A Day of Family Fun at Valleyfair

Activities Attractions Best of Shakopee

Valleyfair is the largest amusement park in the upper Midwest—and in addition to grown-up thrills, it’s a great destination for families with small children.  From low-key rides and water park attractions to entertainment and eats, here’s your itinerary for a day of family fun at Valleyfair.

Family Friendly Rides

Start your day at Planet Snoopy, a Peanuts-themed area of the park that’s home to over a dozen mild thrill rides.  Some are kid-sized versions of popular carnival rides, while others can be enjoyed by the whole family.  Beat the heat at the Peanuts Playhouse, a two-story, air conditioned foam ball play area with slides, cannons, and slingshots.

In addition to the rides at Planet Snoopy, there are family-friendly attractions throughout the park, like the vintage-style carousel and Ferris wheel.  The Minnesota River Valley Railroad is a replica 1800s train that transports your family from one side of the park to the other without a long walk (conveniently, one of the depots is located at Planet Snoopy).

Entertainment and Events

Be sure to catch a show or two—Valleyfair offers a full schedule of live entertainment.  For kid-focused shows, check out the Peanuts Showplace for Charlie Brown’s Hoedown (country tunes) and Sally & Schroeder’s Sing-A-Long (you’ll learn French, Spanish, Hindi and American Sign Language phrases).  

You can also spot the Funline Drumline winding their way through the park and playing funky tunes.  The Peanuts Block Party is held at the Superior Stage on specific dates.

Bring the whole family to Valleyfair between August 12 and September 5 for Monster Jam Thunder Alley. During this event, you will be able to experience the larger-than-life trucks that compete in Monster Jam!

New in 2022 is Tricks and Treats, happening September 30 – October 30 at Valleyfair. This over-the-top, larger-than-life Halloween event, which will replace Halloween Haunt, will be an all fun and no fright event for the entire family!

Soak City Waterpark

Spend the afternoon cooling down at Soak City, Valleyfair’s on-site water park.  Barefoot Beach is a zero-depth splash pad perfect for young children, with nearly an acre of pint-sized slides, geysers, and other interactive water features.  

Another kid-friendly water park attraction is Splash Station, a wading pool and play area.  There are plenty of nearby beach chairs so that you can relax while your kids unwind.

For a VIP experience, consider renting a Kiddie Splash Pad Cabana.  Each private cabana accommodates up to 8 guests and is furnished with chaise lounge chairs, a table with chairs, and a lockable safe.  Plus, a bucket of popcorn is included and you can order additional food and beverages to be delivered poolside.

Dining

Speaking of food, from pizza and burgers to cotton candy and ice cream, Valleyfair has plenty of kid-friendly eats.  Several spots serve kids’ meals, including Planet Snoopy Grill, Northwoods Grill, Coasters, and Beach Bites.

Buy Discounted Tickets to Valleyfair

Visit Shakopee for your next family vacation—in addition to Valleyfair, Shakopee is home to Canterbury Park and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, and is conveniently located to area attractions including Mystic Lake Casino, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and Chanhassen Dinner Theater.

Book your stay in Shakopee today!