Planet Snoopy at Kings Dominion offers a family-friendly amusement park experience

Kings Dominion, one of the best known amuseument parks in Virginia, has an incredible space for families: Planet Snoopy. This area was designed to make it easy for caregivers to bring their children, and for children to safely enjoy the amusement park.

When you arrive at the park, you will park in either "preferred" or "regular" parking. I recommend parking in regular, as it will save you $10, and the preferred lot is not much closer. From here, the walk is entirely stroller friendly to Planet Snoopy. As an alternative to a stroller, I suggest using a wagon, as it is great for hauling a diaper bag, change of clothes, and your kiddos. Planet Snoopy will be just to your left as you see the "Eiffel Tower".

Once in Planet Snoopy, you will find a host of child-friendly roller coasters, many are themed to the Peanuts show. My kids especially love "Sally's Sea Plane", a ride that can sit our entire family of four together on one row. There's also a train ride, airplane ride, trucks to "drive" around a track, bumper cars and more. Many of the rides allow adults to sit with children, which is comforting for a child's first time visiting an amuseument park. A few rides in this portion of the park have height restrictions, so check in at the "Height Check" just before Planet Snoopy, to know which rides are safe for your children to ride alone, and which require an adult with them.

Within Planet Snoopy are two key features for families: Joe Cool's Pit Stop, a large, covered picnic pavilion, where you can take a snack/water break and a hiatus from the sun. The second feature is: The Family Care Center, an indoor building with air conditioning, family restrooms (with stools for kids to reach the sinks!), a microwave and refrigerator. If you're nursing or bringing bottles to the park, this is so helpful.

Before your visit, you will purchase tickets online. Children 2 and under are free. Children ages 3-5 are also free, with a preschool pass. To obtain the pass, you must register online and visit the park with your child and proof of their birth prior to the date on the website. If you plan to visit the park several times throughout the year, consider purchasing the season pass as it includes parking as well.