Best Lagoon rides according to height

I’ve been going to Lagoon since I was a kid and now I’m taking my own kids. So, if you’re planning on bringing your little squirts, here’s a quick guide on the best rides for every kid–no matter how short or tall.

If you live in Utah or a neighboring state, Lagoon is the amusement park of choice. This 132-year-old attraction is a crowd-pleaser and yes,  I do like it better than Disneyland. I know, blasphemy. But it’s closer, shorter lines and cheaper. So, if you’re like me and you have big and little kids, not to worry, there’s something for everyone here.

Two years old and under (below 36″)

Believe it or not, there’s a ton of rides at Lagoon with no minimum height requirement. Sweet.  But I like the rides that everyone can enjoy and you don’t have to be stuck in crowded kiddie land. Here’s the best ones:

• Jumping Dragon: This is a dragon that chases its tail, going in circles giving you lots of butterflies and lots of spinning. It’s way fun.
  
• Wild Kindgdom Train: If you want a break during your day to sit down, this is it. You get to see Lagoon’s mini zoo along the way.
• Sky Scraper Ferris Wheel: This 150-foot high beast is fun for the whole family. Plus, it’s engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds (just in case the weather changes drastically during your ride)

Three to five years old (36″ – 45″)

So, kids this age don’t want to ride the kiddie rides anymore but they are just not quite big enough to play with the big kids.  Not to worry, there’s still options to choose from.  Here’s my top three:

• Bat: This is Lagoon’s only suspended roller coaster and it is awesome. Your feet are dangling the whole time but it’s not too scary either. Minimum height is 42″.
• BomBora: This is a non-scary way to introduce a roller coaster.  It’s super fun and any kid 36″ or taller can ride it. Plus, I have never had to wait more than five minutes for this ride.
• Rattlesnake Rapids: You WILL get wet on this one but it’s a great way to cool off and everyone in the family will enjoy it. Minimum height is 36″.

Six to eight years old (46″ – 47″)

One you reach 46 inches in height, a whole new variety of ride options open up. This is when it starts to get really fun.  Here’s my top five:

• Colossus: The Fire Dragon: This FAST coaster takes you through two loops and you can’t stop laughing it’s so fun. 
• Roller Coaster: This 80-year-old wooden roller coaster is a classic and one of the most popular in the park.
• The Spider: This coaster holds four riders and spins horizontally while going through the ride. Not for those with weak stomachs but it is one of my favorites.
• Wicked: Appropriately named, this coaster gets up to 55 MPH and gives you the illusion of falling. Crazy stuff. My 6-year-old handled it like a champ.
• Wild Mouse: I have to close my eyes during the 180-degree turns it makes.  You feel like you’re going to fall off the edge.

Nine and older (48″ and up)

There’s only a handful of rides in this group but they are good ones. I’ll give you my faves although they are all really fun.

• Cannibal: This is Lagoon’s most thrilling ride by far. Speeds up to 70 MPH and inverted free-falls makes this notable world-wide. 
• Samurai: This ride has six arms that spin as the entire ride rotates through an oval arc in either direction.
• Cliffhanger: This one is very high and very wet.  You’ll just have to try it to understand.

Lagoon tips and tricks

• Arrive EARLY if you can: We got to the parking lot at 10:15 a.m. even though it didn’t open until 11 a.m. We got front-row parking, which meant I didn’t need to rent a locker because I was so close.
• Find discount coupons: Deseret Book gives you a $10-off coupon to Lagoon if you make a purchase. Costco offers them too. Or just purchase season tickets at Lagoon.com for a great price.
• Hide your lunch bag: No one at the park will encourage this, but we bring our lunch and hide it behind a tree. We save money on expensive park food and lockers.
• Single rider lines: Most of the big rides like Wicked and Cannibal offer single rider lines and they are a lot quicker.
• Parent swap: If you wait in line, they will let your significant other tag team after you ride so you can both go even if you have little kids.
• Frightmares: Haunted houses are expensive but Deseret Book offers buy one get one coupons after 5 p.m. during Halloween. So it’s a win-win!
• Run to the rides: If you get there right when it opens, you can run to the section of choice. We rode four major coasters in less than 30 minutes. Normally that would have taken hours.
• Don’t spend all day at Lagoon-a-beach: Better yet, save it for another day. It’s not the best part about Lagoon although it is fun.

What other rides do you love at Lagoon?  Leave your comments below. Here’s some other helpful articles:

• 11 tips for making the most of your day at Lagoon
• 12 Amusement Park must haves
• Lagoon Coupons and Deals

Related link: 30 Ingenious Camping Products for Kids