Valleyfair Amusement Park

Valleyfair is the Twin Cities' regional amusement park, located 30 minutes southwest of Minneapolis in Shakopee. With 75+ rides including 8 roller coasters, a dedicated children's area, and Soak City water park included in admission, it delivers a full day of family entertainment during its seasonal operation (late May through Labor Day, with special events through October).

For families with young children, Planet Snoopy is the star section. This Peanuts-themed area has 16 rides specifically designed for kids ages 3-8, including the Cosmic Coaster (a gentle coaster for first-timers), the Charlie Brown helicopter ride, and the Snoopy Bouncer. Character meet-and-greets with Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and Lucy happen throughout the day.

The area rarely has long waits even on busy days, and the rides are genuinely fun for their target age group.

For older kids and teens, the coaster lineup provides thrills: Wild Thing (207 feet tall with a 196-foot first drop), Steel Venom (inverted, launched shuttle coaster), Renegade (a wooden coaster through wooded terrain), and Excalibur (a classic looping coaster). Height requirements for the major coasters range from 48-54 inches.

Soak City water park is included in regular park admission -- no additional charge. It features a wave pool, lazy river, multiple slide towers, and a splash-play area for younger kids. Most families spend the morning on dry rides, change into swimsuits at lunch, and spend the afternoon at Soak City. Lockers and changing rooms are available.

Valleyfair is not Cedar Point or Six Flags in scale -- it is a regional park with regional pricing and regional crowds. This is actually an advantage for families: lines are shorter, the park is navigable without a complex strategy, and the atmosphere is more relaxed than mega-parks. On weekdays, most rides have 5-15 minute waits.

Practical notes: buy tickets online in advance ($40-50 vs $55-70 at the gate). Season passes ($90-110) pay for themselves in 2 visits. Parking is $25. The park allows re-entry with hand stamps, so driving to the car for a cooler lunch is a common money-saving strategy. Free water refill stations are located throughout the park.