Valleyfair Continues Controversial But Necessary Entrance Policy This Year (Updated)

Spring has arrived in Minnesota and that means opening day for the popular amusement park Valleyfair is right around the corner.

Valleyfair will kick off its season this year on Mother's Day, May 12th, reintroducing a contentious entrance policy that has garnered both support and criticism from visitors.

"Over the past two years, there have been increasing incidents of unruly and inappropriate behavior across our industry and at other major entertainment venues," Valleyfair states on their website.

It's for that reason the park is bringing back its chaperone policy that was first implemented last year.

What is the Valleyfair Chaperone Policy?

The Valleyfair chaperone policy states that:

"...all guests ages 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old to be admitted to or remain in the park. The policy will be in effect daily by 4:00 PM"

That means kids 15 and under cannot stay in the park after 4 PM unless they are accompanied by someone 21 or older.

According to the policy, one chaperone can accompany up to 10 kids 15 and under, but they must remain inside the park and be available by phone.

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"We believe these changes will help ensure that Valleyfair continues to have a positive atmosphere where generations of families and friends can gather for a day of safe fun and good food," Valleyfair says on their Code of Conduct page.

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How Do Minnesotans Feel About Valleyfair's Chaperone Policy?

While the reason behind Valleyfair's chaperone policy may be valid, some are not thrilled about it.

However, the majority of commenters on social media think it's a great idea.

I remember things being a little different growing up in the late 80s and early 90s. Even as a preteen, Mom and Dad would buy me a summer bus pass, and my friends and I would use public transportation to spend the entire day at the waterpark in the next town over. No parents, no chaperones, no cellphones -- just our goofy selves and the lifeguards to help keep us in line.

Those were the good ol' days, I guess.

Has the Valleyfair Chaperone Policy Been a Success?

Update (5/8/24): Valleyfair responded to our inquiry and told us after implementing the chaperone policy last year, they have seen a positive impact on the unruly behavior the policy aims to curtail.

As for how the policy has been received by guests at the park, Melissa Ferlaak -- Valleyfair PR and Communications Manager told MinnesotaNow, "We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our guests related to the chaperone policy and our commitment to maintaining a positive and safe park experience."

Does Valleyfair Offer Discounts For Chaperones?

A common question on social media is if Valleyfair should offer a discounted ticket option for chaperones who do not plan to ride rides. Ferlaak responded with the following statement:

Valleyfair does not offer a non-riding admission discount. We believe that a visit to the Park is a multi-faceted experience and one that is enjoyable for people of all ages and interests. That experience can include enjoying live entertainment, special events, beautiful landscaping, unique shopping, and dining experiences, and of course seven acres of waterfilled adventures that make up the Soak City waterpark experience.