Reviewed by Margaret Thompson
The Great Pumpkin Fest is in full swing on Saturdays and Sundays through October 31 at Kings Dominion. This is a fun-filled, no fear, daytime option for some Halloween fun in every little one’s favorite part of Kings Dominion, Planet Snoopy. In addition to the kid (and adult, because you can ride with your kids on many of these kiddie rides!) rides inside Planet Snoopy, there are a host of special activities from 12:00 to 5:00 this month. You can meet the Peanuts characters (they have a movie coming out, you know, so your kids need to get to know them!), pet some of your favorite farm animals (real ones!), sing along with karaoke, find your way through the hay maze, and even paint a mini-pumpkin to take home.
If your little one is ready to break out his Halloween costume or just enjoys dressing up, there is a costume parade at 4:45 – just meet by Snoopy’s Moon Bounce (and send me a picture on Twitter or Instagram @MargaretRFM!). There are even kid-friendly games that start at a dollar. And I saw some that guarantee a win every time – bonus!
For even more fun, two local favorites, Mad Science and Reptile Adventures, will have family shows throughout October in Planet Snoopy. Check out Reptile Adventures Saturdays at 1:15, 2:30, or 3:45, and Mad Science on Sundays at 1:15, 2:30, and 3:45.
Should your crew want to stay later, there is a load of scary fun throughout the park when night falls, and this year, Kings Dominion has come up with a great option if some members of your party (like me!) are not into the whole goblins jumping out at you thing. These handy No Boo! lanyards are for sale for $8 throughout the park, and when they’re lit, they tell the KD staff to leave you alone, thank-you-very-much.
Kings Dominion hours in October: Fridays, 7:00 p.m. to midnight (Friday, October 11, 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.); Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to midnight; Sundays 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Sunday, October 11th, 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Planet Snoopy closes at 7 p.m. every night.
Tickets at kingsdominion.com.
