The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska is one of the best places in the Twin Cities to take kids who need to burn off a little energy. (Children ages 15 and younger can visit for free.) Discover these activities geared toward children:
Play hide and seek: The Maze Garden is a hit with kids, thanks to its wide pathways and an observation deck and picnic table at the end. Another top spot for playing hide and seek is the Hedge Collection, which features dozens of sheared and unsheared hedges of different heights.
Picnic in the shade: Did you know you can picnic anywhere at the arboretum as long as you leave no trace? Families should check out the Shade Tree Exhibit, which includes small playhouses and tree signage. Decide which tree provides the ideal amount of shade for your picnic.
See butterflies and bees: The arboretum’s big, red iconic barn sits at the center of the Farm at the Arb, which boasts expansive, sunny green lawns for running free, plus pollinator gardens (where children can learn all about Minnesota’s many butterflies and bees), food gardens and even plantings of farm crops, such as corn, wheat, soybeans and more.
Sarah Jackson is a media specialist at the arboretum and a parent, gardener and nature lover who lives in Minnetonka. Learn more at arb.umn.edu.
