Packed with fun activities for singles, couples, and kids, you can discover a variety of great things to do in Chanhassen, Minnesota. There are free activities, cheap activities, heavenly parks that are ideal for the perfect picnic, and so much more. Let’s check out these 23 awesome things to do in Chanhassen and nearby.
1. Lake Ann Park
First up on or list of great things to do in Chanhassen is to enjoy a quiet day with the family at Lake Ann Park. Wonder the trails until you find the perfect spot for hiking or your ideal picnic location. Next, head to the beach for an afternoon of swimming and building sandcastles with the kids. Fishing remains a local favorite too! You can head out on a boat or enjoy a fishing pier. If you love the outdoors, you’re going to love Lake Ann Park.
2. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres bring delicious meals and live entertainment together for a wonderful experience. Visitors can see everything from plays to musicals. There are multiple stages under one roof, guaranteeing that everyone can find something they will like. This professional dinner theatre is known across the United States! Often, theaters seat hundreds of people, so it’s important to get your ticket early.
3. Hiking Trails
Head off solo or with your family to enjoy an afternoon getting in tune with nature. The hiking trails at state parks, such as Lake Ann Park and Minnewashta Park, offer breathtaking scenery that you don’t want to miss out on. These hiking trails provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
4. Rice Marsh
Rice Marsh, also known as Rice Marsh Lake Park, has something for everyone. Take the dog for a walk on the gorgeous trails or relax while the children play at the beautiful playground. Sit back in your boat for a day of fishing, or just relax on the water. Rice Marsh Lake Park is the perfect place for anyone that needs a little relaxation for the day.
5. Lake Susan Park
Not only does Lake Susan Park have a lake and hiking trails, but it is also packed with amenities. This park provides the perfect escape from the business of the twin cities. Enjoy the soccer field, or head over to the ball fields with the team. You can also walk over to the baseball field to watch an amateur game in action. The ball fields aren’t the only way to spend the day, though. There are also volleyball fields, boat access, and tennis courts.
6. Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret
Next on our list of great things to do in Chanhassen, is an evening of laughter at Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret. This comedy club was voted the best comedy club in the Twin Cities! If you have yet to enjoy an improv comedy, Stevie Ray’s show is a must see the next time you’re in Carver County. The clean comedy used makes this a great activity for family day!
7. Meadow Green Park
Meadow Green park is the perfect place to take the kids. They can climb on the playground equipment or have fun at the basketball courts before having to wind down for the long trip home. If you’re looking for an inexpensive activity, Meadow Green Park is it.
8. Bandimere Park Disc Golf Course
Head to this disc golf course for a fun experience. It offers a variety of holes to make sure that you have a blast, whether you’re experienced or a beginner. There are nice elevations that add a bit of a challenge, but they do not make things so challenging that you will get frustrated with the game. Watch out for the pond, though!
9. Chanhassen Cinema
Chanhassen Cinema is your classic cinema with soda, popcorn, and all of the latest movies. Heading off to the movies is a great family activity that isn’t going to break the bank. You can visit Chanhassen Cinema Movie Theaters for under $10 per ticket.
10. Chanhassen AutoPlex Events
Check out Chanhassen AutoPlex to enjoy some of the coolest cars around. The Chanhassen AutoPlex is a series of individual garages that car enthusiasts can use to restore, store or showcase their favorites from their car collection. They hold events and car shows so that owners can showcase their work, and car enthusiasts can enjoy the wide range of gorgeous cars.
11. Chanhassen Farmers’ Market
The Chanhassen farmer’s market is full of homemade goods from delicious pies to organic fruit at affordable prices. It’s common to find handmade goods along with foods, particularly when it’s close to holidays. This makes this farmer’s market the perfect place to find a souvenir to take home with you. With over 20 vendors, you can easily spend an hour or two wandering from stall to stall to enjoy the wide variety of products offered.
12. Temple of ECK Contemplation Trails
This beautiful temple is a religious building, but it is open to those that are curious and would like to see the temple as well. The gorgeous forestry provides the perfect atmosphere to meditate. As you enjoy walking along the trails, you can’t help but feel at peace. It’s important to note that the Temple of ECK Contemplation Trails are not wheelchair-accessible trails. The temple is also not accessible to handicapped people.
13. LifeSpa
Pamper yourself with a trip to LifeSpa. It’s the perfect way to relax for a day and truly enjoy your vacation. Book a mani and pedi or simply lay back to enjoy a facial. They offer massages that are designed to relax as well as for those that live an active lifestyle. If you’ve spent the day hiking a 3-mile trail and feel sore, LifeSpa often accepts walk-ins as well as appointments.
14. Stop by the Prince Mural
Every Prince fan needs to stop by Paisley Park to view the beautiful tributes to Prince. The Prince murals painted along the sides of buildings are so breathtaking that you will never forget them. They’re also the perfect photo opportunity for the family.
15. Visit Paisley Park Recording Studio
Your Paisley Park trip doesn’t have to stop once you’ve seen the Prince murals. Instead, head inside to see where Prince recorded some of your favorite songs, including the costumes that were used.
16. Bluff Creek Golf Course
Bluff Creek Golf Course is the ideal way for the golfer in the family to spend the afternoon. The greens are well-manicured, the staff is friendly and the prices are affordable.
17. Golf Zone
Golf Zone is the perfect way to spend the day if you’re a fan of mini-golf or simply can’t enjoy the recreation trails due to the weather. It features 18 holes along the indoor putting course that the entire family can enjoy.
18. Brindisi’s Pub
Brindisi’s Pub is a great place to wind down with your partner at the end of the night. It’s conveniently located next door to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater so you can grab a quick snack if you’re early, or keep the night going with a few drinks after the show is over.
19. Stock and Barrel Gun Club
Whether you know how to handle a gun or want to learn, the Stock and Barrel Gun Club is a great place to be! Enjoy the shooting ranges or check out the arms store to pick up a few new guns to take home with you.
20. Practice Your Swing at the Tennis Courts
Most of the parks in the area offer recreation trails, playgrounds, and a few things for adults to do. Head over to Meadow Green Park to practice your swing while the kids run and play at the nearby playground.
21. Wings of the North
Wings of the North is a museum located just outside of Chanhassen in a town called Eden Prairie. If you or the kids love airplanes and aviation, you’ll love this museum. There are airplanes to view, and a guide to tell you everything that you wanted to know.
In addition to airplanes, you can view classic cars. If you’re a fan of antique vehicles, you’re going to love this museum!
22. Jungle Kitchen
Jungle Kitchen offers an array of delicious cuisine. Tease your palette with authentic Vietnamese, Thai, Cambodian, and Chinese dishes. This Southeast Asian restaurant is one of the most popular places in Chanhassen to eat! Make sure that you order in advance during holiday seasons as online orders can get backed up quickly.
23. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Last on our list of great things to do in Chanhassen is to stop and smell the roses….or tulips. The tree collections and flower decorations at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum will mesmerize you. Every time you visit you will see something new and beautiful! It’s the perfect place for family outings.
For All Ages
Whether you’re looking for athletic fields, the perfect place for a family picnic, or fun events to make your vacation memorable, Chanhassen has it. It’s rich with culture and things to do for every age!
Did we miss one? If you know of another great activity you think should be added to our list of great things to do in Chanhassen, please share your suggestion with us.
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Born in Madelia, MN, to a now 5-generation Minnesota family, Ryan’s MN roots go deep.
A painter by day, Ryan founded Life in Minnesota in 2013 with his wife Kelly to chronicle their musings on everything Minnesota. Ryan and Kelly are raising their 7 kiddos in Maple Grove, MN.
When he’s not shuttling his kids around to hockey practice, you might find him in the shop working on his leatherwork. Undoubtedly, there will be a family trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area every summer, and of course weekends at Grandpa’s cabin up north in the summer.