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Valleyfair ~ Tips for Visiting Minnesota’s Largest Amusement Park

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Many travelers come to the Twin Cities to shop at the biggest mall in the U.S., enjoy the state's plentiful lakes, and soak up the music scene of Prince's hometown. But did you know that Minnesota is home to one of Cedar Fair's 13 amusement parks? Famous sister parks include Knott's Berry Farm near Disneyland and Canada's Wonderland near Toronto. This is no small park, either. It boasts 44 rides, multiple live shows, plenty of carnival games, and a full-sized water park. If you’re considering a trip to Minnesota’s largest theme park, here are eleven dos and don’ts for visiting Valleyfair amusement park.

Valleyfair with kids
Kids love a visit to Valleyfair (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

Do plan on drive time and parking fees.

Located in Shakopee, a suburb southeast of the Twin Cities, it will take you about 30 minutes to reach the park from downtown Minneapolis without traffic delays. Add another 10 minutes or so if coming from St. Paul. Don't be shocked, either, when you must pay a daily parking fee in addition to your admission tickets.

There are 44 rides at Valleyfair ~ Minnesota's largest theme park
There are 44 rides at Valleyfair, Minnesota's largest theme park (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

Don't pay full price.

Take advantage of many discounted Valleyfair ticket options. You can sometimes find discounts through Groupon. Additionally, you might find local discounts through Visit Shakopee's website or at local Cub grocery stores.

North Star opened in 2017 at Valleyfair
North Star opened in 2017 at Valleyfair (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

Do make a ride plan.

Your best bet to avoid long lines, as with most amusement parks, is to arrive in the morning when Valleyfair first opens. Although Valleyfair offers an app with a map, ride descriptions and rider height requirements, it does not provide wait times. And, I only saw an expected wait time posted for one ride in the park. This makes choosing which ride to go on next more difficult than, say, when navigating Disney parks.

Take a look at the Valleyfair website before you go and decide which rides are most important for each family member. Then try to group attractions by area of the park and ride the big hitters first. Typically, the newer and more thrilling the ride, the longer the line. In 2017, the new kid on the block was North Star, a heart-pumping swing ride that spins riders up to 40 miles per hour, 20 stories above the ground. Meanwhile, Delirious, an exciting 70-foot looping coaster ride will open in 2018.

Planet Snoopy at Valleyfair features 17 rides for kids
Planet Snoopy features 17 rides for kids (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

Don't miss the family rides.

Valleyfair is home to numerous roller coasters plus 17 rides just for wee ones in Planet Snoopy. It does not, however, offer many rides that the whole family can enjoy together. Thankfully, there are a handful of attractions that appeal to all ages.

Antique Autos is a favorite of mine from my Minnesota childhood. On this ride, kids drive their parents in old-fashioned cars along a scenic path with a center guide rail to keep cars on track.

For a mellow coaster experience, kids 44″+ can take off with parents and bigger siblings on Mad Mouse. This is a good ride to hit first thing in the morning since cars fit only four people each and it takes a long time to load and off-load.

There are a few traditional amusement park rides at Valleyfair that appeal to families, too, like Bumper Cars, the Carousel, and a Ferris Wheel. Meanwhile, Minnesota River Valley Railroad has no height restrictions and chugs through the park, but plan to wait a long time at stops at the front gate and Planet Snoopy.

If you need to cool off on a hot day, of course, you could head to the onsite Soak City, but there are also a couple of water rides within the main park for riders 46″+. Thunder Canyon water rapids ride is a good choice for families with kids. Fans of the 1990s movie, Little Big League, should take a turn on the Wave. It's a short ride with a big splash, which was featured in the Minnesota-based film.

The whole family can ride the Ferris Wheel together at Valleyfair in Shakopee, Minnesota
The whole family can ride the Ferris Wheel together (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

Do plan to split up.

If visiting Valleyfair theme park with a large group or with kids of different ages, you may want to split up for a while. About half of the rides in Planet Snoopy can be ridden by children alone while parents and grandparents wave from the side. The other half require an adult companion, depending on height. Although mom and dad may love watching wee ones on Woodstock Whirlybirds and the Cosmic Coaster, older siblings will likely get bored quickly in this area of the park. Choose a specific time and place to meet up with older, responsible tweens and teens, and be sure everyone's cell phone is charged in case you can't find each other.

Valleyfair with kids and adults of different ages
My group split up so that daredevils could ride roller coasters like Venom while others (like me!) could enjoy more mellow attractions (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

Don't visit Valleyfair in winter.

Valleyfair runs seasonally from spring in mid-May through Labor Day each year, which means it's closed for Minnesota's snowy winters. In summer, the Soak City Water Park keeps sliders cool on muggy Midwestern days. Expect a fabulous fireworks display if visiting this theme park on the Fourth of July.

In fall, the amusement park offers limited hours on weekends only for ValleySCARE. This is the upper Midwest's largest Halloween attraction. During the day, expect not-so-scary options at the Great Pumpkin Fest in Planet Snoopy with a costume parade, trick-or-treating trails, a hay bale maze, fall-themed craft projects and more. At night, things turn scary with multiple haunted mazes and live shows like the Sinister Circus. If you dare, wander though Scare Zones filled with fog and creepy creatures, which surround some of the the park's most thrilling rides.

ValleySCARE at Valleyfair is the largest Halloween attraction in Minnesota
ValleySCARE at Valleyfair is the largest Halloween attraction in Minnesota (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

Do consider investing in Fast Lane.

If you have limited time in the park and love thrill rides, you may want to invest in Fast Lane. For an additional (hefty!) fee, you'll receive a Fast Lane wristband that allows you to bypass the regular lines on popular rides, including Wild Thing, Renegade, and Steel Venom coasters. I was quite jealous indeed when I watched Fast Lane holders saunter onto rides for which I'd been waiting for nearly an hour.

Antique Autos at Valleyfair in Minnesota
If you plan to focus on mellow rides, like the Antique Autos, you may not need Fast Lane (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

Don't try to squeeze Soak City Water Park and Valleyfair into one day.

Soak City Water Park admission is included with your Valleyfair ticket fare. With so many rides, games, and shows at Valleyfair, though, it'd be pretty exhausting to try to tackle both the theme park and the water park in one visit. Typically, you can buy discounted two-day tickets instead so you can focus on splashy fun one day and dry land amusements on the other. If you do decide to do both Soak City and Valleyfair in one day, you can stow swimsuits and towels in rentable lockers near the park's main entrance.

Valleyfair Soak City Water Park
Soak City at Valleyfair has enough waterslides and other attractions to fill a day (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

Do plan your meals.

In my experience, Cedar Fair amusement park food is underwhelming. Food service at Valleyfair during my last visit was painfully slow, too. If you can, try to fill up by eating before you go. At some point, though, you will probably get hungry for a snack or meal. Your best onsite bets are probably the chain brands like Caribou Coffee, Panda Express, Auntie Anne's, and Subway.

Alternatively, pack a picnic in a cooler with ice packs to leave in your car and eat at a nearby park. The picnic grounds at Valleyfair are only for catered events, so don't get fooled by the Picnic Point signs. You can't bring meals into the park. However, Homeward Hills Park is only about 2 miles from Valleyfair and Staring Lake Park is around 2.5 miles away. If you or your child suffers from Celiac Disease or has serious food allergies, I strongly suggest this option. I ordered a gluten-free bun at the Northwoods Restaurant and was served a very stale, crumbling bun from a server who did not change gloves between handling gluten food and my order.

Another option is to drive to a nearby restaurant and return for more amusements after your meal. Lions Tap Family Restaurant serves up delicious burgers and is less than 2 miles from Valleyfair in Eden Prairie. (This was my favorite restaurant growing up in this suburb as a kid!) If Italian food is what you crave, Zuppa Cucina offers pizza (with gluten-free choices), sandwiches, and salads. Be sure to get your hand stamped if you plan to return to the theme park after your meal!

Cosmic Coaster in Planet Snoopy at Valleyfair in Minnesota
My 9-year-old and 12-year-old enjoyed the mellow Cosmic Coaster in Planet Snoopy (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

Don't waste money on bottled water.

Every guest is allowed to bring one sealed water bottle to Valleyfair. There are refill stations located throughout the park, too. It's so important to stay hydrated when walking and playing in the sun all day. Plus, bringing your own bottle to refill is better for your pocketbook and the environment.

Valleyfair's Olde Time Photo Shop
All dressed up years ago at Valleyfair's Olde Time Photo Shop (Photo credit: Valleyfair)

Do get your photo taken at the Olde Time Photo Shop.

Of course, you'll want a souvenir of your family's visit to Valleyfair. Pop into the Olde Time Photo Shop for an old-fashioned photograph complete with Wild West dress-up clothing and props. My husband and I went to Valleyfair a few months after we started dating and got one of these souvenir photos taken. It is still displayed on his home office desk. This photo makes me happy every time I look at it, remembering all the fun we had at Valleyfair all those years ago.

Valleyfair tips to know before you go

Have you ever visited a Cedar Fair amusement park? Do you have any questions or additional dos and don'ts for visiting Valleyfair amusement park? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from The Travel Mama: Valleyfair recently provided my family of four with one-day media tickets. All opinions are mine, as always.

About Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama

Colleen Lanin, MBA, is the founder and editor-in-chief of the popular travel blog, TravelMamas.com. She is an expert in travel with kids and without. As the author of the book, "The Travel Mamas' Guide," she teaches parents how to make the most of traveling with babies and children. Colleen loves sharing tips on hotels, cruises, spas, theme parks, and global lifestyle topics. When she is not traveling the world, she lives in Arizona with her husband and two kids.

Comments
  1. Charla Bueckers says

    Apparently I have a severe allergy to a chemical from the bug spray or weed control or something as I am fine out in the parking lot but the second that I go inside the gate my eyes start burning and watering, My July 8th trip was totally ruined for me as I spent time in the 1st aid. People ask me if I am ok to the point that they think that I am crying, I need to find out what chemicals are being used to confer with my Doctor to see what can be done or I am afraid I am going to have to call it a end of my life time of visiting Valley Fair which I have yearly for 42 some years. Please reply.

    • Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama says

      Charla – I’m sorry to hear about your allergies at Valley Fair! I just recently returned from Minnesota and I know that seasonal allergies have been very strong this year there. I think it’s a good idea to check with your doctor about what could be causing the irritation. Maybe your doctor will recommend a non-drowsy antihistimine?

      • Charla Bueckers says

        I have already taken the step by speaking to my physician’s nurse and she said it would help to find out what chemicals that Valleyfair is using in the spray to help determine what the recommended antihistamine for me. So, who do I speak to get that information.

        Thanks,
        Charla Bueckers

  2. Thanks, but I am done with VF! With the advent of their Fast Lane which costs an EXTRA $60, your wait times are doubled. Even on a week day we ended up waiting 20+ minutes on rides. So if a ride takes 32, 16 will come from fast lane. Their greed has ruined it for everyone!

    • Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama says

      Mike – I am sorry to hear about your frustrations with Valleyfair. We also noticed that the lines were extremely long due to the upgraded Fast Lanes. Might be best to right at opening time to avoid the crowds?!

  3. Great tips! Although for Soak City I would add- have a group member willing to rotate out and sit with your belongings while the others are in the pool. The lockers are $15 for a small and $20 for a large as of summer 2018, and the large looked like it would barely fit clothes for 3 of us. (They don’t allow you to open and check the lockers for size until you have paid for one.)

  4. Veronica Solomon says

    What a great way to have a fun day with the family. Great memories too

    • Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama says

      Veronica – Agreed! And all the more fun because we visited Valleyfair with extended family. The more the merrier!

  5. Awesome tips! I mean, these would really help families maximize their visit to Valleyfair. Hope I could visit someday. The park looks fantastic!

  6. Wow this park looks amazing! I’m loving your vibrant photos. It must have been an amazing day!

  7. How fun is this! I would love to feel like a kid again and visit the Valley Fair!

  8. Toni | Boulder Locavore says

    We’ve been here with the kids once and I can’ t wait to go back! Such a fun trip with the family!

    • Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama says

      I hadn’t been in years and years and am glad we brought the kids to Valleyfair. Enjoy your repeat visit!

  9. I love theme parks, especially ones with roller coasters. I have never been to Valleyfair, but it looks like the perfect destination for family fun.

  10. This is a great post. One never thinks to plan a big day trip like this, and then you get in trouble, especially with kids, if you are not prepared for what is coming! I always have a game pan before we hit the amusement park!

  11. This looks like so much fun. I love the sassy photo at the end!

  12. Carol Cassara says

    Awesome place for the whole family! It’s really going to be fun out there and there’s plenty of stuff to expect as well. This place makes the trip even more worth it especially when you’re with the kids.

  13. AnnMarie John says

    It would be so nice to be able to go there with the kids! I love that there are plenty of attractions for kids of all ages! It won’t be tough for mine to find rides or attractions that they’d love to try or explore.

  14. Shannon Gurnee says

    I’ve never even heard of this place before, but it sounds like a lot of fun to visit! I bet our kids would have a blast here!

    • Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama says

      Valleyfair such a big park with so many thrill rides and Planet Snoopy rides for kids – it’s so funny that so many people have not hear of this theme park!

  15. This is a great guide. I’d want to schedule everything out or at least having an outline. Thanks for the heads up on the discounts!

    • Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama says

      It’s definitely a good idea to come up with a rough schedule of must-do rides before your visit to maximize your time at Valleyfair!

  16. Pam Wattenbarger says

    These are great tips. We never eat at theme parks because of my daughter’s celiac and my granddaughter’s food allergies. It’s good to know that there is a nearby park to picnic at.

    • Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama says

      Smart move, Pam! I have friends with Celiac and severe allergies and I know you need to take serious precautions to stay healthy & safe when eating anywhere.

  17. Melissa Chapman says

    Those rides are great looking. So many tall towers, my kids would love these, I will probably sit out most of it. It is great you can come and go to save on eating. Not in Minnesota but this is a reason to go.

    • Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama says

      Thankfully there are some rides for those of us who don’t like super scary coasters. I find I’m getting more wimpy the older I get!

  18. This looks like such a blast. We have some relatives in Minnesota so the next time we visit I’ll have to suggest a trip to ValleyFair.

  19. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says

    That looks so awesome! We love going to fairs almost as much as we love to travel. Looks like our next trip is going to be to the Valley Fair! WOOHOO!

  20. That sounds like a fun place to take the kids. Mine would love it there.

  21. This sounds a great place. thanks for sharing the complete guide.

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