10 Valleyfair Tips: Guide to Minnesota’s Best Amusement Park

Maximize fun at Valleyfair with this guide to the best of Minnesota’s biggest amusement park. From big roller coasters for thrill seekers and splashy water rides for hot days to the darling Planet Snoopy for young kids, this theme park offers something for the whole family. Follow these 15 Valleyfair tips to skip long lines, choose the best food, and find your new favorite rides. This year marks Valleyfair’s 50th anniversary, making 2026 a great time to visit.

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1. Be Prepared to Pay for Parking

Don’t be surprised when you must pay a daily parking fee in addition to your admission tickets. As an Enchanted Parks attraction, Valleyfair’s parking fees are certainly more affordable than those at Disney or Universal theme parks, but they’re still not free.

Daily General Parking starts at $20.99 per regular-sized vehicle in 2026. I advise skipping the $50.99 Daily Premium Parking, which secures one of 100 spots closer to the theme park entrance.

Carpooling with friends can help cut costs. Especially for parents of tweens and teens, note there’s no fee to drop off or pick up parkgoers.

2. Save Money at Valleyfair Amusement Park

Save big when you purchase tickets in advance. You’ll pay just $39.99 online instead of $64.99 at the gate in 2026. Either way, Daily Tickets also include entrance to the Superior Shores Waterpark (formerly Knott’s Soak City), and ages 2 and under are free. There’s a 10 percent discount on Premium Parking when you book online in advance, too.

Those who want to visit Valleyfair multiple times in the 2026 season will appreciate the Enchanted Hero Pass and Enchanted Legend Pass. Both include free parking, discounts on food and merchandise, early entry, and other perks. What’s more, these passes allow amusement park enthusiasts to visit the seven other Enchanted Parks, like the thrilling Six Flags St. Louis in Missouri and the legendary Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Galveston, Texas.

Valleyfair offers a 10 percent discount for military and first responders, but it’s only available at the ticket booth on the day of your visit, so you’re better off purchasing tickets online in advance if possible. Proof of service is required.

On a tight budget? Get tips to save money on family vacations, from creative souvenirs to alternative accommodations.

3. Make a Ride Plan

Before you arrive, review Valleyfair’s official website to decide which of the park’s 75+ rides and attractions are most important for your crew. Then group attractions by park area and ride the big hitters first. As with most theme parks, your best bet to avoid long lines is to arrive early in the morning when Valleyfair first opens, typically between 10 and 11 am.

Typically, the newer or more intense the ride, the longer the wait. Valleyfair’s iconic green steel coaster, Wild Thing, is one of the scariest rides at Valleyfair, reaching speeds of up to 74 miles per hour (114 km). Power Tower shoots riders 240 feet into the air before they free-fall back down. Another popular option for daredevils is Steel Venom, a high‑speed launch coaster. For one of the park’s most intense adrenaline rushes, Xtreme Swing, a giant high‑flying pendulum ride, sends riders soaring more than 12 stories in the air.

Valleyfair Amusement Park does not currently offer digital wait times via an app or on its website. Check the limited posted signs at rides for the most up‑to‑date wait information.

4. Enjoy Family Attractions for All Ages Together

Valleyfair is home to multiple thrill rides, including several big roller coasters for daring tweens, teens, and adults. If you’re visiting Valleyfair with kids, there are 15 attractions for children in Planet Snoopy. But the park doesn’t offer a ton of rides that appeal to all ages. If you know where to look, however, there are some attractions the whole family can enjoy together.

Antique Autos

Antique Autos was my favorite ride from my childhood in Minnesota. On this ride, younger kids “drive” their parents in old-fashioned cars along a scenic path, with a center guide rail to keep the vehicles on track.

Minnesota River Valley Railroad

The Minnesota River Valley Railroad train ride has no height restrictions and chugs merrily through the park. Plan to wait a long time at stops at the front gate and Planet Snoopy, especially on busy days.

Mad Mouse

For a mellow roller 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, and loading can be slow.

Family Water Rides

In addition to waterslides and other splashy attractions inside Superior Shores Waterpark, there are also two water rides within the main theme park. Thunder Canyon water rapids ride is a good choice for families with kids, as long as you don’t mind the chance of getting doused. Take a turn on The Wave, a short ride with a big splash, which was featured in the Minnesota-based 1990s movie, Little Big League.

Traditional Theme Park Rides

Valleyfair also offers a few traditional amusement park attractions that appeal to families, such as bumper cars, a carousel, and a Ferris wheel. Look for these sprinkled throughout the park.

Live Entertainment

Valleyfair also offers a variety of live entertainment throughout the day, including kid‑friendly shows starring Snoopy and friends, musical performances, and meet‑and‑greets with the Peanuts Gang. It’s a great way to take a break between rides.

Olde Time Photo Shop

For a fun keepsake, stop by the Olde Time Photo Shop for a vintage‑style portrait complete with Wild West costumes and props. My husband and I actually posed for one of these photos back when we were first dating, and he still keeps it on his desk. It’s such a sweet reminder of our early Valleyfair days.

5. Plan to Split Up

If you’re visiting this Twin Cities amusement park with a large group or with kids of different ages, you may want to split up for part of the day. Choose a specific time and place to meet with older, responsible tweens and teens, and be sure to keep smartphones charged in case you can’t find each other.

About half of the rides in Planet Snoopy are meant to be ridden by children alone while parents and grandparents wave from the side. The other half requires an adult companion, depending on height limitations. Although mom and dad may love watching little ones on Woodstock Whirlybirds and riding Snoopy’s Rocket Express with younger kids, older siblings will likely get bored quickly in this area of the park.

Worried about losing young children while exploring Valleyfair Amusement Park? Follow these public safety tips for families and learn what to do if your group becomes separated.

6. Know When to Visit Valleyfair

Valleyfair runs seasonally from spring in mid-May through Labor Day each year. In summer, the Superior Shores Waterpark opens a week or two after the main park, keeping sliders cool on muggy Midwestern days.

Check the Valleyfair calendar for special events like the Juicy Lucy Festival in July, the park’s annual Independence Day fireworks, the Corn Fest in August, and exclusive events for passholders.

When the amusement park was owned by Cedar Fair, Valleyfair also offered limited weekend fall hours for Tricks and Treats and ValleySCARE Halloween events, but these have not been announced for 2026.

7. Invest in Fast Lane

If you have limited time and love experiencing and want to experience the park’s scariest rides, Fast Lane can be a huge time‑saver. I’ll admit I was more than a little jealous watching Fast Lane guests breeze past the regular queue while I was inching forward in lines.

For an additional, hefty fee ($60.98), you’ll get a Fast Lane wristband that lets you skip the standard line on many of Valleyfair’s most popular attractions. In 2026, this includes major thrill rides such as Wild Thing, Renegade, Steel Venom, High Roller, Xtreme Swing, Power Tower, North Star, and the redesigned Corkscrew, featuring classic loop-the-loops.

8. Plan a Separate Day at Superior Shores Waterpark

Superior Shores Waterpark admission is included with your Valleyfair ticket, but tackling both the amusement park and the waterpark in a single day can feel overwhelming. If you want to enjoy the waterslides, wave pool, and lazy river without rushing, consider visiting on a separate day. The Enchanted Hero Pass essentially pays for itself if you plan to spend at least two days at Valleyfair or the other Enchanted Parks. If you choose to do both in one day, you can stow swimsuits and towels in rentable lockers near the park’s main entrance.

Waterpark lovers will find plenty to do at Superior Shores, from splashing in Breakers Bay Wave Pool to floating along Ripple Rapids. Younger kids love Minnow Bay and Barefoot Beach Splash Pad. Meanwhile, teens and adults appreciate the many water slides, like the winding Lighthouse Landing and the exhilarating Superior Plunge. Lounge chairs and life jackets are available at no extra charge for all ages.

9. Dig Into Food & Drink Options at Valleyfair

Valleyfair goers can choose from a variety of foods to fuel up for fun. For example, Lucky Loon serves “up‑north” comfort foods such as fried fish, Italian sausage, and mac and cheese. Meanwhile, Renegade Smokehouse dishes up slow‑smoked meats and hearty sides. You’ll also find familiar chains throughout the park, including Cinnabon, Panda Express, Auntie Anne’s, and Subway. Of course, you can also indulge in fair favorites like funnel cakes, ice cream, popcorn, and caramel apples at snack stops across the grounds.

For adults who want to imbibe, alcohol is sold at select bars and restaurants on-site. In addition to draft beers, guests aged 21+ can order creative cocktails at Valleyfair. One fun option is the Headwaters Hurricane from Schooners Bar in Superior Shores Waterpark, made with rum and fruit juices and served in a souvenir fishbowl complete with a fishing pole and gummy fish. Note that alcohol must be consumed in designated areas only.

Note that outside food isn’t allowed inside the park gates. But every guest may bring one sealed water bottle. Free refill stations are located throughout Valleyfair for an affordable and eco-friendly way to stay hydrated on a hot Minnesota summer day.

10. Schedule Drive Time

Valleyfair Amusement Park is located in Shakopee, a suburb southeast of the Twin Cities. Without traffic delays, it will take you about 30 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Add another 10 minutes from St. Paul. Build in extra time during rush hour or on busy summer weekends. There is plenty to keep your family amused, so plan to stay for an entire day of play.

Valleyfair Amusement Park FAQ

What is the biggest amusement park in Minnesota?

Valleyfair is the largest amusement park in Minnesota. It features 75+ rides and attractions, including thrill rides, full-sized roller coasters, family rides, live entertainment, and the Superior Shores Waterpark.

Who owns Valleyfair?

Valleyfair is currently owned by the Enchanted Parks brand. For decades prior, it was operated by Cedar Fair, the company behind Cedar Point and Knott’s Berry Farm.

Does Valleyfair have a waterpark?

Yes. Valleyfair admission includes entry to Superior Shores Waterpark, featuring a wave pool, lazy river, splash areas for kids, and a variety of water slides for all ages.

Can I bring food or drinks into Valleyfair?

Outside food isn’t allowed, but each guest may bring one sealed water bottle. Free refill stations are available across the park to help you stay hydrated.

What are Valleyfair’s hours?

Hours vary by day of the week. Valleyfair typically opens between 10 and 11 am and closes between 6 and 10 pm, with some variations for special events. The Superior Shores Waterpark hours are usually shorter. Check the park’s official calendar for the most current schedule.

How much are Valleyfair tickets or season passes?

Ticket pricing changes based on demand and promotions. In 2026, Daily Tickets purchased online in advance for a specific date start at $39.99, while tickets good for any date start at $69.99. Valleyfair offers single‑day tickets, season passes, and add‑ons like Fast Lane. Visit the park’s ticketing page for the latest rates.

Explore More of Minnesota

Find tons of fun things to do at the Mall of America in Minnesota, like the year-round indoor Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park.

About 20 minutes from Valleyfair is Prince’s former home and recording studio in Chanhassen. Learn what it’s like to tour Paisley Park.

Discover Duluth with kids, home to Lake Superior and lots of family-friendly attractions.

Save These Valleyfair Tips

Planning to visit this Minnesota theme park? Be sure to save these Valleyfair tips to make the most of your day. Just pin the image above. Please follow Colleen Travels Between on Pinterest while you’re at it.

Do you have any questions or additional tips for visiting Valleyfair Amusement Park? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from Colleen: Valleyfair provided my family of four with one-day media tickets. All opinions are mine, as always. This amusement park guide is updated regularly to ensure the information is up to date.

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