Planning a fun day out and about with your whole family? You’ll find so much to do and see in the area in and around Chanhassen. Whether you’re seeking out fun in the great outdoors or you want to learn about art, history, or cooking, our area boasts an array of activities sure to keep everyone entertained.

Crème de la Crème of Chanhassen put together this list of some of the top spots to explore close to home. Get inspired for some family bonding time thanks to our guide.

City of Chanhassen Parks and Recreation

A young girl plays in the sand in Chanhassen, MN

girl playing sand during daytime” used with permission via Unsplash by phammi

There’s no better way to spend time together as a family than with a fun day outdoors, and Chanhassen certainly has you covered. Parks like the City Center Park in the heart of downtown Chanhassen and Lake Ann Park, which sprawls 102 acres, make getting outside easier than ever before.

The City of Chanhassen also offers a variety of programs for families that will help you fill your calendar with things to do together, further taking the guesswork out of making fun plans that don’t make you travel far. From the Saturday farmers market to the summer concert series and more, you’re sure to find plenty of activities every member of the family will enjoy.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Are your kids interested in learning more about nature after a fun day outdoors? Just head over to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The main entrance is super easy to get to in nearby Chaska. USA Today readers named the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum the best botanical garden in all of North America in 2019, and you’ll see what makes our local attraction so special the minute you step foot on the grounds.

Outstanding plant displays and protected natural areas form the backdrop for research and education programs that help everyone learn from and connect with nature. You’ll find various events and activities the whole family can enjoy, like the Season of Trees and StoryTime with the Andersen Horticultural Library, which you can join in virtually from the comfort of home.

The Arboretum was founded in 1958, and it has enhanced our community ever since. Over 1,200 acres of professionally maintained gardens, accessible trails, and rare plant collections are just the start. The Arboretum is part of the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), engaging in cold-hardy plant research. They’ve even developed 27 commercial apples!

All in all, the  Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is the perfect place to connect with nature alongside your curious kids. You’ll need to reserve your tickets online before going. Children 15 years old and younger can enter for free, while tickets cost $15 for visitors 16 years old and older.

Way Cool Cooking School

Whether your family already loves spending time together in the kitchen or you’re looking for inspiration to do so more often, you’ll want to have Way Cool Cooking School at the top of your list of local places to check out. Located in Eden Prairie, Way Cool Cooking School makes learning about food fun for all ages. The cooking school and event center seeks to create a learning environment suited to kids and adults alike, and the chefs here get families excited to spend time together in the kitchen through fun-filled, friendly activities.

Way Cool Cooking School understands the importance of cooking together as a family. So, they teach basic healthy cooking skills and habits that you and your kiddos can use in daily life. With everything from kid and adult cooking classes to summer cooking camps for kids and beyond, you’re sure to find the perfect activity for your brood here. Looking for a class to take with your kids? You have to check out the parent and child cooking classes, designed for kids between the ages of 3 and 6 or 7 and 15.

There’s so much to love at Way Cool Cooking School, we almost don’t know where to start! They teach kids and adults quick meal solutions and healthy options, helping to increase families’ comfort level in the kitchen. As a result, their classes foster healthier families in a culinary sense as well as and stronger family bonds. They’ll teach your kids basics like proper kitchen procedures and how to read recipes and food labels, all while creating a lifelong love of food and cooking.

Eden Prairie Art Center

The Eden Prairie Art Center is another amazing place to explore when you make the quick trip to Eden Prairie. The Art Center aims to foster creativity in the community by providing access to the arts. Their mission encompasses people of all ages and abilities, making it the place to go when your kids are looking to create in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

In fact, the Art Center offers great programs for everyone from toddlers to seniors. You’ll find programs that explore painting, drawing, ceramics, and even glass fusing. All that to say, there’s truly something for everyone here. No matter if your kid is a budding Picasso or you’re just looking for a way to bring the arts into everyday life more, you can’t go wrong with the Eden Prairie Art Center.

Carver County Historical Society

Carver County Historical Society is the place to go for history buffs in town. You’ll find this amazing place to learn about our very own area close to home in Waconia. There’s plenty to do and see here, including monthly free family days complete with activities and games. The CCHS even offers a special event, program, or tour of a unique location in our county a few times a year.

With five local history galleries and a gallery honoring veterans, the CCHS offers the ideal place to learn about Carver County’s heritage. Objects on display help tell local stories, getting visitors of all ages involved. Pro-tip: Your kids are sure to love the available scavenger hunts that make a museum visit even more interactive.That concludes Crème de la Crème of Chanhassen’s list of some of the best family attractions in our area. Did we miss your family’s go-to spot? Let us know your recommendation so we can add it!