Frightmares at Lagoon amusement park isn’t just fun for kids
I’ve taken my kids to Lagoon amusement park in Farmington twice this year and it’s been fantastic.
We do all the cute little rides like the boats, the planes and the little ladybug drop (always a favorite). Each time I go, however, I feel the urge to come again with friends, a date, or even just by myself and race from fast ride to fast ride to get in as much fun as possible.
I realize that’s a bit juvenile of me. I suspect, however, that deep down most of you reading this have that same exact urge every time you go to an amusement park. The kid inside of you goes wild and you just want to take off like a teenager and race for the biggest, tallest, fastest ride there.
There are a lot of not-so-great things about being an adult: endless responsibilities, cleaning toilets, eating healthy and getting things like vacuums for Christmas. Luckily, there is one awesome thing — control over your own destiny. Recently I used that control to plan a date night to Lagoon’s Frightmares attraction, a once-a-year Halloween spooktacular.
If, like me, you are an adrenaline junkie, then Lagoon is a great adult play-date. I live for the feeling you get in the pit of your stomach as you plummet down from an immense height, for the surge of exhilaration as you go from zero to 60 at breakneck speed. I love a good rush! Lagoon has plenty of those: the Colossus, Wicked, the Catapult and my favorite, the Rocket.
This time of year, however, Lagoon has even more than your basic thrills. It has chills.
Frightmares is, as Lagoon marketing executive Dick Andrew pointed out, “far more than a mere walk-through experience. We re-theme the entire park with pumpkins, hay bales, tombstones and more. We have spooky live entertainment, zombies and monsters, and five haunted fun houses.” The haunts range from wimpy to wild, but are rated so you can find exactly the right fit for you.
When I arrived at 7 p.m. on Saturday, there was a steady inflow of teens and adults and a mass exodus of tired parents ready for home and bed. As we went through the gates, it was clearly a different Lagoon than I had seen that summer. It was dark and spooky, and a real bonus: It wasn’t hot.
Even though I refrained from running to the nearest fast ride, I loved knowing I could do exactly what I wanted all night long. It was fun to see the park lit up. The view from the Sky Ride is really enchanting and provides an excellent opportunity to relax, talk and enjoy the peaceful tranquility of, well, no kids!
When I arrived home that night, my son summed up the experience really well when he playfully asked, “So was it great being a kid for one night?” Quite honestly, it was excellent!
If you go
When: 5 p.m.-10 p.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sundays through Oct. 31
Where: Lagoon is located 17 miles north of Salt Lake City on Interstate 15 at the Lagoon Drive exit (no. 325)
Cost: $33.95 regular admission (ages 4-64), $21.95 toddlers (ages 0-3), $28.95 senior citizens (age 65 and older)
Dress code: Face make-up and costumes are not permitted
Info: (801) 607-5555, www.lagoonpark.com
What you’ll find at Frightmares
Spook-a-Boo Walk-Thru — Fun, non-scary children’s walk-thru that is inhabited by friendly Halloween characters. Opens at 5 p.m. on Fridays, and noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Closes one hour prior to scheduled park closing. Children must be under 54 inches in height to participate. Frightmares rating: 1 spider
Dave’s Salvage Yard — Work your way through this junkyard maze, but don’t get caught! Opens at 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Frightmares rating: 2 spiders
Hal O. Ween High — Failing (and falling) will be the least of your fears at Hal O. Ween High. Your worst high school nightmares are about to come true! Opens at 5 p.m. on Fridays, and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Frightmares rating: 3 spiders
Fun House of Fear — Take a trip through the haunted Fun House of Fear! Clowns are supposed to be fun … right? Opens at 5 p.m. on Fridays, and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Frightmares rating: 3 spiders
Deception — In this house of illusion, your eyes will be deceived. Things are not always as they seem. Opens at 5 p.m. on Fridays, and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Frightmares rating: 4 spiders
Spook-o-meter
The Frightmares attractions at Lagoon are designed to provide different levels of the willies. Look for the following ratings when judging whether or not each attraction is appropriate for you.
1 Spider: Not scary at all (Even the biggest pansy you know could handle this)
2 Spiders: A little bit scary (Probably still OK for wusses, but expect a few jumpy moments)
3 Spiders: May be too scare for some children (Don’t say we didn’t warn you, sissies)
4 Spiders: Not appropriate for children (May necessitate a change of underwear for adults who are total pantywaists)
