Valleyfair

Valleyfair is the amusement park at 1 Valleyfair Drive in Shakopee, on Highway 101 about ten minutes from Prior Lake, and the big day out for families around here. It turned 50 in 2026, the year Enchanted Parks took it over from Six Flags; the website now lives at valleyfair.enchantedparks.com. Inside are more than 75 rides and attractions, coasters like Wild Thing and Steel Venom, the kids’ rides in Planet Snoopy, and Superior Shores Waterpark, new in 2026 and included with admission.

The park opens in May, runs daily through the summer, goes to weekends after Labor Day, and the hours shift week to week, so check the park calendar first. September and October are the Halloween season: Tricks and Treats by day on Saturdays and Sundays, included with admission, and ValleyScare on Friday and Saturday nights, a separate ticket with haunted mazes that is not for young kids. The 2026 season ends Sunday, Nov. 1.

Every bag is inspected at the gate, and outside food and coolers stay in the car. Parking is paid, $25 at the gate or $20.99 online in 2026, free with a season pass. Kids 15 and under need a chaperone who is 21 or older after 4 pm. Tickets, Halloween dates and where to eat are in my Valleyfair guide. Park line: (952) 445-7600.