ValleyFair
ValleyFair is the only true theme park in Minnesota, and it's a good one. ValleyFair is in the southwestern suburb of Shakopee. It has children's rides, family rides, and thrill rides and rollercoasters. Admission to ValleyFair includes admission to the Soak City waterpark, for even more rides and thrills.ValleyFair's best rides are the Steel Venom twisting impulse coaster, Renegade, a wooden coaster with great twisting drops and plenty of shaking, and my favorite, Wild Thing, a steel rollercoaster with a 200 foot, 60 degree drop and one of the world's largest weightless zones.
ValleyFair is open from May until September, weather permitting, and re-opens in October for ValleyScare Halloween Haunt.
Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America
OK, call it Camp Snoopy if you must. Now the rollercoasters, rides and attractions in the center of the Mall of America have been rebranded as Nickelodeon Universe, but they are still a fun destination.Younger kids have the option of gentle rides, up to and including being scared stupid, but older children and thrill ride connoisseurs will probably find even the wildest rides a little tame.
Nickelodeon Universe is free to enter, but guests have to purchase a wristband or point passes to ride.
Como Town
This theme park is for little kids only. There are plenty of rides including a mini rollercoaster, a giant jungle gym, together with classic rides and a couple of restored vintage rides for nostalgic parents to enjoy.Como Town is open all summer. It's free to enter the park, and tickets are required for each ride.
