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Chanhassen Dinner Theatres comedy club in Chanhassen, MN
Photo: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
View of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in Chanhassen, MN
Photo: Carol Logan
View of Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in Chanhassen, MN
Photo: Brent R.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

4.7(5,602 reviews)$$Theater
🕑 3-4 hours total (including pre-show dining and intermission)👶 Best for ages 6 and up. Shows typically run 2+ hours with intermission, so children who can sit through a full-length performance will enjoy it most. Many productions are specifically selected or adapted to appeal to families, making it an excellent first theater experience for elementary-aged kids and tweens.

About

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres combines Broadway-caliber musical entertainment with family dining in an intimate theater setting that brings kids up close to the magic. With multiple stages featuring family-friendly productions throughout the year, it's a wonderful way to introduce children to live theater while enjoying a complete meal together before the show.

Highlights

  • Professional Broadway-style musical productions in an intimate theater setting
  • Complete dinner service included with show admission
  • Multiple stages offering different productions simultaneously
  • Family-friendly show selections including classic musicals and holiday productions
  • Up-close seating that makes every seat feel special

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Book the 'Family 4-Pack' deals when available for significant savings on select shows throughout the season
  2. 2.Request seating in the first few rows if you have younger children,the intimate venue makes every seat good, but being close to the stage keeps kids more engaged
  3. 3.Arrive 60-90 minutes before showtime for the full dinner theater experience, as the meal service begins well before curtain
  4. 4.Check the show descriptions carefully,while family-friendly, some productions are better suited for older children than others
  5. 5.Consider matinee performances on weekends, which tend to be more family-oriented and end at a reasonable hour for school-aged kids

Best Time to Visit

Weekend matinee performances are ideal for families, typically starting early afternoon and ending by early evening. Holiday season shows (November-December) often feature extra-festive productions perfect for family traditions, though these book up quickly so reserve well in advance.

What to Know

Tickets include both the meal and show, with prices varying by seating section and production. Free parking is available on-site. Menu options accommodate most dietary restrictions with advance notice, and kids' meal selections are available.

Seasonal Notes

Holiday season features special festive productions perfect for family traditions. Summer often includes lighter, more family-oriented musicals. Shows rotate throughout the year, so check the season schedule for age-appropriate productions. The venue operates year-round with different shows across multiple stages.

Nearby Eats

Since this is a dinner theater with meal service included, nearby restaurants aren't necessary. However, Byerly's (upscale grocery with café) and several chain restaurants are located in the same commercial area if you need a quick bite before or after for picky eaters.

More Activities Near Chanhassen

Playground

Bluff Creek Elementary School

Free

Bluff Creek Elementary School opens its well-maintained playground to the public during non-school hours, offering families in Chanhassen a safe, modern play space without the cost of admission. The combination of updated play equipment and open fields makes it an ideal spot for burning energy after school or on weekends.

Museum

University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

4.8$

The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers families an expansive outdoor adventure across 1,200 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, woodlands, and prairies. With miles of kid-friendly hiking trails, interactive nature discovery areas, and year-round seasonal activities from summer concerts to winter snowshoeing, it's an ideal destination for families wanting to explore nature without traveling far from the Twin Cities.

Nature

Carver Park Reserve

4.8Free

Carver Park Reserve is a sprawling 3,700-acre natural playground that offers families year-round outdoor adventures just minutes from Chanhassen. The Lowry Nature Center serves as the perfect home base for exploring miles of trails, spotting wildlife, and participating in hands-on environmental programs that turn curious kids into junior naturalists.

Library

Chanhassen Library - Carver County Library

4.8Free

The Chanhassen Library is a family favorite with an impressive 4.8-star rating, offering much more than just books. This modern community hub delivers excellent children's programming including regular storytimes, engaging summer reading challenges, and educational activities designed to spark young minds while giving parents a welcoming space to explore literacy and learning together.