Photo: Mantis Toboggan
Photo: Billy B
Photo: Jared Weniger
Valleyfair
★4.3(13,393 reviews)$$$Amusement Park
🕑 Full day (6-8 hours)👶 Best for ages 3 and up. Toddlers and preschoolers will love Planet Snoopy's gentle rides and character meet-and-greets, elementary-aged kids can enjoy family coasters and the water park, while teens and tweens will be thrilled by the intense roller coasters like Steel Venom and Wild Thing.🧡 Saved by 200+ families
About
Valleyfair is Minnesota's premier amusement park offering something for every age with over 75 rides and attractions spread across the park and Soak City water park. From thrilling roller coasters for teens to the dedicated Planet Snoopy area for little ones, plus a full water park included with admission, families can easily spend an entire day (or multiple days) enjoying this 125-acre entertainment destination.
Highlights
- ✓Planet Snoopy kids area with 20+ rides designed for younger children and Peanuts character meet-and-greets
- ✓Soak City water park with wave pools, water slides, and lazy river included with park admission
- ✓Wild Thing hypercoaster reaching speeds of 74 mph for thrill-seeking families
- ✓Delirious spinning coaster offering a unique experience for brave kids and parents
- ✓Family-friendly rides like the antique carousel, Ferris wheel, and log flume that all ages can enjoy together
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive at park opening to hit the most popular rides first, lines get significantly longer after 11am, especially on summer weekends
- 2.Bring water shoes for Soak City as the pavement gets extremely hot in summer, and consider renting a locker for storing dry clothes and valuables
- 3.Download the Valleyfair app before visiting to check real-time wait times and plan your route efficiently around the park
- 4.Visit Planet Snoopy mid-afternoon when older kids are at the big coasters, lines are shortest and you might catch a character appearance
- 5.Pack sunscreen and reapply frequently, there's limited shade throughout the park, and consider bringing a small umbrella for shade breaks
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays in May, June, or September offer the smallest crowds and pleasant weather. Arrive at park opening (typically 10am) to maximize ride time before crowds build, and save water park activities for the hottest afternoon hours. Avoid July weekends and any holiday periods when wait times can exceed 90 minutes for popular attractions.
What to Know
Admission includes both the amusement park and Soak City water park. Parking is an additional fee. Outside food and beverages are not permitted except for guests with special dietary needs, but numerous dining options are available throughout the park ranging from quick-service to sit-down restaurants.
Seasonal Notes
Open daily late May through Labor Day, then weekends-only through late September with special Halloween Haunt events. The park is closed October through April. ValleySCARE and Halloween Haunt events in fall are geared toward older kids and adults with frightening attractions. Check the website for exact opening dates as they vary by season.
Nearby Eats
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel (5 minutes away) offers multiple family-friendly dining options including buffets and casual restaurants. For a quick bite, Culver's and Chipotle are located about 10 minutes north on County Road 101 and are perfect for a post-park meal.
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