Chanhassen Area Family Fun - 10 Close-to-Home Minnesota Parks

This week we are moving to the far southwest edge of the Twin Cities Metro. Where can you go for Chanhassen Area family fun? This is such a beautiful section of the Twin Cities. While there are quite a few parks to choose between, our picks, spanning Chanhassen, Chaska, Eden Prairie, Excelsior, Shorewood and Victoria, offer families the opportunity to spread out and enjoy your family.

Tour The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Families can choose between designated walking paths or a drive through the arboretum grounds. Tickets for non-member adults are $15; members and children are free, but still require an advanced ticket.

Learn More: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum - Chanhassen Area Family Fun: 10 Close-To-Home Parks to Explore This Summer — Buildings are closed, but outdoor gardens are blooming!

Enjoy the Good Water of Minnewashta Regional Park

Find out why the Dakota referred to this lake as good water. Enjoy the beach, rent a canoe or kayak or bring your fishing gear. There are also hiking and biking paths, a great play area, and space to picnic. You can enjoy a full day of fun at this park.

Learn More: 10 Ideas for Family Fun at Lake Minnewashta Regional Park

Lake Minnewasta Beach — Image courtesy of Carver County

Make it a Day on the Lake at Excelsior Commons

If you love the feel of a bustling resort, enjoy the lovely Lake Minnetonka for an afternoon at the Port of Excelsior. You can hit the beach, picnic, play on the playground or stroll along the charming shops of Downtown Excelsior. You could make it extra special with a cruise on the steamboat Minnehaha. Do all of this without ever leaving the Twin Cities.

Learn More: The Commons and Port of Excelsior

Get Lost in the Quiet beauty of Lake Ann Park

Some reviewers have found Excelsior Commons a bit too busy. If you are looking for a pristine, quiet park, there is plenty to love about the natural peace of Lake Ann Park. The no-wake lake does not allow motorized boats, so it is delivers on both of these criteria. This 102-acre park offers plenty of beautiful nature to explore and a quiet fishing lake.

Learn More: Lake Ann Park

Lake Ann Park Beach — Image courtesy City of Chanhassen

Bike or Hike the Rice Marsh Lake Park Trail Loop

The bituminous trail is approximately 3½ miles around. It is built for use by pedestrians and cyclists and meanders through natural areas, including forests, meadows and wetlands.

Learn More: 7 Ideas for Family Fun at Rice Marsh Lake Park

Take a step back in history at Carver Park Reserve, Victoria

While the Grimm Farm House itself is only open for special events, it can still be fun to walk the grounds. Bring an old-fashioned picnic. If you have archery equipment, bring it along, use of the archery range is $6/day or you can buy an annual pass. When you need a playground break, head up to the Lowry Nature Center area.

Learn More: Carver Park Reserve, Victoria / Lowry Nature Center, Victoria

Plan a Field Day at Freeman Park, Shorewood

The open spaces of the sports fields just scream for a field day complete with a BBQ picnic. Why wait for a group, just pack up the kids and do it on your own schedule. If you live close enough, you could spread out the competitions over a number of days.

Learn More: 10 Ideas for Family Field Day at Freeman Park

Freeman Park in Shoreview — Image courtesy City of Shorewood Facebook

What did we miss? What is your favorite Chanhassen Area Family Fun park? Leave us a message and we’ll share your suggestions with the community.

Chanhassen Area Family Fun: 8 Best Parks to Explore This Summer