Explore the most beautiful Minnesota arboretums, featuring stunning gardens, scenic trails, and peaceful nature escapes perfect for all seasons.
Searching for fun and easy ways to get outside with your kids? Minnesota’s arboretums and gardens offer the perfect chance to embark on a beautiful adventure together. From vibrant flower gardens to winding trails, these Minnesota spots make it easy to let kids explore while you soak in the stunning scenery. Whether you’re looking for the best arboretums in Minnesota, free gardens to visit with kids, or even indoor botanical gardens for a quick winter escape, there’s a colorful destination for every season.
Plus, many of these places also offer hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, and space to run—because a bit of nature time makes for a happy family! Ready to discover the must-visit Minnesota gardens and arboretums that will spark curiosity and imagination in children and adults alike?
Here are our top picks for 12 of the best flower gardens in Minnesota, perfect for your next outing!
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska
Address: 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318
Fee-based, kids under 15 are free
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska is one of the best arboretums in Minnesota for kids. It offers year-round outdoor fun for all ages, with 1,200 acres of gardens, trails, and interactive exhibits. It’s the perfect spot for kids to explore nature while learning together.
Stroll through 28 specialty gardens and spot sculptures along the trails. Then, visit the Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center to see pollinators in action. Young book lovers can even cozy up with nature-themed stories at the Andersen Horticultural Library. And, of course, little adventurers climb and play at the Green Play Yard and Under the Oak Play Yard.
Planning a picnic? There are plenty of scenic spots to spread out. Or, grab something to eat at the on-site cafe. Finally, kids 15 and under get in free! If you’re looking for arboretums near Minneapolis that keep little explorers engaged, this one’s a must-visit in every season.
Maple Grove Arboretum
Address: 9400 Fernbrook Lane N Maple Grove, MN 55369
Free
The Maple Grove Arboretum is a hidden gem for families looking for free arboretums in Minnesota to visit with kids. This 15-acre park along Elm Creek offers tree-lined trails, peaceful picnic spots, and plenty of ways to explore nature. As you stroll, kids will love spotting several different types of trees and flowers. There are over 100 different varieties of local trees!
Bring bikes to ride the paved trails leading to Rice Lake or Medicine Lake Regional Trail. Fishing is allowed along the creek, too. And there’s even a small waterfall just a short walk from the parking lot.
For a quiet moment, visit the Angel of Hope, a touching memorial tucked within the park. Just minutes from the city, this is one of the best arboretums near Minneapolis, offering year-round fun and exploration with your kids.
Muriel Sahlin Arboretum at Roseville Central Park, Roseville
2525 Dale St N, Roseville, MN 55113 | Free
The Muriel Sahlin Arboretum at Roseville Central Park is a peaceful escape and one of the best arboretums in Minnesota with kids. This 8-acre local gem features beautifully designed theme gardens, paved walkways, and a stunning fountain, making it a perfect spot for a family stroll.
Kids can run along the wide paths, search for different tree species, and admire the towering stone sculptures scattered throughout the grounds. The mix of native Minnesota plants and colorful flower beds offers a great way to spark curiosity about nature.
Parents looking for free arboretums in Minnesota to visit with their kids will love this easy-to-explore space. It also has plenty of benches and open areas for picnics or breaks. Whether planning a short outing or a quiet afternoon outdoors, this arboretum is a lovely, low-key spot for families to enjoy nature together.
Cowling Arboretum at Carleton College, Northfield
MN-19, Northfield, MN 55057 | Free
For an immersive nature experience, head to Cowling Arboretum in Northfield. Known as “the Arb,” this 800-acre natural haven on Carleton College’s campus is packed with scenic trails, diverse wildlife, and towering forests perfect for exploring with kids of all ages.
As one of the best arboretums in Minnesota, families can take their kids on a stroll on the paved Upper Arboretum trail—ideal for strollers and little legs. Or, venture onto the rustic paths of the Lower Arb to spot birds, butterflies, and wildflowers.
The Arb is also a living classroom, offering glimpses of native prairie restoration and historic tree plantings that date back to the 1920s. Bring a picnic, grab a nature guide from the office, and let kids discover everything from frogs to fungi.
Dogs are welcome on a leash, making it an excellent spot for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors. Best of all? It’s free to the public, making it an easy and budget-friendly way to experience Minnesota’s natural beauty.
Eugene H. Hagel Arboretum, Brooklyn Center
61st Avenue North & Major Avenue North, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 | Free
The Eugene H. Hagel Arboretum in Brooklyn Center is another hidden gem for families exploring nature close to home. As one of the best arboretums to explore near Minneapolis with kids, this eight-acre retreat features paved trails perfect for strollers and tiny tots. Plus, it features a thriving wetland teeming with wildlife and vibrant flower gardens that change with the seasons!
Kids will love spotting birds, frogs, and butterflies while wandering through this peaceful urban oasis. The gardens offer families a colorful backdrop for Minnesota nature walks and fun family photos. Whether you visit in spring for blooming flowers, in summer for lush greenery, or in fall for fiery foliage, there’s always something new to discover.
Free to the public, this easily accessible arboretum is a fantastic place for families to enjoy the beauty of Minnesota’s natural landscapes without leaving the city.
The Arboretum At Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter
800 W College Ave, St Peter, MN 56082 | Free
The Arboretum at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter is a must-visit for families looking to combine nature and learning. Covering 130 acres, this scenic spot is one of the best arboretums in Minnesota for families with kids, offering trails through prairie, woodlands, and wetlands.
Wander through colorful horticultural gardens, visit the historic 1850s Borgeson log cabin, and follow winding paths to the Swedish-style labyrinth and Johnson Waterfall Pond. The Melva Lind Interpretive Center provides restrooms and educational exhibits, making it easy and engaging for all ages.
Whether your family is searching for wildlife, enjoying a peaceful walk, or just letting kids burn off some extra energy outdoors, this arboretum has something for everyone. Open year-round during daylight hours and free to the public, it’s a fantastic place to inspire imagination in Minnesota’s diverse landscapes while spending quality time together.
Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, Saint Paul
1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103 | Free, donations encouraged
The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park in Saint Paul is a magical escape into lush greenery, no matter the season. This historic, glass-domed treasure features 16 indoor and outdoor gardens, making it a perfect outing for families. It is undoubtedly one of the must-visit Minnesota gardens.
Stroll through the Sunken Garden, where vibrant floral displays change with the seasons. Or, step into the tropical rainforest, filled with towering palms and exotic orchids. Kids will love spotting koi fish in the ponds and wandering through the bonsai collection.
In summer, don’t miss the Victoria Water Lilies, giant floating plants unlike anything else in the state! This is just the beginning of the many post-card-perfect gardens you’ll find here. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun way to introduce kids to diverse, vibrant flora, this is one of Minnesota’s best indoor botanical gardens.
Plus, it’s next to Como Zoo—making it an easy, all-in-one family adventure!
Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Free Minnesota Museums
Northland Arboretum, Baxter
14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN 56425 | Fee-based
The Northland Arboretum in Baxter is a year-round playground for nature-loving families. This gem in the Central Lakes region covers over 400 acres! It is packed with trails, gardens, and unique ecosystems, making it one of the best arboretums in Minnesota for families with kids.
In warmer months, families can explore wildflower-filled prairies, wander through the Monet-inspired pond and arched bridge, and spot songbirds in this designated Important Bird Area. The nature playscape is perfect for little adventurers, while parents can enjoy peaceful walks through restored pine forests and wetlands.
Winter brings even more fun with well-groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoe rentals, and a brand-new sledding hill for young kids.
With educational programs, community events, and endless ways to explore, the Northland Arboretum is a must-visit for families looking to connect with nature’s beauty. Open daily from dawn to dusk, this nonprofit oasis near Baxter and Brainerd is a place where outdoor adventures never stop!
Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum, St. Joseph
32011 St John’s Rd, St Joseph, MN 56374 | Free
The Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum in St. Joseph is a peaceful retreat where families can explore more than 2,500 acres of lakes, forests, and prairie. As one of the best arboretums in Minnesota with kids, it offers miles of scenic trails perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting.
Little explorers can wander through towering oak savannas, cross wooden boardwalks over wetlands, and marvel at this state-designated wildlife refuge’s diverse plant and animal life. The interpretive kiosks provide fun learning opportunities about Minnesota’s natural habitats, making every visit a mix of adventure and education.
While no dogs are allowed and biking is limited to paved paths, the serene setting is ideal for a family nature walk or a quiet moment by the lake. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon hike or a chance to connect with nature, this abbey-owned arboretum is a must-visit for families who love the outdoors!
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, Minneapolis
1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405 | Free
Tucked inside Minneapolis’ Theodore Wirth Park, the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary is a must for nature-loving families. As the oldest public native plant garden in the U.S., it’s also a must-visit Minnesota garden. The park offers a magical mix of woodland, wetland, and prairie habitats.
Kids can follow winding, wood-chipped trails through towering trees, spot frogs in the marsh, and look for more than 130 bird species. Spring and summer bring bursts of wildflowers, making it one of Minnesota’s best natural flower gardens for families. Watch for deer, chipmunks, and even the occasional fox as you explore this peaceful retreat.
Free guided nature walks and checklists at the entrance add an extra layer of discovery and learning for all ages. Open seasonally from spring to fall, this garden is a quiet escape where kids can connect with nature, and parents can soak in the beauty of Minnesota’s wild landscapes.
Normandale Japanese Garden, Bloomington
West Lot, 9700 France Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431 (Normandale College) | Free, donations encouraged
Step into a slice of Japan at the Normandale Japanese Garden. Tucked away on Bloomington’s Normandale Community College campus, this serene retreat features winding paths, waterfalls, and stunning traditional Japanese structures. This includes the Bentendo, a hexagonal shrine honoring the goddess of happiness and wisdom.
As a must-visit Minnesota garden for families, kids will love crossing the arched bridges. And, of course, watching the colorful koi swim through the lagoon—don’t forget to bring quarters to feed them from May through October! Stroll, explore and let the beauty of this hidden gem captivate visitors of all ages.
With over 300 carefully selected plants, the garden showcases Minnesota-hardy greenery arranged in classic Japanese style. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax or a unique outdoor adventure in the heart of the Twin Cities, this free, seasonal garden (open April through November) is a perfect stop for families.
Munsinger Gardens, St. Cloud
1515 Riverside Dr SE, St Cloud, MN 56304 | Free
Nestled along the Mississippi River in St. Cloud, Munsinger and Clemens Gardens are a must for families who love flowers and scenic strolls. As one of the best flower gardens in Minnesota for families, this breathtaking destination features two distinct garden styles.
Munsinger Gardens is a charming 14-acre retreat with winding flower-lined paths under towering pines. It is designed to offer a relaxed, cottage-style feel. Clemens Gardens brings a touch of European elegance, with six formal gardens filled with fountains, ironwork, and thousands of colorful blooms.
Families will love wandering the paths, watching butterflies, and spotting koi in the fountains. Free to visit and open daily from spring to fall, it’s a perfect outdoor escape for families to create beautiful outdoor moments together.
Enjoy Exploring these Beautiful Minnesota Arboretums with Your Kids
Minnesota is home to some truly stunning natural spaces, and these must-visit gardens and arboretums offer the perfect mix of beauty, adventure, and hands-on learning for families. Whether you’re strolling through a historic flower garden, exploring winding nature trails, or spotting wildlife together, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with nature—and each other. Pack a picnic, grab a nature guide, and make a day of discovering the best flower gardens and arboretums in Minnesota for families with kids of all ages. Every visit brings a new reason to fall in love with Minnesota’s great outdoors!
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
