundance of fun locations sure to get the whole family inspired, having fun, and learning. Let Crème de la Crème of Chanhassen, MN make planning a family adventure easier than ever before. We’ve put together this list of five cool educational destinations you can easily get to from Chanhassen, so you’re sure to find the perfect activity to enjoy as a family.

1. Eden Prairie Art Center

Image used with permission via Unsplash by sigmund

The Eden Prairie Art Center is the place to go with kiddos interested in art. The center strives to provide access to the arts to everyone in the community, from young kids to seniors. In other words, there’s something for everyone here.

The center hosts special classes for kids at different times of the year, giving children the chance to learn about creating works like bowls, sculptures, and vases. That’s no surprise given the center’s mission to enhance the quality of life and foster creativity throughout the community by offering people of all ages and abilities access to the arts.

With exceptional programs covering topics like ceramics, drawing, glass fusing, and painting, you’re sure to find the perfect way for your family to learn at the Eden Prairie Art Center. Find the perfect class for the kids (or you!) to enjoy and make the short drive to Eden Prairie to get inspired.

2. Way Cool Cooking School

Maybe your kids are more inspired to create in the kitchen than at an easel. In that case, you have to check out another amazing Eden Prairie educational destination: Way Cool Cooking School.

Whether you’re looking to treat the kiddos to an interactive cooking class or a cooking-themed birthday party, Way Cool Cooking School has what you need. If you want to find an educational way to keep the kids entertained at home, they even offer at-home kits that you can pick up so you can follow along with the Way Cool Cooking School chefs and whip up some tasty treats in your own kitchen.

Way Cool Cooking School’s in-person classes for kids are designed to teach kids lifelong cooking skills. Not only will kids learn their way around the kitchen, but they’ll also become more creative, get a self-esteem boost, and create memories to treasure. With after-school classes, spring break classes, and summer camps all available, you’re sure to find the perfect cooking class to fit in with your family’s schedule and needs. Topics range from baking to cake decorating to knife skills and more, so check out Way Cool Cooking School’s upcoming offerings to book an educational experience.

3. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy nature-based activities. The nearby Minnesota Landscape Arboretum features an array of opportunities for area families to learn and get inspired about the natural world. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum was founded back in 1958, and is today considered one of the best botanical gardens in the country.

Horticultural research takes place alongside innovative educational programs here, making the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum the place to go when your kids want to learn more about and connect with nature. The welcoming space boasts natural areas and outstanding plant displays, not to mention accessible trails ideal for a family walk outdoors. The area spans over 1,200 acres, so you’ll have plenty of reasons to come back time and time again.

You’ll find an array of educational opportunities to enjoy throughout the year here. From an annual celebration of maple syrup season to after-hours hikes under the full moon to yoga classes in the garden and more, every member of the family is sure to discover something to love at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

4. Carver County Historical Society

Have a budding history buff in your brood? You’ll want to make the quick trip to Waconia to explore the Carver County Historical Society. There’s plenty to do and see here, including monthly free family days complete with activities and games. The CCHS also offers a special event, program, or tour for families four times a year.

Discover a variety of exhibits on display whenever you decide to visit, all ready to spark learning in your kids. Featuring five local history galleries and a gallery that honors veterans, the CCHS offers an educational experience you’ll want to return to time and time again.

The thematic local history exhibits give an inspiring window into the county’s history. The museum even offers scavenger hunts for children, making the Carver County Historical Society a great place to go to get kids having fun while they learn.

5. Minnesota Children’s Museum

Make the short trip into St. Paul to explore the Minnesota Children’s Museum. The museum is open on Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., so it’s easy to find time to visit the kid-friendly spot. Make sure you buy tickets in advance online to reserve your time.

Once you arrive, you’ll find various exhibits designed to get kids learning through play. Open-ended experiences let kids explore and create while pursuing things that interest them. Activities include a drawing and art-making studio, a sensory garden, and of course, the popular laser maze. And that’s just the start!

If you’re visiting with your toddler, make sure you check out Sprouts. This exhibit gets kids climbing stairs, venturing over a bridge, and sliding down a slide. Toddlers can experiment at a light table and manipulate water at a unique water table, too.

There you have it! Crème de la Crème of Chanhassen just gave you five amazing places to visit that will get the whole family learning, all without traveling far from home. From cooking classes to art activities to museums and more, our area has so many cool destinations to explore. Did we miss your family’s favorite educational place? If we did, drop us a line so we can check it out and add it to our list.