Can you take a toddler to Valmont BIke Park and still have fun? As with all kid-related questions, the answer is “it depends!”
Valmont Park mostly caters to school-age or older riders. The toddler options are totally appropriate for toddlers who like to pick up a little bit of speed and who don’t need you right next to them.
My kid was 2.5 years old when we took them. I think we could’ve waited another six months to a year before taking them to Valmont. To be fair, they’ve always been more cautious or observant. If you have a kid that likes to get after it already, go for it!
Note: Instead of my kid’s name, I use Toddler Outdoor Beginner (Toddler OB) in this post.
Toddler-Friendly Areas at Valmont Bike Park
There are two areas for toddlers at the park: The XS Toddler Pump Track and the Tot Track.
The Tot Track is super small; it’s just a loop around the playground area. There are a few rolling bumps and a very slight bank to the turns. The track is paved concrete.
We headed to the pump track first because Toddler OB was worried about falling on the concrete. It’s much bigger than the Tot Track, but still small. It’s about 20 yards across. The pump track has gently banked sides and a few small bumps (less than six-inch drop). The banking is more obvious than on the Tot Track, but not extreme.
What is the XS Toddler Pump Track like?
A pump track is a bike track engineered to be ridden without pedals. You build speed or momentum built up by pumping your arms. Pump tracks are balance-bike friendly!
Note: In 2022, the sign on the toddler track said tot track. This was really confusing.
Toddler OB liked figuring out the pump track loop and spent 15 minutes or so doing very slow laps. My kid had ridden around our very flat neighborhood a lot on their balance bike, but this is how we realized they weren’t actually comfortable coasting down any sort of hill or bump. Which is totally fine, but not the best fit for the park!
How Busy is the Toddler Pump Track?
We had the park to ourselves because we went on a weekday when 98% of the park was closed due to rain. Literally just the toddler stuff and playground were open. Toddler OB’s speed (or lack thereof) would’ve made a major traffic jam if other kids were there. Combined with us having to walk around with them (see next section), we would’ve just left if other people were there.
Can Parents Go on the Toddler Pump Track?
Parents can’t go on the pump track with their kids. My kid was also not comfortable going around on their own. Since we were the only ones there, my spouse and I did admittedly break this rule and walked around the track. I absolutely would not have done this if anyone else was there!
What is the Tot Track like?
After a few laps on the pump track, Toddler OB was game to try the Tot Track. It was a better fit for them ability-wise, but since it’s so tiny, they were over it in about five minutes.
Valmont Bike Park Playground
My spouse and I were hoping to combine bike time with playground time. But the playground is pretty sparse and also only has equipment appropriate for school-aged kids. My toddler tried to use a couple pieces of equipment before we called it a day. The good part about the playground is that it’s accessible for anyone thanks to the smooth rubber surface.
Is my toddler ready for Valmont Bike Park?
Your kid should be independent on their bike and want to ride it without you right next to them. They should also be comfortable coasting downhill and enjoy building up speed.
We ended up spending more time at Southern Sun Brewing than at Valmont, but it was still a fun outing! Let me know if you try it out and what your kid thinks of it. Our friends with school-aged kids can spend hours there!
Please make sure to always have your kid in a helmet when you bike!
Outdoor Beginner 