Ever thought about a visit to Valleyfair? Check out these tips and tricks!
I think it’s safe to say that if you’ve done something every summer for the past 30 years, it must be pretty amazing.
For me that “something” is our family’s tradition of going to Valleyfair!
And while Valleyfair has certainly changed over the span of my lifetime, it has consistently stayed the same in terms of how fun it is.
What is Valleyfair?
Valleyfair is an epic amusement park located in Shakopee, Minnesota (just a four-hour drive from Fargo). And if you’ve never been there, or maybe never even heard of it, no worries. By the end of this article, I’m betting you’ll be plugging it in to your family’s calendar as your next summer vacation spot.
Not only does Valleyfair have over 75 rides, it also includes tons of water rides, a full water park (called Soak City), and even a huge, zero depth entry wave pool. The rides range from small, “kiddie” ones all the way to roller coasters and aggressive thrill rides.
On top of all that, there are also loads of extra things to do there. Valleyfair has a carnival area with fun games, shopping options, a kids’ splash pad, a foam ball indoor playground, relaxing cabanas for rent, and shows and live events throughout the summer (the fireworks are wonderful!). And of course, plenty of tasty dining options.
What makes Valleyfair great for families?
As a kid I simply enjoyed the intense, all day fun that Valleyfair offered. Now as a mom, I completely understand why my dad opted for this vacation each summer. You pay a flat rate to get into the park and then you ride all day to your heart’s content. No worrying about how many tickets you have left.
Valleyfair has something for everybody. For families with younger kids, there is a huge area chock full of little kid rides. If you prefer a more “intense” day, they have a bunch of roller coasters and thrill rides. If water is more your thing, then between the wave pool, variety of body slides, and lazy river, you’re set!
I’m also very grateful for their family-friendly services. You can rent a locker to store your things or a stroller for little ones (complete with storage and shade). They have a Family Care Center, which is perfect for nursing, pumping, changing diapers, or simply taking a break in the air conditioning. There are also little touches, like first aid stations, free ice water at almost all of the dining spots, and lots of places to sit down and take breaks.
They also give you the option of daily re-entry so if you need to leave the park (maybe so kids can nap), you simply get a special stamp on your way out and return when you’re ready to.
Valleyfair: Need To Know Information
The park is open from (roughly) May through September and its hours vary (so be sure to check prior to visiting). Each ride has a height requirement, with a majority of the littlest rides starting at 36″ tall.
While admission to the rides is included, some things cost extra. Food is one of them. They do offer an unlimited dining plan (and even an unlimited beverage plan). For a one-time daily fee you can order a meal from participating restaurants every 90 minutes. This is not only a cost saver, but also a fun way to try a bunch of different foods too!
A lot of these Valleyfair “extras” can be purchased ahead of time. For instance, I like to buy our admission tickets, dining plans, and parking pass to save time.
Tips for Your First (or 31st) Visit
- Plan ahead. When picking a date, if possible, choose a less busy day (Saturdays are the most crowded).
- Dress smart and comfortable. Think athletic shorts, t-shirts, and good shoes for lots of walking. If you don’t mind standing out, matching shirts are a great way to find your group.
- Bring a small backpack or diaper bag and throw in sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, a change of clothes, and of course, your swimsuits.
- Download the app before you go. You’ll be able to view ride wait times, check hours for restaurants, and view an interactive map of the park.
- Look for deals! Oftentimes, there will be discount codes or coupons on the admission price so check for those before purchasing your tickets. They also offer a nice group discount if you’re buying 15 or more tickets.
- Make a weekend out of it! Since Valleyfair is only about 30 minutes from the Twin Cities, spend a day checking out the Mall of America or going camping, or take in one of the area’s zoos. Check out our post on 10+ Things to Do with Kids in the Twin Cities for more ideas!
So whether you decide to try Valleyfair one time or you become a “lifer” like me, one thing is for sure — your family is going to love it!
