You’ll be surprised how much fun kids can have, indoors and out, at this unique destination, even when it’s still chilly.
You’re stuck inside with kids again. Ah, yes, winter is a tough time of year for parenting, especially if you’re trying to keep the wee ones active — while NOT getting into a rut at local parks or in your own trampled backyard.
We have a suggestion: Why not make your next outing to the indoor-outdoor escape that is the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska? Ages 15 and younger get in for free with a ticketed adult. It’s an educational destination that’s also fun and includes plenty of wide open spaces to explore indoors as well as 1,200 acres outside, all open 363 days a year. It’s time to explore winter at the arboretum!
Here’s a look at some of the destinations within the destination, which is surprisingly lively all winter long. Bundle up and let’s go!
Where to start
- Oswald Visitor Center: The “OVC” is your homebase for exploring all the Arb has to offer. Here you can stop by the information desk, download a digital map, use the restrooms and even shop at the Gift & Garden Store for puzzles, children’s books and more. Through Jan. 1, you can even check out a 25-foot poinsettia tree! Also inside this building, you’ll find three art galleries and a newly refreshed cafe — The Eatery at the Arboretum — offering kid-friendly snacks, salads, sandwiches and hot, sit-down meals, plus sweet treats. Got a picky eater? Feel free to bring your own food to the Arboretum. It’s even allowed in the Eatery seating area.
- Snyder Building: Connected to the Oswald Visitor Center by a long, light-filled skyway, this building dates back to earlier days at the Arb and includes a small but stunning conservatory that features blooming plants year-round. A bench allows for reading or reflection. Use the large kaleidoscope to see shapes in one of the planters!
- The Andersen Horticultural Library: Inside the Snyder building, this gorgeous library can calm any soul with its welcoming spaces, beautiful furniture and windows bringing in natural light. Best of all, the large children’s book section is color-coded by topic, so you can be strategic in what you read with the kids! Be sure to ask for free coloring pages and bookmarks. Parents, if you’re planning your spring 2023 garden, you’ll find a wealth of resources and helpful librarians as well.
Winter at the Arboretum – Events
- Winter Lights is the Arboretum’s sixth-annual holiday lights event and it’s better and brighter than ever this year. Enjoy the fresh air as you explore outdoor light displays — highlighting flowers, trees and the beauty of nature — on a 0.75-mile walking route with 14 stops. Fan favorites include a new 16-foot weeping willow tree and a walk-through giant apple. The route is stroller friendly, but some parts are a touch steep, so wear your hiking boots or shoes with traction! Families can roast marshmallows over an open fire at the S’mores Village (s’mores kits for sale) or stop by The Eatery at the Arboretum, serving a hot dinner menu, including kids options. A cash bar offers snacks and drinks. Cost is $10 for members, $25 for non-members. Free for ages 15 and younger. Note: A portion of ticket fees can be applied to your membership if you decide to get one during your visit!
- New Year’s Eve Party: Get tickets now for the Arboretum’s family-friendly New Years Eve Party Dec. 31 with parent-friendly ball-drop countdowns celebrations on the hour at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. and again at 8, 9 and 10 p.m.. Take a magical walk through the Arboretum’s Winter Lights display, partake in family-friendly games and enjoy live music from Traveled Ground. There will also be a photo booth, a New Year Wish Tree where you can add your wishes for 2024, and a craft the kids can bring home.
- Poinsettia Tree: Could this be the backdrop you’ve been looking for to create your next holiday card? Through Jan. 1, celebrate the return of the 25-foot Poinsettia Tree in the Arboretum’s Oswald Visitor Center. Though this stunning tree tradition started back in 2012 and is a visitor favorite.
- Tap your toes: Not up for night lights? Check out the Winter Music Series, offered during days and evenings. The display gardens and picturesque pathways near the visitor center are gorgeous decked-out in snow and the evergreen trees are impressive, too!
- More: Find other attractions on the Arboretum’s Events page.
Winter at the Arb – Explore
- Three-Mile Drive: This one-way vehicle/bike-only route (open year round) is always a good bet — yes, including in winter! You can even drive it a few times and see different things along the way each time. Many cool attractions can be accessed along this meandering, lovely and sometimes hilly route. Park at various sites along the way to get out to take short walks. Before you set out, check the winter conditions page at arb.umn.edu/winter, which is frequently updated.
- Three-Mile Walk: Immerse yourself (on foot or in a stroller) in the Arboretum’s winter landscape on this two-way, accessible, car-free route that is mostly paved, but includes some gravel and cobblestone walkways. Plop the kids in a stroller or wagon and cruise your way through the walk, or find ways to cajole little legs along — or both! See arb.umn.edu/winter for daily trail conditions.
- Peter C. Moe Drive: Named for the Arboretum’s outgoing and beloved director, this spur drive takes you to Farm at the Arb. Just hang a right when you arrive at the Hedge Collection on Three-Mile Drive. You’ll feel like you’re in the country (and may even spot a turkey or 10). Once at the farm, explore the award-winning Tashjian Bee & Pollinator Discovery Center, featuring interactive indoor exhibits about bees, butterflies and more.
- Hikes: Other trails, which are a bit less traveled, include Wood Duck Pond (a 1-mile loop hike) and Green Heron Pond (a 1.2-mile loop hike).
- Marion Andrus Learning Center: Though this building (just west of the OVC) is closed to the public — except for people attending camps and classes — it does offer a Green Play Yard that encourages kids to play with natural materials, including water, sticks, logs and sand.
- Harrison Sculpture Garden: This destination is particularly stunning in winter because the sculptures stand out more against the snowy ground and winter skies. Here you can explore the highest point of the Arboretum — a sweeping hill covered in giant sculptures made by artists from around the world. This area is accessible from a parking area off Three-Mile Drive.
- Pine Tree Exhibit: Find Minnesota’s state tree, the Red Pine, search for pine cones and notice the different sizes and shapes of these evergreen trees, all with help from a walk-through exhibit and above-the-snow signage. More than 250 specimens are part of this nationally known collection.
Do you still need reservations to visit the Arb?
- Yes! Unless you have a donor-level, EZ Pass membership, reservations are required at the Arboretum.
- You can get into the Arboretum three ways:
- Book your reservation at arb.umn.edu.
- Call 612-301-6775 to make reservations.
- Purchase a donor level membership, which comes with an EZ Pass, allowing you to scan your member card at the gate without making a reservation (except during special ticketed events).
- Admission is $15 for adults and free for ages 15 and younger as well as members. See arb.umn.edu to reserve a timeslot and for a complete list of events, educational activities and notable Garden Highlights on the grounds each week.
Sarah Jackson is a media specialist at the Arboretum. She lives and gardens with her son in Minnetonka. Learn more at arb.umn.edu.
