Valleyfair552

Parents often dread taking kids to a pricey, bustling, hyperkinetic, kidtainment mecca like Valleyfair. But as these kinds of places go, this one's a dream. So go ahead - make their day!

The park is clean, the food and merchandise not too over-priced - though the parking fee is a little ridiculous - and the legions of employees selling, sweeping, and operating rides are well-trained, courteous, and helpful.

The large amusement park is open May through October, and features more than 75 rides and attractions, including an on-site waterpark, an IMAX Theater, eight roller coasters, and a new Planet Snoopy attraction that will be particularly appealing to Peanuts fans still mourning the loss of Charlie Brown and friends at the Mall of America.

There's live entertainment, additional extra-fee attractions like mini-golf, and special holiday events. Size restrictions vary ride to ride, but, generally, kids 42" to 48" inches tall can ride the big thrill attractions when accompanied by an adult; those over 48" tall can ride alone. The restrictions are strictly enforced.

The park extends its season into October with Halloween Haunt at Valleyscare weekends featuring indoor mazes and outdoor scare zones. Non-scary daytime fun includes a trick-or-treat trail, kids rides and activities, live shows, and more.

Admission includes rides and shows in the main park, and entry to Whitewater Country, which is open weather-permitting at the far end of the amusement park; the waterpark season is shorter than the main park, and its hours vary. Check the website (or call the hotline) before heading over for details, and also entertainment schedules, attraction updates, and sometimes, special offers.

All women's bathrooms, and most men's, include diaper changing stations. Lockers are available to store belongings. Parents with cell phones can register for the free KidTrack program at Guest Services or in the Kidworks area - it's a safety system to help reunite families that get separated. Another convenience for families: select rides offer a Parent Swap program, allowing both parents to ride without waiting in line twice, when one needs to wait behind with other children.

Concessions: The park offers dozens of food options, including two dine-in air-conditioned restaurants. Other options include stands selling wings and cheese curds, pizza and subs, and ice cream and baked goods. Ben & Jerry's ice cream and Nathan's hot dogs are sold on-site. All food locations provide free cups of water upon request, so it's easy to keep the family well-hydrated.

Extra fees: The Challenge Park area of the park includes Go-Karts, Bumper Boats, and Miniature Golf, as well as RipCord, an 180-foot tethered free fall. These attractions are not included with Valleyfair admission. And if guests still feel weighed down by the money in their pockets, the park also offers a Games Midway and merchandise shops.

Summer Opportunities: Valleyfair hires approximately 1,500 seasonal employees. In addition, volunteers ages 16 and up, in groups of at least 10, can earn money for their schools or organizations through a special park fundraising program.