10 Things For Kids: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

The MN Landscape Arboretum is the perfect place to explore with the family.  The eye-popping colors, space to run free, and hands-and-feet-on exhibits were just what our kids need. Here are ten things that get their stamp of approval:

We are not affiliated with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and their activities change regularly: Please check our directory or calendar and peruse the Arboretum’s website for the most up-to-date happenings at the arboretum.

Reserve your admission time HERE.


10 Things For Kids at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

1) Green Play Yard

You may not want to make this your first stop at the Arb. Chances are, you’ll have a hard time dragging your little ones away from the sand-and-water play, dreamy little paths among the plants, playhouses, stumps and logs. It’s designed for ages 0-5 conveniently divided into age-appropriate areas, but don’t be surprised if older ones are just as tempted to dive in and play. Read more about the nature play elements here.

tmarboretum22) Andrus Learning Center hands-on exhibits

Did you know it takes 367 gallons of water and 26 square feet of land to produce a hamburger? These exhibits encourage kids to be mindful of how important plants are when it comes to what they eat. They’re fun, engaging, and appeal to all ages. Plant-Maker Studio is offered weekends at the Arb (12-4pm), this program is included with admission and features simple hands-on activities for kids. Today we sealed milkweed seeds in handmade paper to take home, plant, and lure monarchs to. TEMPORARILY CLOSED.

Reserve your admission time HERE.


3) Rotating interactive exhibits

Find these crowd-pleasers in the Oswald Visitor Center along with restrooms, dining and information on making the most of your trip to the Arboretum. [Please note: This particular exhibit is no longer on display. Visit the Arboretum website to find the latest seasonal installations. We’re leaving the picture up as proof that this place appreciates its younger visitors, too!] Note that there is all kinds of rotating sculpture art located on the outdoor grounds of the Landscape Arboretum to enjoy.

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Reserve your admission time here.


4) Space to race

Pick up a map and start wandering. There are tranquil gardens, sculpture gardens, technicolor gardens, edible gardens, ponds full of frogs, makeshift splash pads tucked into corners and often other artwork marching about the grounds. The kids will probably get pretty dirty, but they won’t break anything. [Note again: check the website for current outdoor exhibits as they change with the seasons. That super-sized butterfly below has since fluttered on to a new home.]

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5) The Eatery’s Sunday brunch favorites

A scrumptious weekend brunch is served up at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s café filled with tastes for all ages. The kids can bulk up on a full meal for $9 (waffles, eggs, bacon, potatoes, fruit – the menu is always subject to change) before letting them loose outside. Open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday as well as 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.


6) Bee-Line Shuttle

Leave your car in the parking lot and hop the free shuttle for a scenic, relaxing tour of Three-Mile Drive. Jump off at points of interest along the way including the new Tashjian Bee & Pollinator Discovery Center, the sculpture garden and the hedge mazes; shuttles run about every 20 minutes, May thru October, 11:30am-5:30pm.  NOT IN OPERATION FOR 2022.

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7) The buzz on the bees

This exhibit is about the new Tashjian Bee & Pollinator Discovery Center! Jump off the shuttle to try out the exhibits and get some fun photo ops.

Reserve your admission time here.


8) Maze Garden

Nothing like having your 11-year-old challenge you to a run through the hedge maze to remind you that your stamina is not what it once was. Great fun, though, and if the littlest ones aren’t up for the big labyrinth, there’s a junior maze to navigate as well.

9) StoryTime in the Library

Toddlers and preschoolers can curl up for nature-inspired stories on the last Fridays of the month in the Andersen Library, 10:30am. They were reinstated April 2022.

Reserve your admission time here.

10) Seasonal & Special Events

We were thrilled to happen upon the summer Art Crawl (hand-crafted treasures and wine-tasting makes for happy adults, too!). Keep in mind the Landscape Arboretum is open year-round and offers such seasonal treats as fall apples, spring syrup, snowshoeing through the winter, and much more programming for families.


Reserve your admission time here.

Savings tip: Free Third Mondays of the month, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Visitor Center and buildings close at 7 p.m. Free days are currently on hold.

This article was published on Aug 14, 2017 and updated on May 18, 2022. Arboretum offerings change regularly and your experience may not be exactly the same when you visit. 

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