This post is sponsored, but the opinions are 100% are own.
In the three years my family has lived on the peninsula, we had never ventured to Great America. The park seemed so large, and I just assumed it was designed for older kids and adults. But I love amusement parks, so when I was offered tickets to check out the Great Pumpkin Fest, I eagerly accepted them in part just to check out the whole Great America scene.
I can genuinely say the park did not disappoint. My kids, ages 5 and 3, had the most amazing time. The Great Pumpkin Fest was SO much fun and tailored just to their ages and up to age 12. Located within Planet Snoopy, it included the following:
-pumpkin picking and decorating
-trick or treating with the Snoopy characters
-a hay maze taller than the kids’ heads
-a Spooktacular show featuring Charlie Brown
-a coloring table
– even a foam pit
They also play It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on repeat in a shaded area in case your little ones need a break. Overall it provided great entertainment for hours. Literally, my kids spent SIX hours there. 
And as newbies, we had never before visited Planet Snoopy, which was equally as exciting. This younger kids’ section of Great America had tons of rides perfectly sized for little ones. The lines weren’t even that long, so the kids flew planes, raced and bumped cars, and rode the roller coaster over and over again.
Our first experience was such a hit on the car ride home, my 3 year old- right before passing out in the backseat- asked, “Can we go see Snoopy again tomorrow, mommy?”
So if you’re like us and have never been before, I strongly encourage you to check it out.
Here are some tips for you first timers:
-Wear costumes! Kids wearing costumes get invited on stage at the end of the Spooktacular show, which was SO exciting!
-If you plan to play in the foam pit, bring towels and/or a change of clothes.
-Bring a reusable water bottle. You can get free water refills at any of the restaurants and snack bars throughout the park. Definitely an easy way to stay hydrated!
-Bring a bag to carry your mini pumpkins in.
-Bring sunscreen. Enough said.
-Bring a stroller if your kids will ride in it. It’s a bit of a walk from the parking lot to Planet Snoopy, and my kids were definitely dragging on the way back to the car.
-Pack a lunch and snacks. The restaurants there were fine, and there is ample food and drink available, but it saves you a couple bucks if you bring your own (often healthier) bites.
If you go, feel free to tag us on Instagram @mpmomsblog to possibly be featured. We would love to see what you and your little ones are up to! Happy Halloween!
