The top five Midwestern amusement parks and water parks take you inside and outside to venues that promise age-appropriate fun, entertainment, and excitement – even for older kids.
Safari Land (One of the Best Indoor Amusement Parks in Illinois) 701 W. North Ave. in Villa Park, IL 60181
630-530-4649
Open Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Friday, until 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, and until 10:30 p.m. on Sunday.
This indoor amusement park boasts 62,000 square feet of fun. On the premises there is the Atlantis Restaurant, which offers kid-friendly fare consisting of pizza, spaghetti, and more. The Tiger Terror Roller Coaster welcomes solo riders who are at least 48 inches tall; preschoolers who are at least 36 inches tall ride with an adult. The Lion’s Den Soft Play Area is a preschooler favorite, while older siblings love the video arcade games. Pay only for the attractions you use; for example, the roller coaster costs $3.50 per ride, whereas the play area offers unlimited access for $4.
Miner Mike’s (Among the Best Theme Parks in Missouri) 4515 Osage Beach Parkway in Osage Beach, MO 65065
800-317-2126
Open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays until 5 p.m. during the off season; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily during peak season.
A smaller venue perfect for younger kids, there are 35,000 square feet of Western-themed fun. Roughly 12,000 square feet are devoted to arcade games geared toward older kids and even adults. The big play area contains a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, roller coaster, and maze play area. Pay $8 per child for unlimited rides; pay $14 to add a one-time access to the maze. Game tokens cost $1 for three.
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (One of the Best Amusement Parks and Water Parks Rolled Into One in Indiana) 452 E. Christmas Blvd. in Santa Claus, IN 47579
812-937-4401
Open continuously from May 10 to August 19; Saturday and Sunday hours only from August 25 to October 28; check the schedule for 2012 hours.
July and August are the busiest months for the park; younger kids may prefer a visit in May or June. Plenty of rides are reserved for riders lighter than 65 pounds and shorter than 54 inches; they include the Salmon Run, Dancer’s Thunder Bumpers Jr., and the Indian River Canoes. What makes this one of the best amusement parks and water parks rolled into one is the availability of lots of rides that feature no restrictions whatsoever. Parents and young children can enjoy these attractions together, which is great for the somewhat clingy youngster.
Paul Bunyan Land (Among the Best Theme Parks in Minnesota)
17553 State Highway 18 in Brainerd, MN 56401
218-764-2524
Open Memorial Weekend to Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Halloween events take place on the last three weekends in October; holiday season runs from November to December.
Bring in children under the age of 2 for free; all others pay $14.95. Adults pay only $12.95. An arcade keeps older kids busy. Plenty of amusement rides only have a 30-inch height requirement, which is perfect for younger preschoolers. This park is geared toward the younger set, but even older kids will find some rides, such as the Zumur, that are sure to appeal to them.
Valleyfair (One of the Biggest and Best Theme Parks in Minnesota) 1 Valleyfair Road in Shakopee, MN
800-386-7433
Open May 12 to September 3; weekend hours only from September 8 to October 28; check the calendar for opening and closing times.
If size matters, then 75 rides on approximately 90 acres are sure to deliver. A Peanuts-themed preschool play area is available for youngsters. Height requirements range from 36 inches to 42 inches. Older kids might want to explore a number of thrill rides and roller coasters on their own. Admission to the amusement park costs $19.99 for children and $34.99 for adults. Factor in the $12 parking fee. Visit here if you have a full day to devote to entertainment.
