Looking for a fun family day out in the Twin Cities with your little ones? Look no further than Valleyfair! While Valleyfair is known for its big roller coasters and thrilling rides that your older kids can’t get enough of, you might not know that it also has plenty of toddler and young child-friendly activities that your little ones will love.
Valleyfair: RIDES
Rides are always a hit with kids, and Valleyfair’s Planet Snoopy™ is entirely dedicated to young kids. With 15 PEANUTS-themed attractions, including mini-roller coasters, live shows, character meet-and-greets, and more, your kids will be thrilled to explore this area. Some rides have no minimum height requirement, while the rest are perfect for short heights. Many of the rides are smaller versions of bigger rides, like the Cosmic Coaster, Charlie Brown’s Wind Up, and the Kite Eating Tree. Lines are usually shorter than those for the big thrill rides, so kids can ride again and again.
SOAK CITY WATERPARK
Now through Labor Day, make sure you check out Soak City, the Twin Cities’ favorite waterpark. With plenty of lockers and family changing rooms, Soak City is a great place to have awesome splish-splashin’ family fun. Little ones can enjoy the Barefoot Beach splashpad and the Splash Station, while the whole family can float down Ripple Rapids and play in Breaker’s Bay Wave Pool (includes a zero-depth entrance) together.
Valleyfair: GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
For a break from the rides and heat, take your little ones to the Peanuts Playhouse. The two-story interactive play area is air-conditioned, and kids can blast foam balls from toy cannons, slingshots, and slides.
No trip to Valleyfair is complete without a chance to win a prize from the Midway games area. Some games offer a “Winner Every Time” format, so you won’t have to worry about tantrums if your little one doesn’t win. Favorites for young kids include the Winner’s Wheel, located outside of Planet Snoopy, and the Duck Pond in their Midway Games area. They also have a Hi-Test Arcade—a great stop to take a break from the sun while keeping the fun going.
Valleyfair : EVENTS
Valleyfair is the place to enjoy a terrific lineup of seasonal events.
Valleyfair Celebrates 50 Years of Fun with Festivals, Fireworks and Exclusive Events in 2026
There’s never been a better time to visit Valleyfair! The popular Shakopee amusement park is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a season packed full of special events, limited-time experiences, family entertainment, and delicious festivals.
The park officially opened for the season on May 10, with Superior Shores Waterpark debuting new slides and attractions during Opening Weekend, May 23–25. Throughout the summer, guests can look forward to exciting celebrations that highlight everything families love about Valleyfair—from thrilling rides and live entertainment to Minnesota-inspired food festivals and exclusive passholder events.
“We’re excited to celebrate 50 years of memories with our guests,” said Valleyfair Park President Stephen Summers. “This season brings together favorite traditions, new experiences, and opportunities for families and friends to create lasting memories.”
2026 Events at Valleyfair
Star Spangled Night
July 4, 2026 | 9:45 p.m.
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a dazzling fireworks spectacular set to a patriotic, family-friendly soundtrack. The nighttime show promises a memorable Fourth of July experience filled with red, white, and BOOM.
Juicy Lucy Festival
July 4–19, 2026 (Saturdays & Sundays)
One of Valleyfair’s most popular summer events returns with a celebration of Minnesota’s iconic Juicy Lucy burger. Guests can enjoy creative burger creations, local craft beverages, and live music from regional bands throughout the festival.
Corn Fest
August 15–30, 2026 (Saturdays & Sundays)
Celebrate one of Minnesota’s favorite crops with corn-themed treats, live local entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Festival highlights include a corn-eating contest and complimentary corn cobettes for season passholders from 2:30–4:30 p.m. while supplies last. Corn Fest is included with park admission.
Finally, Vallyscare and Tricks and Treats is a gotta-be-there Halloween event packed with fun and family-friendly eeriness. From little goblins to grown-up ghouls, everyone will find ghastly great things to do for Halloween. Plus, skeleTONS of delicious seasonal treats, drinks and, of course, candy!
Exclusive Season Passholder Events
50 Years of FUN!
Sunday, June 28 | 9:10 a.m.
Season passholders can kick off the anniversary celebration with early access to popular attractions including Wild Thing, Power Tower, and Xtreme Swing. The morning also features character appearances, an exclusive 50th Anniversary Dippin’ Dots flavor, and special discounts on games and merchandise.
Twilight at the Shores
Tuesday, July 14 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Spend a summer evening at Superior Shores Waterpark enjoying music, beach-themed activities, character meet-and-greets, and exclusive merchandise available only during the event.
Morning Play Party
Sunday, August 9 | 9:10 a.m.
Designed especially for younger guests, this event offers early access to Planet Snoopy and select family rides, along with character appearances and special offers throughout the park.
Steel & Speed
Friday, September 4 | 6–11 p.m.
Roller coaster fans won’t want to miss this after-hours event exclusively for season passholders. The park will be closed to the general public, allowing passholders to enjoy Valleyfair’s biggest thrill rides under the night sky.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re visiting for the fireworks, food festivals, waterpark fun, or exclusive anniversary celebrations, Valleyfair’s 50th season is shaping up to be one of its biggest and most exciting yet. Families can enjoy a summer filled with rides, entertainment, seasonal events, and plenty of opportunities to make new memories together.
Finally, Vallyscare and Tricks and Treats is a gotta-be-there Halloween event packed with fun and family-friendly eeriness. From little goblins to grown-up ghouls, everyone will find ghastly great things to do for Halloween. Plus, skeleTONS of delicious seasonal treats, drinks and, of course, candy!
Get all the details on these special events on their website.
With so much to see and do, one trip to Valleyfair simply won’t be enough for your little ones. Save money and purchase a Gold Pass, which will pay for itself in just two trips. With toddler and young child-friendly activities galore, Valleyfair is the perfect place for a family day out in the Twin Cities.
Related Article: 9 Unique Summer Family Day Trips from the Twin Cities
