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Everything You Need to Know for Your Visit to Adventureland

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Adventureland Park is a fantastic place for family fun, thrills, and memories during the summertime!

Find out everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Adventureland below.

Adventureland sign with a big red A and Adventureland in white letters on top of a short brick wall.

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Best Time to Go

Weekdays are usually significantly less crowded than the weekends. 

The best time to go to Adventureland is on a weekday. 

If you are going first thing in the morning, I recommend getting to the parking lot at 9:30 when the parking gate opens.

Note: Adventureland Park opens at 10am, but you are able to park by 9:30am. 

Another good time to enter the park is after 1pm. If you wanted to go later in the day and then stay up until closing, there are usually no lines to go through security or get into the park after the morning rush.

Roller Coasters

Adventureland Park has 7 roller coasters including the Monster, Flying Viking, Dragon Slayer, Phoenix, the Underground, the Outlaw, and the Tornado.

Monster

The Monster is an intense and thrilling roller coaster. It goes upside down. You must be 48 inches to ride this roller coaster.

Flying Dragon

The Flying Dragon is Adventureland’s newest roller coaster. It is a fun-filled family friendly roller coaster.

It is located in the center of the park and shares the same entrance as Draken Falls.

Riders between 36 and 48 inches must be accompanied by a companion of the required height. 

This is definitely a roller coaster that most of the whole family can enjoy and make memories riding together!

Dragon Slayer

The Dragon Slayer is another extreme and thrilling roller coaster.

It turns, drops, goes upside down, and more!

The minimum height to ride this coaster is 48 inches.

If you are an adrenaline junkie, this is one coaster to make sure to put on your list!

Phoenix

The Phoenix is a unique roller coaster that spins you as you travel on the roller coaster tracks.

It has some drops and turns as well!

Riders must be at least 48 inches in order to ride this roller coaster.

Underground

The Underground is another fun and unique coaster that is perfect for the entire family. 

You do have to be at least 42 inches in order to ride this roller coaster.

The Underground is a ride in the dark that has a story to go along with it.  The roller coaster goes through the scenes of an old mine. It also uses some special effects.

I highly recommend checking out the Underground. It is very fun and different from anything else that is at Adventureland. 

Outlaw

The Outlaw is a rickety wooden roller coaster!

It is fast and thrilling as well as super bumpy!

You have to be at least 48 inches in order to ride this twisty and turny roller coaster.

Tornado

The Tornado is another thrilling wooden roller coaster. 

This is Adventureland’s oldest roller coaster. 

I even remember riding this roller coaster when I was a kid!

This coaster is simply full of fun. 

With lots of little ups and downs and turns, this coaster is sure to give your entire family delight. 

Make sure you experience this classic roller coaster on your visit to Adventureland.  

Rides for the Youngest and Shortest Visitors

There are a number of rides and experiences that even the youngest and shortest visitors at Adventureland can enjoy. 

As long as there is a supervising companion of the required height, anyone can ride the following rides:

  • Ferris Wheel
  • A-train
  • Chuck Wagon mini ferris wheel
  • Carousel
  • Convoy  

Additionally, the Runabouts and Ladybugs do NOT have a minimum height requirement and are perfect for very young kids. 

Another place perfect for the young kids is Bernie’s Barnyard. This is a super fun children’s play area with fake turf. 

There are small play structures for toddlers plus musical instruments. 

Additionally, it has a playground for climbing, sliding, and exploring. It is farm themed and super cute!

There are picnic tables inside Bernie’s Barnyard both for adults and for kids! 

This is a fantastic place for families with younger kids to relax and enjoy some time together. 

Other Activities at Adventureland Park

Bernie’s Barnyard

Bernie’s Barnyard is a fun play area at Adventureland Park for families.

It is perfect for babies up to age twelve.

Besides the farm themed play structures, there are also two rides in the Bernie’s Barnyard area- Junior Jockeys and Shakin’ Bacon.

This is a great spot for families who want to take a little break from the craziness of the rest of the park.

There are picnic tables under some large umbrellas for some shade too!

Shows

There are three main shows at Adventureland for visitors to enjoy. 

If you like magic shows, Ben Ulin’s Magic and Comedy Review is perfect for you! 

It is located at the Sam Adams Saloon and is a perfect opportunity to take a break and cool off in some air conditioning while enjoying a magic show.

Adventureland also has a circus type show called Heat Wave. This show specializes in water themed tricks and stunts. 

Finally, for some good beats, there is the Funline Drumline

This group of painting drummers marches around the park for you to enjoy their beats. You may even get to join in too!

Check Adventureland’s website for times for each of these fantastic shows!

Games and Arcade

There are numerous carnival style games and challenges throughout the park that give you a chance to win some exciting prizes.

Additionally, Adventureland Park has an Arcade with a variety of fun arcade games for all ages and abilities. 

Outside of the Penny Arcade at Adventureland. It is a blue building with red and white signs on it.

Shopping

Adventureland has a few shops with some sweet treats including its newest store– The Sweet Boutique. 

The Kokomo Store in Adventure Bay has towels, sunglasses, swimsuits, sunscreen, and more.

If you would like some Adventureland merchandise, you can check out the Adventureland Store on Main Street.

Sweet Boutique candy store with pink, white, and green on the outside.

Drinks and Dining

Adventureland has SO many amazing dining options for your visit. 

The park has pretty much everything you can dream of to eat including pizza, pretzels, burgers, hot dogs, chicken, corn on the cob, ice cream, funnel cakes, mini donuts, tacos, BBQ, and so much more. 

Everyone should be able to find something they can enjoy at Adventureland. 

Adventureland also has refreshing adult beverages for those 21 and older to enjoy. 

Adventureland Park Money Saving Tips

  • Keep an eye out throughout the year for sales on Adventureland tickets. I bought our tickets in the spring during a sale that was $30 off single day admission tickets. 
  • Bring your own water bottles and fill them up at the water bottle filling stations on the drinking fountains throughout the park. This will save you money not having to purchase any beverages.
  • Bring your own lunch and snacks. You can get your hand stamped and re-enter the park throughout the day. This gives you the opportunity to pack a picnic lunch and snacks so you don’t have to buy anything inside of the park.
Saw Mill Splash water ride in a large yellow tube down a yellow slide.

General Tips for Your Visit to Adventureland Park

  • Buy your tickets ahead of time. This will save you time standing in line to purchase them at the park. 
  • Pay for parking ahead of time when you purchase your tickets. Parking purchased online is $16 plus tax as compared to $21 plus tax at the parking booth. 
  • Arrive before opening time (9:30am to park) or early afternoon to beat the crowds entering the park.
  • If you are planning on doing the water rides or Adventure Bay, bring a swimsuit, towel, sandals, or change of clothes. 
  • Even if you aren’t doing Adventure Bay, bring an extra pair of sandals or water shoes as your feet will get soaked riding the Saw Mill Splash, and you will likely get wet on Draken Falls.
  • Bring a stroller or wagon for the kids to ride in when they get tired of walking. It is also great for holding all of your things!
  • Remember you can leave and re-enter the park as long as everyone in your group gets their hand stamped. 
  • Be patient with potential crowds and lines, and have fun! Your visit is truly about making memories with your family and friends. 

Adventureland is the perfect day trip or weekend getaway for those visiting Central Iowa in the summertime.

There is so much to do and enjoy for all ages at Adventureland. 

Here are some more fun things to do in Central Iowa as well as some fantastic day trips from the Des Moines area.

Grab your free road trip printable below to entertain the kids during your drive to Adventureland or other entertaining attractions in Iowa. 

May you LOVE your adventure. KW

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